Head Chef

HiStory Hospitality; Windsor; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Potential staff accommodation

Dining and wellness experiences

Job summary

HiStory Hospitality is seeking a Head Chef to lead the culinary direction of a new boutique 5-star country house hotel. You will build the kitchen team, develop menus and deliver exceptional standards across restaurant, private dining, events and afternoon tea.

Located in a beautiful countryside setting, this role offers creative autonomy, a competitive salary, staff accommodation potential and clear opportunities for long-term career progression within a premium food-led operation.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef in a luxury hotel or high-end restaurant.
• 1 Michelin Star or higher is a must.
• Pre-opening experience highly desirable.
• Strong leadership and team development skills.
• Creativity with strong commercial awareness.
• Excellent organisational and communication skills.
• A hands-on and motivating leadership style.

Responsibilities

• Lead the kitchen operation ahead of and after opening.
• Design and develop seasonal menus with focus on quality and creativity.
• Recruit, train and inspire a high-performing brigade.
• Establish kitchen systems, SOPs and service standards.
• Manage food costs, GP, stock control and supplier relationships.
• Drive consistency and excellence across all food offerings.
• Collaborate with senior leadership on guest experience.
• Maintain high standards of hygiene, health & safety, and kitchen organisation.

Skills

Leadership

Pre-opening experience

Menu design

Recruitment

SOPs & standards

Food cost control

Hygiene & safety

Communication

Organisational skills

Seasonal produce

Job description

An outstanding opportunity has arisen for a talented and ambitious Head Chef to lead the culinary direction of a new boutique 5-star country house hotel. This is a rare chance to shape the food offering of a luxury destination from the very beginning, creating a dining experience that reflects the character, quality, and ambition of the hotel.

Set within beautiful countryside surroundings, the property will combine refined hospitality with a relaxed sense of luxury, placing food and guest experience at the heart of the operation. The Head Chef will be responsible for building the kitchen team, developing menus, and delivering exceptional standards across restaurant, private dining, events, and afternoon tea operations.

What the Role Involves

• Leading the overall kitchen operation ahead of and following opening
• Designing and developing seasonal menus with a strong focus on quality and creativity
• Recruiting, training, and inspiring a high-performing brigade
• Establishing kitchen systems, SOPs, and service standards
• Managing food costs, GP performance, stock control, and supplier relationships
• Driving consistency and excellence across all food offerings
• Working closely with senior leadership to shape the overall guest experience
• Maintaining the highest standards of hygiene, health & safety, and kitchen organisation

What is Required

• Proven experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef within a luxury hotel or high-end restaurant environment - 1 Michelin Star or higher is a must
• Pre-opening experience highly desirable
• Strong leadership and team development skills
• Creativity combined with strong commercial awareness
• Passion for seasonal produce and high-quality ingredients
• Ability to perform under pressure while maintaining exceptional standards
• Excellent organisational and communication skills
• A hands-on and motivating leadership style

What is on Offer

• The opportunity to lead the culinary vision of an exciting luxury hotel opening
• Creative input and autonomy within a premium food-led environment
• Competitive salary and performance-related incentives
• Potential staff accommodation
• Excellent long-term career progression opportunities
• Staff benefits including dining and wellness experiences