Head Chef

Burleigh Court Hotel & Restaurant; Stroud; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary based on experience

Complimentary staff meals on duty

Discounted stays and dining across the hotel

Job summary

A charming country-house hotel in the Cotswolds is seeking a Head Chef to lead their culinary team. The role involves overseeing kitchen operations, creating seasonal menus, and maintaining high standards of food safety and service. Ideal candidates will have proven experience in high-end kitchens, a passion for local produce, and excellent leadership skills. Competitive salary and benefits offered, with a focus on mentorship and team culture.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef in a high-end kitchen.
• Strong leadership and communication skills to nurture talent.
• Genuine passion for hospitality and local ingredients.
• Creative flair with technical excellence and attention to detail.
• Excellent time management, organisational, and financial acumen.

Responsibilities

• Lead and motivate the kitchen team to deliver exceptional food.
• Curate seasonal menus that celebrate local ingredients.
• Ensure smooth daily operations and uphold food safety standards.
• Ensure smooth daily operations: prep schedules, stock control, and cost management.
• Collaborate with Front of House and Events teams for weddings, retreats and dining experiences.
• Uphold food safety, hygiene and compliance standards.

Skills

Leadership

Creativity

Time Management

Attention to Detail

Communication

Team development

Education

Formal culinary qualification

Tools

None

Job description

Perched above the Golden Valley near Stroud, Burleigh Court Cotswolds is a charming country‑house hotel and two‑rosette restaurant known for its panoramic views, seasonal menus, and warm, unhurried hospitality.

We blend the comfort of a country escape with the craft of fine dining — creating an experience that feels both luxurious and heartfelt. Alongside our hotel and restaurant, we host intimate weddings, retreats, and corporate gatherings in a setting that inspires connection and calm.

Our mission is simple: to delight guests through thoughtful detail, genuine warmth, and exceptional food rooted in the Cotswolds.

Role Description

We’re seeking a Head Chef to lead our culinary team with creativity, passion, and precision.

This is a full‑time, on‑site role based at Burleigh Court near Stroud.

As Head Chef, you’ll oversee all aspects of kitchen operations — from menu design and ingredient sourcing to daily service, standards, and team development. You’ll champion local produce, sustainability, and seasonality, crafting dishes that express a sense of place and uphold our highly‑rated two‑rosette reputation.

The right candidate will not only manage the kitchen but inspire a culture of pride, learning, and calm excellence — where food is prepared with care, and guests feel the difference.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and motivate the kitchen team to deliver consistently exceptional food and service.
• Curate seasonal menus that celebrate local ingredients and balance creativity with comfort.
• Ensure smooth daily operations, including prep schedules, stock control, and cost management.
• Work closely with the Front of House and Events teams to deliver seamless guest experiences across dining, weddings, and retreats.
• Uphold all food safety, hygiene, and compliance standards to the highest level.
• Support staff recruitment, training, and performance development.
• Manage supplier relationships and negotiate pricing to ensure sustainable profitability.
• Maintain a calm, collaborative environment — especially during peak service periods.

Qualifications & Experience

• Proven experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef in a high‑end or rosette‑level kitchen.
• Strong leadership and communication skills with the ability to nurture emerging talent.
• Creative flair paired with sound technical skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent time management, organisational, and financial acumen.
• Formal culinary qualification or equivalent hands‑on experience.
• Genuine passion for hospitality, seasonality, and local provenance.

Personal Qualities

• Calm under pressure and unflappable in service.
• Naturally collaborative — a mentor and team player.
• Brings warmth, pride, and professionalism to the role.
• A love of food that goes beyond technique — a storyteller through flavour and presentation.
• Competitive salary based on experience
• Complimentary staff meals on duty
• Discounted stays and dining across the hotel
• Supportive ownership and a small, close‑knit team culture

Location

Burleigh Court Cotswolds, near Stroud

Seniority level

• Mid‑Senior level

Employment type

• Full‑time

Job function

• Management and Manufacturing

Industries

• Hospitality

If you’re a chef who finds joy in crafting food that feels both elegant and heartfelt — and you’d like to shape the next chapter of a beloved Cotswolds manor — we’d love to hear from you.