Head Chef

Cornwall Staff Agency Ltd; Holsworthy; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Live-in accommodation

Job summary

Cornwall Staff Agency Ltd in Devon is seeking an experienced Head Chef to lead a busy kitchen at an award-winning resort and spa. You will oversee daily operations, mentor the team, and drive high-quality dining experiences.

The role is permanent with a 40-hour standard week, paid up to 45 hours during peak periods, and optional live-in accommodation. Salary £38,000–£40,000 depending on experience.

Qualifications

• Experience as Head Chef or strong Senior Sous Chef ready for promotion
• Experience managing busy kitchen operations
• Strong leadership and team management skills
• Sound knowledge of food safety and health & safety legislation

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day kitchen operations
• Lead, mentor and develop the kitchen team
• Plan menus and develop food concepts
• Oversee stock control, ordering and supplier management
• Manage gross profit margins and food costs
• Maintain consistently high food quality and presentation
• Ensure Health & Safety, Food Hygiene and HACCP compliance
• Control labour costs and manage rotas
• Collaborate with management to advance the food offering

Skills

Team leadership

Kitchen management

Menu planning

Stock control

Food safety (HACCP)

Mentoring staff

Job description

Head Chef - Award winning Resort & Spa (Permanent Opportunity)

Location: Busy Holiday Resort near Holsworthy

Position: Head Chef

Salary: £38,000 - £40,000 per annum (depending on experience)

Live-in Accommodation Available

40-hour standard week, paid up to 45 hours during peak periods

About the Role

Our client, a Resort & Spa is an award-winning holiday park and spa resort in Devon, and we are seeking an experienced and passionate Head Chef to lead our busy kitchen operation.

This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated chef looking to take ownership of a thriving food operation within a successful leisure and hospitality business.

Key Responsibilities

• Managing the day-to-day operation of the kitchen
• Leading, mentoring and developing the kitchen team
• Menu planning and food development
• Stock control, ordering and supplier management
• Managing GP margins and food costs
• Ensuring consistently high food quality and presentation standards
• Maintaining Health & Safety, Food Hygiene and HACCP compliance
• Managing rotas and labour costs
• Working closely with management to drive the food offering forward

Current Kitchen Structure

You will be supported by:

• 1 × Sous Chef
• 1 × Day Sous Chef (Breakfast & Lunch service, 4 days per week)
• 1 × Chef de Partie
• 1 × Apprentice Chef

In addition, an experienced agency Head Chef provides support during the busy summer holiday periods.

Working Hours

• Standard working week: 40 hours
• Paid up to 45 hours during peak trading periods
• Any additional hours accrued are taken back as TOIL (Time Off In Lieu)

Accommodation

A one-bedroom self-contained flat is available, comprising:

• One bedroom
• Small kitchen
• Bathroom with shower

For the right candidate relocating with family, larger accommodation options may be available.

Candidate Requirements

We are looking for a chef who has:

• Previous experience as a Head Chef or strong Senior Sous Chef ready for promotion
• Experience managing busy kitchen operations
• Strong leadership and team management skills
• Excellent stock control and ordering experience
• Sound knowledge of food safety and health & safety legislation
• A passion for delivering high-quality food and customer service