Head Chef – New Opening | Boutique 5★ Country House Hotel
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
- 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
Why Apply?
This is an opportunity to create something truly special from the ground up, building a food offering that will become a destination in its own right. Ideal for a passionate chef looking for the next defining step in their career within a unique luxury setting.
Interested in leading the kitchen of an exciting new opening?
Apply now to be part of a landmark luxury hospitality launch.