Autonomous Head Chef - Own the Menu in a Family-Run Hotel

Head Chef, Essex Up to £42,000 plus tronc OTE circa £43,400

We are looking for a Head Chef for a busy hotel in Essex, covering à la carte dining, bar food, weddings, BBQs, events and banqueting.

This is a great opportunity for either an experienced Head Chef or a strong Sous Chef ready to step up.

The kitchen has a settled structure in place, including a Sous Chef, CDPs, Commis Chef, Breakfast Chef and Kitchen Porters. The hotel has a strong family feel, low staff turnover and many team members have been with the business for over five years.

You will have full autonomy over menus, suppliers and the food direction, with support from in-house systems for menus, allergens and HACCP.

What we need

• Head Chef or strong Sous Chef ready to step up
• Fresh food hotel, restaurant or quality pub background
• Confident with à la carte, bar food, weddings and banqueting
• Good understanding of GP, stock, suppliers and kitchen controls
• Calm, hands on leader who wants a long term role
• Must be able to commute without relying on public transport

What is on offer

• Salary up to £42,000
• Tronc, with OTE circa £43,400
• Bonus linked to GP performance
• Menu and supplier autonomy
• Settled team and strong kitchen structure
• Support from a wider hotel group
• Family feel working environment
• Proper handover from the outgoing Head Chef

This would suit a chef who wants ownership, stability and the chance to make a hotel kitchen their own.