Head Chef

Ardencote; Stratford-on-Avon; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Spa day on anniversary

Spa facilities access

Stays and spa discounts

Pension scheme

Free parking

Job summary

Ardencote Manor | Hiddenwell Luxury Wellness Retreat is seeking a Head Chef to lead the kitchen team and deliver exceptional dining experiences. This full-time permanent role offers £50,000 - £55,000 per annum and a structured path to develop your brigade while maintaining the highest standards.

You will own day-to-day kitchen operations, develop seasonal menus reflecting our brand and guests’ preferences, and drive commercial performance through smart menu planning, cost control and mentoring

Qualifications

• Experience leading a kitchen team in a high-volume environment.
• Ability to develop seasonal menus reflecting brand and guest preferences.
• Strong understanding of food cost, labour cost, and stock management.

Responsibilities

• Lead the kitchen brigade and develop your team.
• Develop seasonal menus and uphold brand standards.
• Manage food costs, wages, stock, ordering and waste.
• Ensure food hygiene and safety, HACCP/COSHH compliance.
• Prepare kitchen rotas and daily operations.

Skills

Culinary leadership

People management

Menu development

Cost control

Quality standards

Job description

Head Chef
Ardencote Manor | Hiddenwell Luxury Wellness Retreat
Full Time | Permanent
Salary: £50, 000 - £55,000 per annum
Estimated Start Date: 12 October 2026

Lead the kitchen. Inspire the team. Create exceptional dining experiences.

We’re looking for an experienced and passionate Head Chef to lead our kitchen team and deliver consistently outstanding food and memorable experiences for our guests.

You’ll take ownership of the day-to-day kitchen operation from developing seasonal menus and maintaining exceptional standards to developing your brigade and delivering strong commercial performance.

What You'll Do

• Managing, motivating and developing the kitchen brigade, creating a positive, collaborative and high-performing environment where people can do their best work
• Ensuring every dish meets our standards for quality, presentation and consistency, while keeping service running smoothly and efficiently
• Developing and refining seasonal menus that reflect our brand, current culinary trends and what our guests love
• Working alongside the Executive Chef and senior team to develop new dishes, concepts and ideas that continually improve our food offering and guest experience
• Managing food costs, wage costs, stock, ordering and waste while maintaining quality and achieving agreed financial targets
• Coaching, mentoring and recognising your brigade, providing regular feedback and supporting individuals with their development and career progression
• Taking responsibility for kitchen rotas, stock control, opening and closing procedures, food specifications and the smooth running of daily operations
• Maintaining excellent standards of food hygiene, allergen management and health & safety, including HACCP, COSHH, temperature monitoring and all required kitchen documentation

What We're Looking For

• Must be a confident culinary leader who combines creativity and a passion for great food with strong people and commercial skills
• Must know how to set the pace during a busy service, leading by example and build a kitchen culture based on high standards, respect and teamwork
• Must have understanding of the numbers behind a successful kitchen, using food GP, labour costs, stock management and other KPIs to make informed decisions without compromising the guest experience

Additional Information

• 45 hours per week – Full-Time permanent position
• Working 5 days out of 7 per week (including weekends and bank holidays, you will need to be flexible to the business needs)
• Salary: £50,000 - £55,000 per annum
• Estimated Start Date: 12 October 2026
• Right to work in the UK required as time of application (visa sponsorship is not available)

Why Join Hiddenwell?

• Complimentary spa day on your work anniversary
• Free use of leisure and spa facilities
• 30% off stays and spa days
• Discounts on food, drink and retail
• Pension scheme
• Free parking
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Perkbox benefits and Online GP
• Refer-a-Friend bonus
• Excellent training and career development
• A supportive team where you can grow

Ready to make an impact? We'd love to hear from you.

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