Executive Chef

Executive Chef

Salary: £45,000-£60,000 + bonus/profit share
Position: Executive Chef / Head Chef stepping up
Start: Approximately 2-3 weeks before opening
Opening: Targeted for mid-February

An exciting opportunity to lead the kitchen of a brand-new destination venue.

We are looking for an ambitious and experienced Executive Chef to join an exciting new hospitality project following a major refurbishment.

The venue will combine a boutique hotel, high-end Italian Mediterranean restaurant, large garden and wedding/event facilities, creating a destination business with a strong focus on food, hospitality and experience.

This is an opportunity to join the project at an early stage and play a key role in establishing the culinary identity, kitchen operation and reputation of the business.

The Role

As Executive Chef, you will take ownership of the day-to-day kitchen operation and lead the culinary direction of the restaurant.

Working closely with the owner, you will develop and refine the menus, establish kitchen standards and build a strong team capable of delivering consistently high-quality food across restaurant and event services.

The owner will remain involved in menu development and the wider business, so this role is particularly suited to a chef who enjoys collaboration while having the confidence and experience to take responsibility for the kitchen operation.

About the Food

The restaurant will focus on high-end Italian Mediterranean cuisine, using fresh, high-quality ingredients.

We are particularly interested in chefs with experience in:

• Mediterranean cuisine

• Italian cuisine

• Fresh seasonal produce

• High-quality meat and fish

• High-end gastro pub or restaurant cooking

• Rosette-level environments

You will have the opportunity to help shape the menu and establish the food identity of the new venue.

Your Responsibilities

As Executive Chef, you will:

• Lead and manage the kitchen team

• Develop and implement menus

• Work collaboratively with the owner on the culinary direction

• Establish recipes, specifications and kitchen standards

• Ensure consistently high-quality food

• Manage kitchen preparation and service

• Maintain excellent standards of food presentation

• Manage fresh produce, meat and fish to a high standard

• Train, develop and motivate the kitchen brigade

• Support recruitment and development of kitchen staff

• Maintain food safety and hygiene standards

• Ensure the kitchen operates efficiently and commercially

• Contribute to the overall success and reputation of the venue

• Help prepare the kitchen and team for the opening

• Establish a positive, professional and well-organised kitchen culture

The Kitchen Team

The kitchen is expected to operate with a core team of approximately 3-4 chefs per shift, including a Sous Chef, Commis Chef and Executive/Head Chef.

You will be responsible for setting the standards and creating a kitchen environment where the team can perform consistently at a high level.

The Person

We are looking for a chef who combines strong culinary ability with excellent leadership and communication skills.

You will ideally be:

• Experienced at Executive Chef or senior Head Chef level

• Experienced in Mediterranean/Italian Mediterranean cuisine

• Confident with high-quality meat and fish

• Passionate about fresh food and quality ingredients

• Experienced within a high-end restaurant, gastro pub or rosette-level operation

• A strong menu developer

• Commercially aware

• Organised and operationally strong

• Comfortable leading a kitchen team

• Open-minded and receptive to constructive feedback

• A clear and effective communicator

• Calm and professional under pressure

• Collaborative

We are looking for someone who can work closely with the owner and wider team, communicate effectively and create a positive kitchen environment.

Executive Chef or Step-Up Opportunity

We are also keen to hear from high-performing Head Chefs who are ready to take their first step into an Executive Chef position.

If you have the culinary ability, leadership experience and personality required, but have not yet held an Executive Chef title, this could be an excellent opportunity to progress your career.

A potential six-month salary review may be considered for the right step-up candidate.

Package

Salary: £45,000-£60,000 per annum, depending on experience.

Bonus: A 4-5% percentage/profit-share arrangement based on takings, subject to the agreed bonus structure.

Live-in accommodation may also be available for key staff, subject to availability.

The Project

The new venue is undergoing a major refurbishment following a significant investment.

The finished establishment will include:

• Boutique hotel accommodation

• Restaurant

• Large garden

• Wedding and event facilities

There are also ambitions to build the reputation of the business and pursue future industry recognition and accolades.

The Opportunity

This is more than a standard Executive Chef appointment.

You will be joining a project during its development phase, giving you the opportunity to help create the kitchen, develop the menus, build the team and establish the standards from day one.

If you are an experienced Executive Chef, or an ambitious Head Chef ready for the next step, and you are looking for the opportunity to make your mark on an exciting new Italian Mediterranean destination, we would like to hear from you.

Start Date

The target opening is mid-February, with the successful chef expected to join approximately 2-3 weeks beforehand to allow time for menu development, kitchen preparation, team organisation and pre-opening work.