Head Chef - Cambium Kitchen

Careys Manor & Senspa; Brockenhurst; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Share of service charge / tips

Free off-peak use of spa and gym

Paid day off on birthday

Free meals on duty

Salary advance option

Discounted hotel stays

Team social outings

Friends and family discounts

Referral bonus

Enhanced annual leave

Employee Assistance Programme

Free onsite parking

Job summary

Careys Manor & Senspa in Brockenhurst, Hampshire, seeks a passionate Head Chef for the Cambium kitchen team. You will oversee daily kitchen operations, develop menus, and ensure exceptional guest experiences. This permanent role involves working 48 hours a week over 5 days, within a beautiful setting.

Ideal candidates will have prior Head Chef experience at rosette level and be strong team players, capable of maintaining a calm atmosphere in a busy kitchen. Benefits include shared service charge, free meals, and discounted hotel stays.

Qualifications

• Experience as Head Chef at rosette level or 4-star.
• Strong understanding of food hygiene and HACCP standards.
• Ability to multi-task and stay calm under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Oversee kitchen operations at the hotel restaurant.
• Develop exciting menus and ensure high standards.
• Manage a team of around 6 chefs.

Skills

People management skills

Food hygiene knowledge

Multi-tasking

Calm demeanor

Strong menu development

Education

Level 3 food safety certificate

Job description

Type – Full time, permanent. 48 hrs per week working 5 days out of 7 (including weekends) on a rota basis.

Reports to – Hotel Operations Manager/General Manager

Location – Brockenhurst, Hampshire. A 10 minute walk from Brockenhurst village and train station with excellent rail links to Bournemouth, Southampton and London.

We are seeking an experienced Head Chef to join the Cambium kitchen team at Careys Manor Hotel. With overall responsibility for the main hotel restaurant, you will ensure guests experience the highest standards when they dine with us for breakfast, lunch, dinner, afternoon tea or are joining us for functions and events.

With three restaurants and kitchens, you will be part of a good-sized F&B team and will oversee a team of around 6 chefs. They are calm and focussed, so this isn’t the place for a shouty chef. You will need to be a good all‑rounder, as comfortable supporting sales and marketing efforts as jumping on a section.

You will be as passionate about developing exciting menus as you are about developing your kitchen team and will set high standards to be maintained by all.

It is an exciting time to join us. We are busy investing in the property, our most recent project is a brand‑new, authentic Indian restaurant expected to open later this summer.

Careys Manor Hotel is located in the beautiful New Forest village of Brockenhurst. With 77 bedrooms and suites, the award‑winning Thai spa SenSpa and 3 onsite restaurants, we pride ourselves on our friendly staff and attentive service.

The role is permanent, full time, 48 hours per week over 5 days on a live‑out basis.

• A share of service charge / tips
• Free off-peak use of the spa and gym facilities
• Paid day off on your birthday
• Free meals on duty
• Salary advance option via Stream app
• Discounted hotel stays, restaurants, spa services and products
• Team social outings
• Friends and family discounts
• Referral bonus for recommending a friend
• Enhanced annual leave for long service (5 years+)
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Free onsite parking

Our ideal candidate will:

• Have a steady career history with prior Head Chef experience, operating at rosette level / 4 star
• Have a calm and measured demeanour
• Be organised and able to multi‑task
• Have strong understanding of food hygiene and HACCP standards
• Hold a Level 3 food safety certificate
• Have excellent people management skills
• Be passionate about delivering an excellent guest experience
• Able to integrate with the wider hotel team to successfully deliver results