Head Chef

Knekt Hub; Exeter; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A Michelin Guide-listed seafood restaurant near Exeter seeks a talented Head Chef to lead the kitchen and deliver exceptional food while enjoying creative autonomy. This role offers a base salary of up to £45,000 with performance bonuses and a 4-day working week, ensuring an excellent work-life balance. Ideal candidates will have experience in fine-dining and be passionate about local produce and seafood sustainability. Join a supportive team and make your mark in a renowned Devon restaurant.

Benefits

Meals on duty

Free on-site parking

Uniform provided

Creative autonomy

Qualifications

• Experienced as a Head Chef or ambitious Senior Sous Chef in a fine-dining or Michelin Guide-listed restaurant.
• Confident and creative with the ability to balance innovation and consistency.
• Passionate about seafood sustainability and seasonality.

Responsibilities

• Lead the kitchen and inspire the brigade to deliver exceptional food at Michelin Guide standard.
• Create and develop new menus using seasonal local produce.
• Manage ordering, stock, budgets, and GP margins.

Skills

Culinary Experience

Kitchen Management Experience

Food Handling

Food Preparation Experience

Leadership Experience

Job description

Head Chef Michelin Guide-Listed Seafood Restaurant Up to 45000 Tronc Bonuses

Location: Near Exeter Devon

Salary & Package: Up to 45000 Tronc Performance Bonuses

Hours: Full-time 4-day working week

Cuisine: Modern British Seafood-Led Michelin Guide-Listed

The Opportunity

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a talented and confident Head Chef to take the lead at a Michelin Guide-listed seafood-focused restaurant within a historic Devon inn. Set in a charming market town near Exeter this independent property has built a reputation for exceptional local produce creative cooking and warm British hospitality .

After over a decade of success under the current owners the restaurant is looking for a Head Chef who can bring fresh energy creativity and leadership while maintaining the consistent quality and ethos that guests love.

This is a role offering genuine autonomy creative freedom and the opportunity to put your own stamp on the menu and kitchen direction working hand-in-hand with supportive owners who value collaboration and innovation.

Your Role as Head Chef

• Lead the kitchen and inspire the brigade to deliver exceptional consistent food at Michelin Guide standard.
• Create and develop new menus that celebrate seasonal local produce particularly the region's outstanding seafood.
• Work closely with the owners to evolve the offering while respecting the restaurant's established identity.
• Manage ordering stock budgets and GP margins with precision.
• Maintain impeccable standards of food safety hygiene and organisation.
• Recruit train and nurture a motivated and happy kitchen team.
• Drive creativity and progression while ensuring smooth day-to-day operations.

About You

• Experienced as a Head Chef or ambitious Senior Sous Chef in a fine-dining or Michelin Guide-listed restaurant.
• Confident organised and creative with the ability to balance innovation and consistency.
• Passionate about seafood sustainability and seasonality .
• Skilled at leading inspiring and developing a small close-knit team.
• Financially astute with strong knowledge of GP waste control and supplier relationships.
• Collaborative and approachable with the confidence to work closely with the owners and front-of-house team.

What We Offer

• Up to 45000 base salary tronc bonuses
• 4-day working week with excellent work-life balance
• Creative autonomy and the opportunity to shape the restaurant's future
• Supportive ownership and a calm respectful working environment
• Meals on duty and free on-site parking
• Uniform provided
• 45-hour working week with a set monthly rota (open Wednesday to Saturday)
• Chance to build on an established Michelin Guide reputation and make your mark on a renowned Devon restaurant

Apply Now

If youre a creative motivated chef ready to lead a talented kitchen and drive a respected restaurant to new heights this is your chance to shine.

Please contact Jonny at or call 0 for a confidential discussion.

Key Skills

• Culinary Experience
• Food Handling
• Restaurant Experience
• Kitchen Management Experience
• Food Preparation Experience
• Kitchen Experience
• Food Industry
• CookingCost Control
• Baking
• Sanitation
• Leadership Experience

Employment Type: Full Time

Experience: years

Vacancy: 1