Head Chef

Bespoke Hotels; West of England; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Staff discounts

Inclusion in service charge above base

Team social events

Discounted gym membership

Uniform provided

Employee of the Month

Job summary

Hotel Gotham Bristol, a luxury five-star lifestyle hotel, invites applications for Head Chef to lead the pre-opening kitchen operation. This pivotal role shapes a multi-outlet, high-end F&B concept from day one, overseeing design of procedures, building a top-tier brigade and delivering outstanding guest experiences.

The successful candidate will craft seasonal menus, drive profitability, and mentor a kitchen team while upholding HACCP and safety standards in a historic setting.

Qualifications

• Head Chef with pre-opening experience.
• Excellent communication and attention to detail.
• Driven to lead a high-performing kitchen team.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee the day-to-day operation of the kitchen, ensuring exceptional food quality, consistency and service across all outlets.
• Manage, supervise and participate in food preparation, ensuring high standards and HACCP compliance.
• Drive financial performance by controlling food costs, labour productivity and wastage.
• Recruit, develop and retain a high-performing kitchen brigade with a positive culture.
• Deliver inductions, performance reviews and development plans for career progression.
• Coach and motivate the kitchen team through ongoing training.
• Develop seasonal menus reflecting the Gotham brand while maximizing quality and profitability.
• Maintain stock levels through ordering, stock control and supplier management.
• Ensure cleanliness, organisation and food hygiene across all kitchen areas, complying with legislation and procedures.
• Lead by example to maintain a safe working environment and safe use of equipment.
• Prepare for EHO visits ensuring compliance standards are met.
• Communicate objectives through regular team briefings and foster collaboration.

Skills

Leadership

Food Safety

Menu Development

Staff Training

Communication

Job description

Be Part of Bristol's First Luxury Five Star Lifestyle Hotel

Hotel Gotham first turned heads in Manchester, earning the title of "Europe's sexiest hotel". Following a show-stopping opening in Newcastle, the curtain now rises on the next act of the Gotham story - and this time, Bristol takes centre stage.

The iconic Grade II listed Guildhall is being thoughtfully transformed into Bristol's first luxury five star lifestyle hotel. Rich in history and architectural grandeur, expect breathtaking Gothic windows, magnificent stained glass and original period features around every corner. It's a setting worthy of Gotham.

Hotel Gotham is more than just a hotel – it’s a way of life. A vibe. A 5-star, theatrical, vibrant, stylish, dramatic experience – for guests and colleagues.

As our Head Chef, you'll play a pivotal role as a member of the senior management team during the pre-opening phase of our breathtaking hotel. This is a rare opportunity to shape and lead a predicted multi-million pound food and beverage operation from the very beginning. From designing operational procedures and building a high-performing kitchen brigade, to delivering consistently outstanding quality, you'll play a vital role in creating one of the city's most exciting dining destinations from day one.

Our signature restaurant will showcase a bold, Middle Eastern-Mediterranean inspired concept, offering guests an innovative and vibrant dining experience, while our rooftop terrace will become one of the city's most sought-after destinations, serving a carefully curated menu designed to complement its unique setting. Our Gotham cherry ontop of the cake is our intricate and history-rich cocktail bar which will serve Afternoon Tea. Operating 365 days a year through from Breakfast to Evening service across these three distinctive food and beverage outlets, you will be a passionate and inspiring leader with a commitment to culinary excellence, where outstanding guest experiences are at the heart of everything you do.

Your Key Responsibilities Will Include

• Lead and oversee the day-to-day operation of the kitchen, ensuring exceptional food quality, consistency and service across all food and beverage outlets.
• Manage, supervise and participate in food preparation, ensuring every dish meets the highest standards while complying with all food safety legislation.
• Drive financial performance by effectively controlling food costs, labour productivity and wastage.
• Recruit, develop and retain a high-performing kitchen brigade, creating a positive and respectful culture of engagement, accountability and continuous development.
• Deliver structured inductions, regular performance reviews and development plans to support career progression.
• Coach and motivate the kitchen team to achieve the highest cooking and operational standards through ongoing training.
• Develop and implement seasonal menus that reflect the Gotham brand while maximising quality, profitability and appeal.
• Ensure appropriate stock levels are maintained through effective ordering, stock control and supplier management to support business demands.
• Champion the highest standards of cleanliness, organisation and food hygiene throughout all kitchen areas, ensuring full compliance with HACCP, food safety legislation and company procedures.
• Lead by example in maintaining a safe working environment, ensuring all kitchen equipment is used correctly and safely.
• Confidently manage Environmental Health Officer (EHO) visits, ensuring the kitchen consistently exceeds statutory and company compliance standards.
• Communicate departmental, hotel and company objectives through regular team briefings, fostering collaboration and keeping the brigade engaged and informed.

We're looking for passionate hospitality professionals ready to take centre stage and help bring the Gotham experience to life from day one. If you have exceptional communication skills, outstanding attention to detail and thrive as part of a high-performing team, we'd love to hear from you.

Why Join Hotel Gotham Bristol?

• Be part of the opening team at Bristol's first luxury five-star lifestyle hotel.
• Work in one of the city's most iconic historic buildings.
• Join a passionate, supportive and ambitious founding cast.
• Opportunities for training, career development and progression.
• Staff discounts
• Inclusion in service charge additional to salary
• Calendar of Team Social Events
• Unique monthly code for discounted stays at a number of Bespoke Hotels
• Discounted Gym Membership
• Years Service Recognition
• Uniform
• Employee of the Month