Head Chef

Cotswold Inns & Hotels; Stroud; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Countryside location

Menu development autonomy

Employee discounts on food & drink

Healthcare plan

Wagestream access

Induction and training

Job summary

The Bear on Rodborough Common, part of Cotswold Inns & Hotels, is seeking a passionate Head Chef to lead the kitchen across restaurant, weddings and events. This hands-on role demands leadership, high standards and creative menu development in a busy, events-driven setting.

Set on National Trust land with 44 bedrooms and a 55-seat Library Restaurant, the role offers autonomy over menus, a supportive management team and opportunities to shape a diverse culinary operation while delivering

Responsibilities

• Lead, inspire, and develop a high‑performing kitchen brigade
• Deliver exceptional food quality across restaurant, weddings, and events
• Create innovative, seasonal menus that reflect the setting and clientele
• Oversee all aspects of kitchen operations, including ordering, stock control, and GP management
• Ensure consistently high standards of food safety and hygiene
• Work closely with the front‑of‑house and events teams to deliver seamless guest experiences

Job description

2026-10-06T00:00:00

Stroud

Gloucestershire

GB

GL5 3

Any

2027-01-04T11:01:02.217

Head Chef

Join Fuller's: Where the true you thrives and diversity is embraced. At Fuller's we don't just offer jobs, we invite you to celebrate your authentic self. Our four core values - doing things the right way, being part of the family, celebrating individuality and always asking what's next? - define the essence of who we are.

The Bear on Rodborough Common is nestled amongst the rambling hills of beautiful National Trust land. Popular with ramblers, dog walkers and golfers, expect a busy bar and accommodation with 46 rooms on site.

The Bear of Rodborough Hotel

Set within 600 acres of National Trust land on the stunning Rodborough Common, The Bear of Rodborough is a unique and characterful hotel offering breath taking views and a vibrant hospitality environment.

The property features 44 bedrooms, a 55-seat Library Restaurant with panoramic views across the common, and a beautiful walled garden that accommodates up to 250 guests, complete with an outdoor bar and wood-fired pizza ovens.

We are a busy, events-driven business, hosting approximately 40 weddings per year alongside regular conferences and private functions for up to 60 guests.

The Role

We are seeking a passionate and experienced Head Chef to lead our kitchen team and drive the culinary offering across all areas of the business. This is a hands‑on role in a dynamic setting, combining restaurant dining, large‑scale events, and seasonal outdoor service.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, inspire, and develop a high‑performing kitchen brigade
• Deliver exceptional food quality across restaurant, weddings, and events
• Create innovative, seasonal menus that reflect the setting and clientele
• Oversee all aspects of kitchen operations, including ordering, stock control, and GP management
• Ensure consistently high standards of food safety and hygiene
• Work closely with the front‑of‑house and events teams to deliver seamless guest experiences

What We Offer

• The opportunity to work in a truly unique countryside location
• A diverse and exciting food operation, from à la carte dining to high‑volume weddings
• Creative input and autonomy over menu development
• A supportive and collaborative management team

What we can offer you:

• An exciting variety of career paths: Explore a wide range of roles and career paths across our pubs and hotels.
• Supportive environment: We put people first and strive for a collaborative and trusting atmosphere where everyone is valued.
• Continuous growth: Engage in learning and development programs to fuel your personal and professional growth.
• 25% discount on food and drink, across all our pubs and hotels for you and your friends and family. Increasing to 30% after one year, 35% after three years and 40% after five years.
• A fair share of tips, paid on top of your pay
• Discounted hotel stays at hotels in the Fuller's Family
• Access to 'My Fuller's' - our online benefits platform where you can make savings at hundreds of retailers and access discounted gym memberships, cinema tickets and much more.
• Healthcare Cash Plan - after one year with us you will have access to a 24-hour GP service and the ability to claim your money back for dentist and eyecare appointments.
• Full induction and training
• The option to receive up to 35% of your earnings as you earn them with Wagestream. This means you won't always need to wait until payday.

What we look for in a Head Chef:

• Someone who will take pride in preparing fresh food made from seasonal, local ingredients.
• You should have great leadership skills.
• You'll thrive on the fast pace of the kitchen.
• You'll set yourself and others the very highest standards.
• Take full control of the food side of the business.
• A great communicator who can keep calm under pressure.
• A creative Head Chef who can bring new ideas and implement new cooking techniques.
• Take pride in every successful service.
• A hygiene qualification, excellent food knowledge and food safety awareness are all essential for this role.

Cotswold Inns & Hotels is family and a place where everyone belongs

Do things the right way

Being part of a family

Celebrating individuality

Always asking what's next?

The Bear on Rodborough Common is nestled amongst the rambling hills of beautiful National Trust land. Popular with ramblers, dog walkers and golfers, expect a busy bar and accommodation with 46 rooms on site.

Cotswold Inns & Hotels is family and a place where everyone belongs

Do things the right way

Being part of a family

Celebrating individuality

Always asking what's next?

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