Head Chef Opportunity
The Royal Hotel, Ventnor, Isle of Wight
Salary: £50,000–£60,000 per annum, depending on experience and suitability
Temporary live-in options available
The Royal Hotel in Ventnor is seeking a talented, experienced and ambitious Head Chef to lead the kitchen team at one of the UK’s most highly regarded food destination hotels.
This is a rare opportunity to take the lead at a landmark 4 Silver Star Isle of Wight hotel as it continues to invest, evolve and transform. We are looking for a Head Chef who can bring creativity, calm leadership and fresh thinking to one of the Island’s most respected kitchens.
At the heart of our food offering is The Geranium Restaurant, which has held 2 AA Rosettes for 30 years and has been a Beautiful South award winner for 4 consecutive years. Alongside fine dining, we offer relaxed lunches, seasonal classics, light bites, afternoon tea, breakfast service and a popular Sunday lunch each week.
The successful candidate will lead the full kitchen operation, champion local Isle of Wight produce, develop menus, maintain excellent standards and help shape the next stage of The Royal Hotel’s culinary journey.
We are looking for a Head Chef who leads with confidence, kindness and professionalism. The right person will set high standards, but will also understand the importance of creating a respectful, supportive kitchen culture where people feel valued and motivated to do their best work.
This role would suit someone who enjoys developing others, sharing knowledge and bringing a team together. We want a leader who can inspire pride in the kitchen, encourage new ideas, and help the brigade continue to grow as The Royal Hotel moves into its next chapter.
You will work closely with the Food & Beverage Manager and the wider leadership team to develop menus, maintain and evolve standards, support the hotel’s vision and build on The Royal Hotel’s outstanding culinary reputation.
This is a full-time role, 5 days a week.
The ideal candidate will have:
- Proven experience in a senior kitchen leadership role
- A strong background in high-quality hotel, restaurant or fine dining environments
- A passion for seasonal, locally sourced produce
- Creativity and flair in developing menus and dishes
- The ability to deliver and maintain a first-class food offering
- Excellent leadership, organisation and communication skills
- A calm, supportive and professional management style
- A passion for developing chefs and creating a positive kitchen culture
- Good commercial awareness, including stock control, food cost management and labour management
- The ambition to help drive the hotel forward
What we offer:
- Competitive salary of £50,000–£60,000, depending on experience and suitability
- The opportunity to shape and develop the food offering at a highly regarded destination hotel
- A supportive leadership team and committed ownership
- Friendly and professional working environment
- Temporary live-in accommodation options may be available
- Staff discounts on hotel products and services
- Staff discounts on ferry travel
- Uniform provided
- 28 days’ holiday
- Nest Pension scheme
At The Royal Hotel, we recognise the importance of a balanced and supportive working environment within hospitality. We are committed to ensuring our team receives the support, guidance and respect they need both at work and at home.
- To apply, please send your CV and covering letter to Antony Baxter.