Head Chef

The-Headland-Hotel-Co.-Ltd; Newquay; On-site; GBP 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Complimentary meals on shift

On-site parking

Employee discounts across spa and stay

Gym access & weekly swim session

Complimentary stay after 1 year

Job summary

The Headland Hotel in Cornwall is seeking a talented Head Chef to take ownership of The Deck restaurant and its live kitchen. You will lead the kitchens, craft Mediterranean-inspired menus, and drive the brigade to deliver fresh, seasonal dishes with strong food-cost control.

You will work closely with the Executive Chef, mentor junior chefs, and enjoy a 4‑day week with a 48‑hour schedule, finishing by 21:30 on most shifts.

Qualifications

• Experience leading a kitchen brigade and managing a Head Chef role.
• Ability to develop Mediterranean-inspired menus reflecting seasonal produce.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day running of both kitchens.
• Lead and mentor the kitchen brigade with confidence.
• Develop menus reflecting sun‑kissed, produce‑driven spirit of the Mediterranean.
• Maintain food cost, ordering, and kitchen management.
• Collaborate with Executive Chef and work the pass during busy services.

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.