Head Chef

Aimbridge Hospitality; Gloucester; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading hospitality company seeks a Head Chef for the Mercure Gloucester Bowden Hall Hotel. The successful candidate will manage the kitchen, ensure food safety standards, and develop a high-performing team, all while contributing to the hotel's exceptional service and culinary reputation.

Benefits

Hotel discounts across the portfolio

Access to up to 40% of earned wages before payday

24/7 employee assistance programme

Flexible working opportunities

Staff parking

Uncapped incentives

Career and lifestyle breaks

Volunteer days

Qualifications

• Experience as a Head Chef or senior sous chef.
• Proven track record in managing a kitchen team.
• Background in banquet catering.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the efficient operation of a busy kitchen, focusing on quality and presentation.
• Menu planning and cost control to achieve food cost targets.
• Recruit, train, and develop the kitchen team.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Team development

Education

City & Guilds 706/1 & 706/2 Catering

NVQ Level 3 or equivalent

Food Safety Level 2 or 3

Job description

Aimbridge Hospitality EMEA is seeking a Head Chef to lead the kitchen team at Mercure Gloucester Bowden Hall Hotel.

Who are we?

Aimbridge Hospitality EMEA is a division of the global Aimbridge Hospitality brand, overseeing over 1,600 hotels and resorts worldwide. We collaborate with major brands such as Hilton, Accor, Marriott, and IHG, as well as independent hotels.

What is in it for you?

Joining the Aimbridge team grants access to a range of benefits including:

• Hotel discounts across the portfolio – staff rates and up to 50% discounts on food, beverages, and spa treatments.
• Wagestream – access to up to 40% of earned wages before payday, with options for automatic savings to support financial wellbeing.
• 24/7 employee assistance programme.
• Career and lifestyle breaks for key life events.
• Volunteer days – up to two days annually to support a charity of your choice.
• Flexible working opportunities.
• Staff parking.
• Uncapped incentives to reward your contributions.

A day in the life…

As Head Chef, you will oversee and develop the efficient operation of a busy kitchen, focusing on quality, presentation, and maximizing profit and cost margins in line with budgets. Responsibilities include menu planning, cost and budget control to achieve food cost targets, as well as recruiting, training, and developing the team to deliver exceptional service while maintaining strict food safety and health & safety standards to ensure statutory compliance.

Based at Mercure Gloucester Bowden Hall Hotel, you will be part of a passionate team that values quality work without necessarily requiring long hours.

Mercure Gloucester Bowden Hall is a charming country house hotel with Regency decor, set in beautiful grounds. Located just 3 miles from the city centre, it is ideal for conferences and meetings. The hotel features 72 bedrooms including four-poster suites, a restaurant, a club bar, and six conference rooms for up to 120 guests. Own transport is essential due to the hotel's location.

What do we need from you?

The ideal candidate will hold relevant qualifications such as City & Guilds 706/1 & 706/2 Catering, NVQ Level 3 or equivalent, along with Food Safety Level 2 or 3. Experience at this level or as a senior sous chef, with a proven track record managing a kitchen team within a hotel or hospitality setting, is required. You should demonstrate strong interpersonal skills, experience developing high-performing teams, and a background in banquet catering. Menu development is primarily managed at the group level, but you will be responsible for daily specials and using PW, our ordering system.