Head Chef - Spanish Restaurant

LJ Recruitment; Bourne End; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is seeking a Head Chef for a luxury Spanish restaurant in Bourne End. This role demands expertise in Spanish and tapas cuisine, along with exceptional leadership skills. The Head Chef will manage all kitchen operations, design innovative menus, and ensure high standards of food quality and safety. Competitive salary of £45,000-£48,000, with on-target earnings up to £60,000, along with accommodation support for relocation. Apply now to be part of this exciting culinary destination!

Benefits

Accommodation support available for relocation

Competitive base salary

Opportunity for career growth

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef in a Spanish or Mediterranean restaurant.
• Excellent leadership and communication skills with a hands-on, inspiring approach.
• Deep understanding of flavour, presentation, and operational excellence.
• Passionate about authentic Spanish cuisine and eager to be part of a growing brand.

Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate, and develop a small kitchen brigade (5-6 chefs).
• Maintain exceptional culinary standards with a focus on authentic Spanish tapas.
• Oversee all kitchen operations – stock control, ordering, and cost management.
• Ensure food safety, hygiene, and compliance standards are consistently met.
• Build strong relationships with suppliers to source premium ingredients.
• Design and develop seasonal dishes and innovative menus.
• Deliver a smooth, high-quality service for up to 450 covers per day.

Skills

Culinary leadership

Spanish and tapas cuisine expertise

Food safety standards knowledge

Stock control and cost management

Job description

🍽️ Head Chef - Luxury Spanish Restaurant | £45,000-£48,000 + Tronc (Up to £60k OTE)

Location: Bourne End, Buckinghamshire
Accommodation assistance available

LJ Recruitment is proud to partner with a luxury Spanish restaurant on the River in Bourne End – a vibrant and contemporary dining destination renowned for its chic décor, relaxed atmosphere, and authentic Spanish flavours. The restaurant serves up to 450 covers on busy days and is part of an expanding group with two successful venues and a third due to open next year.

We are seeking a Head Chef with proven expertise in Spanish and tapas cuisine, capable of leading a talented team in a high-volume, quality-driven environment.

What We're Offering

• Base salary: £45,000-£48,000
• On-target earnings: up to £60,000 with Tronc
• Accommodation support available for relocation
• Five straight shifts per week (on a rota basis)
• The opportunity to shape menus, influence new openings, and grow within a dynamic restaurant group

Your Key Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate, and develop a small kitchen brigade (5-6 chefs)
• Maintain exceptional culinary standards with a focus on authentic Spanish tapas
• Oversee all kitchen operations – stock control, ordering, and cost management
• Ensure food safety, hygiene, and compliance standards are consistently met
• Build strong relationships with suppliers to source premium ingredients
• Design and develop seasonal dishes and innovative menus
• Deliver a smooth, high-quality service for up to 450 covers per day

About You

• Proven experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef in a Spanish or Mediterranean restaurant
• Excellent leadership and communication skills with a hands‑on, inspiring approach
• Deep understanding of flavour, presentation, and operational excellence
• Passionate about authentic Spanish cuisine and eager to be part of a growing brand

If you're ready to bring your creativity and leadership to a thriving luxury Spanish restaurant, we'd love to hear from you.

👉 Apply now and be part of one of Bourne End's most exciting culinary destinations!