Head Chef

The Headland Hotel; Newquay; On-site; GBP 48,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Complimentary stay

40% off spa products

25% off spa treatments

Complimentary meals in each restaurant

Gym access

Discounted surf lessons

On site parking

Complimentary meal when working over 6

Job summary

The Headland Hotel, Cornwall, is seeking a talented Head Chef to take ownership of The Deck venue and the Aqua Club kitchen. You will lead the brigade, craft Mediterranean-inspired menus, and oversee the day-to-day running of two kitchens while maintaining strong food cost controls.

Expect a 4-day working week with a typically early finish for hospitality, mentoring junior chefs, and working closely with the Executive Chef to deliver creative, seasonal dishes.

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of food cost, ordering and kitchen management.
• Ability to mentor junior chefs and lead a brigade.
• Capable of creative menu development reflecting Mediterranean influences.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day running of both kitchens at The Deck and Aqua Club.
• Lead the kitchen brigade with confidence and drive quality and consistency.
• Develop seasonal menus, focusing on pizza, pasta, flatbreads, small plates and desserts.
• Support pass during busy service and manage stock and orders.

Job description

The Headland Hotel is one of Cornwall's most iconic destinations, perched dramatically above Fistral Beach with sweeping Atlantic views. At its heart sits the Aqua Club, and central to that is The Deck - a vibrant restaurant serving Mediterranean-inspired menus offering brunch and dinner. With both a preparation kitchen and a live open kitchen at the centre of the dining experience, The Deck is a genuinely exciting place to cook. We're now looking for a talented and driven Head Chef to take ownership of this unique venue and lead it to its full potential.

As Head Chef, you'll be responsible for the day-to-day running of both kitchens, leading your brigade with confidence and developing menus that reflect the sun-soaked, produce-driven spirit of the Mediterranean. Working closely with the Executive Chef, you'll bring creativity and discipline in equal measure, crafting dishes that are fresh and seasonal. Our dinner menus focus on freshly made pizza, pasta dishes, and flatbreads, along with small plates and simple desserts. You'll have a strong understanding of food cost, ordering, and kitchen management, and you'll be as comfortable mentoring junior chefs as you are working the pass during a busy Saturday dinner service.

We're proud to offer a genuine work-life balance in an industry that doesn't always prioritise it. Our Head Chef will benefit from a 4-day working week, and we are often out the door by 21:30. You have a supportive senior team that values your wellbeing as much as your food. In return, we're looking for someone who shares our ambition - a chef who wants to make their mark at one of the North Coast's most celebrated hotels, in a role with real creative freedom and the backing and support to succeed.

This is a full-time permanent position based on a 48-hour working week including weekends and bank holidays.

In line with UK Immigration and Employment Law, only applicants eligible to live and work in the UK need apply. Proof of ID will be required in the form of a Passport, National Identity Card or Birth Certificate.

As a member of our team you can enjoy the following benefits:

• Complimentary stay after 1 year's service
• 40% off spa products
• 25% off spa treatments
• Complimentary meals in each of our restaurants, once a year
• Gym access & weekly swim session
• Special rate for Pride of Britain Hotels
• Discounted surf lessons
• On site parking
• Complimentary meal provided (breakfast, lunch or dinner) when working over 6 hours

As well as regular awards and recognition:

• Monthly recognition awards
• Annual festive awards event
• Long service awards dinner

As a proud EarthCheck partner, we don't just talk about sustainability we live it, embedding world-class environmental management and eco-friendly practices into everything we do. Join a team where sustainability is in our DNA and we are actively shaping the future of responsible hospitality every single day.