Head Chef

Wadworth; Stourton; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Training and development opportunities

Career progression within estate

Bonus opportunities

25% food, drink and accommodation off

Tips

Cycle to Work Scheme

Enhanced parental leave

Accommodation provided (subject to the

Double pay on Christmas Day

Wagestream

Recognition for great work and living—

Job summary

Wadworth’s Spread Eagle Inn in Wiltshire is seeking an experienced Head Chef to lead our kitchen. You will be responsible for delivering high-quality food, mentoring a skilled team, and ensuring safety, hygiene and cost controls are upheld across the operation.

You will drive a positive kitchen culture, plan menus, manage rotas and collaborate with management to ensure memorable guest experiences and sustainable profitability.

Qualifications

• Previous Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef experience in a kitchen leadership role.
• Strong culinary skills with a passion for developing people.
• Excellent organisational and cost-control abilities.

Responsibilities

• Take full responsibility for day-to-day operation and performance of the kitchen.
• Lead, develop and inspire the kitchen team to deliver exceptional food and service.
• Ensure dishes are prepared, cooked and presented to specification.
• Manage labour, stock, wastage and food margins to maximise profitability.
• Recruit, train and develop kitchen staff to build a skilled team.
• Maintain high standards of food hygiene, safety, and compliance.
• Plan rotas and manage staffing levels to meet business needs.
• Monitor food quality and customer feedback to drive improvement.
• Collaborate with General Manager and management to meet objectives.
• Foster a positive culture focused on teamwork and excellence.

Skills

Leadership

People management

Food quality

Commercial mindset

Job description

At Wadworth, we're proud of our heritage, passionate about hospitality and committed to creating memorable experiences for every customer who walks through our doors.

The Spread Eagle Inn is a charming historic inn set within the stunning Stourhead Estate, one of Wiltshire's most iconic visitor destinations. Combining traditional hospitality, quality food and drink, and comfortable accommodation, it offers a unique experience for guests exploring the beautiful surrounding countryside.

We're looking for an experienced, inspiring and commercially minded Head Chef to lead our kitchen team. This is an exciting opportunity for a talented chef who is passionate about great food, developing people and running a successful kitchen operation.

As Head Chef, you will be responsible for the overall leadership and performance of the kitchen. You'll lead your team to deliver consistently high-quality food, manage costs effectively, maintain exceptional food safety standards and create a positive, high-performing kitchen culture. Working closely with the General Manager, you'll play a key role in the success of the business, ensuring every guest enjoys a memorable dining experience.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Taking full responsibility for the day-to-day operation and performance of the kitchen.
• Leading, developing and inspiring your kitchen team to deliver exceptional food and service standards.
• Ensuring dishes are prepared, cooked and presented consistently to specification.
• Managing labour, stock, wastage and food margins to maximise profitability.
• Recruiting, training and developing chefs and kitchen team members to build a skilled and engaged team.
• Maintaining the highest standards of food hygiene, food safety and health & safety compliance.
• Planning kitchen rotas and managing staffing levels to meet business needs.
• Monitoring food quality, customer feedback and operational performance to drive continuous improvement.
• Working collaboratively with the General Manager and wider management team to achieve business objectives.
• Creating a positive culture where teamwork, accountability and excellence are at the heart of everything you do.

What We’re Looking For

We want people who share our values and have a genuine passion for food, leadership and hospitality.

Quality: You are committed to delivering exceptional food and maintaining consistently high standards across every aspect of the kitchen operation.

Accountability: You take ownership of kitchen performance, lead by example and ensure your team consistently delivers against expectations.

One Team: You invest in your people, support their development and create an environment where everyone works together to achieve success.

Productivity: You have strong organisational and commercial skills, balancing food quality, team performance and profitability while ensuring the kitchen operates efficiently.

Legacy: You are proud to be part of a business with a rich heritage and understand your role in creating memorable dining experiences that keep guests returning.

Previous experience as a Head Chef, Senior Sous Chef or in a similar kitchen leadership role is essential. You'll be a confident leader with strong culinary skills, a commercial mindset and a passion for developing both people and food.

When You Join Wadworth, You’ll Benefit From:

• Training and development opportunities.
• Career progression opportunities within our growing estate.
• Bonus opportunities.
• Discount offering 25% off food, drink and accommodation.
• Tips.
• Cycle to Work Scheme.
• Enhanced parental leave.
• Accommodation provided (subject to availability).
• Double pay on Christmas Day.
• Wagestream.
• Recognition for great work and living our values.

Ready to Join Us?

If you're an ambitious kitchen leader who is passionate about food, developing great teams and running a successful operation, we'd love to hear from you.

Join us and help lead a kitchen that delivers quality, consistency and memorable dining experiences while building on the proud heritage of one of Britain's oldest independent brewing and pub companies.