Head Chef - Henley-on-Thames - Luxury Boutique Hotel - £50k + £5k Tips

Chefs Ltd; Henley-on-Thames; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 61,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Meals provided on duty

Staff discounts across the hotel group

Life insurance

24-hour employee support line

Lead a kitchen team in boutique hotel

Job summary

Chefs Ltd is seeking a Head Chef for a luxury boutique hotel in Henley-on-Thames. You will lead the kitchen, shape the menu, and deliver a high-end dining experience with seasonal ingredients and British influences.

You will manage day-to-day kitchen operations, drive profitability, and inspire a talented brigade while maintaining exceptional standards and guest satisfaction.

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading a professional kitchen in a quality restaurant or hotel.
• Strong knowledge of modern British cuisine and seasonal menu development.
• Creative leadership with ability to manage costs and drive profitability.

Responsibilities

• Develop creative, seasonal menus blending traditional British cooking with modern influences.
• Lead and develop the kitchen brigade while maintaining high standards.
• Oversee kitchen operations, food preparation, hygiene and service delivery.
• Manage food costs, stock control and waste to drive profitability.
• Collaborate with management and suppliers to ensure guest satisfaction.

Skills

Leadership

Menu development

Modern British cuisine

Seasonal menus

Creativity

Cost awareness

Team development

Hygiene standards

Job description

Head Chef

Henley-on-Thames | Up to £55,000 OTE including service charge

Full-time | Permanent

The Benefits

• Up to £55,000 OTE, inclusive of service charge
• Additional performance-based incentives
• Creative freedom to develop menus and shape the food offering
• Opportunity to put your own signature on the kitchen
• Meals provided while on duty
• Staff discounts across the hotel group
• Life insurance
• 24-hour employee support line
• Opportunity to lead and develop a kitchen team within a boutique hotel

About My Client

My client is a luxury boutique hotel in the heart of Henley-on-Thames, set in a beautiful riverside location.

With 40 guest bedrooms, elegant interiors and a relaxed approach to luxury, the hotel attracts both visitors and local guests looking for quality food and genuine hospitality.

The business is looking to strengthen its food offering and is seeking a Head Chef with the creativity, ambition and leadership skills to take the kitchen forward.

The Role

This is an exciting opportunity for an ambitious Head Chef to take ownership of the kitchen and shape its culinary direction.

My client is looking for someone with imagination and flair who wants the freedom to develop menus, introduce new ideas and create a food offering that stands out.

You’ll have the opportunity to showcase your own style, work with seasonal ingredients and build menus that balance traditional British cooking with a more modern approach.

Alongside the creative side, you’ll take responsibility for the day-to-day running of the kitchen, leading the brigade, maintaining standards and ensuring the operation is commercially successful.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop creative, seasonal menus that combine classic British influences with modern cooking.
• Showcase fresh, quality ingredients from trusted local suppliers.
• Lead, motivate and develop the kitchen team.
• Maintain consistently high standards of food quality, presentation and hygiene.
• Oversee kitchen operations, ensuring smooth and efficient service.
• Manage food costs, stock control, ordering and waste.
• Work closely with the wider management team to drive profitability and guest satisfaction.
• Build relationships with local suppliers and producers.
• Bring fresh ideas and continually evolve the food offering.

About You

We’re looking for an experienced Head Chef or an ambitious Senior Sous Chef ready to take the next step.

You’ll ideally have:

• Previous experience leading a professional kitchen in a quality restaurant, hotel or similar environment.
• A strong understanding of modern British cuisine and seasonal menu development.
• Creativity, imagination and the confidence to develop your own dishes.
• Experience leading, training and motivating a kitchen team.
• Strong commercial awareness, including food costs and kitchen profitability.
• High standards of food hygiene, consistency and presentation.
• A positive leadership style and the ability to create a strong kitchen culture.
• A genuine passion for hospitality and delivering an excellent guest experience.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a Head Chef who wants more than simply running an established menu. You’ll have the freedom to shape the food offering, develop your own ideas and make a real impact within a luxury boutique hotel.

About Chefs for Chefs

Chefs for Chefs are committed to promoting equal opportunities regardless of age, gender, religion, belief, race, sexuality or disability.