Head Chef | Branded Hotel Kitchen Leader & Cost Control

ValorHospitality; Exeter; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Valor Hospitality is seeking a Head Chef for voco Zeal Exeter Science Park. You will lead a branded kitchen, delivering consistent menus across breakfast, dining, room service and events while owning food cost and margins.

Ideal candidates have Head Chef or strong Sous Chef experience in a hotel or branded operation, with a proven ability to hit payroll targets and uphold brand standards. Level 3 Food Safety certification or willingness to obtain is preferred.

Qualifications

• Experience as Head Chef or strong Sous Chef ready to step up, preferably in a hotel or branded operation.
• Proven track record of hitting food cost and payroll targets.
• Comfort working to brand specs and standards, and the pride to execute them well.
• Level 3 Food Safety certification or willingness to achieve it.
• A calm, hands-on leadership style that motivates teams.

Responsibilities

• Deliver menus consistently across breakfast, restaurant, bar, room service and meetings.
• Own food cost and margins through smart ordering, stock control and waste reduction.
• Manage kitchen payroll: build rotas, control hours and hit labour targets.
• Maintain food safety, allergen management and health and safety to audit-ready standards.
• Lead, train and develop the kitchen team and collaborate with hotel leadership.

Skills

People management

Brand standards

Cost control

Allergen awareness

Education

Level 3 Food Safety

Job description

Valor Hospitality is seeking a Head Chef for voco Zeal Exeter Science Park. You will lead a branded kitchen, delivering consistent menus across breakfast, dining, room service and events while owning food cost and margins.

Ideal candidates have Head Chef or strong Sous Chef experience in a hotel or branded operation, with a proven ability to hit payroll targets and uphold brand standards. Level 3 Food Safety certification or willingness to obtain is preferred.