Executive Chef in Colchester

£60,000 plus Bonus scheme

Employee Benefits:

• Free onsite Parking
• 30% discount off food in Resort dining outlets (for up to four people)
• 20% discount off soft drinks in dining outlets
• 10% discount off alcoholic beverages
• Pension scheme
• Complimentary access to Hospitality Action's Employee Assistance Programme
• Complimentary use of Peake Fitness (subject to availability)
• Complimentary use of both golf courses (subject to availability)
• Discounted accommodation in Resort hotel bedrooms
• 10% discount off lodge bookings
• 20% discount off spa treatments
• Discounted Resort event tickets

Our Client, one of the UK's leading golf, spa and hospitality destinations, set within the beautiful Dedham Vale countryside. Home to award-winning dining, luxury accommodation, championship golf courses, spa facilities and a thriving events business, are looking for an Executive Head Chef with a passion for delivering exceptional guest experiences.

The Role

As Executive Head Chef, you will work closely with the F&B director and your senior chefs to lead the kitchen operations, inspire the brigade and deliver exceptional food standards across both our restaurants, our conference & banqueting and all our other hospitality outlets. This is a hands-on leadership role requiring strong operational management skills, creativity, financial awareness and a passion for delivering high-quality seasonal menus using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. You will be responsible for maintaining the profitability targets, training & developing of the kitchen teams, and ensuring compliance with all food safety and health & safety legislation.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and motivate the kitchen brigade, including Head chefs, Sous Chefs, Chef de Parties, Commis Chefs and Apprentices
• Maintain consistently high food quality and presentation standards
• Support the planning and implementation of seasonal menus and new menu concepts
• Promote local produce and seasonal ingredients
• Work collaboratively with Front of House teams to deliver an exceptional guest experience
• Ensure smooth day-to-day kitchen operations and excellent communication throughout service periods and at weekly management meetings

Financial & Commercial Performance:

• Manage food purchasing, stock control and ordering procedures
• Minimise wastage and control departmental food costs within budgeted GP targets
• Review menus and pricing regularly to maximise revenue opportunities
• Support payroll and rota management in line with business levels
• Work closely alongside suppliers to negotiate best possible pricing

Team Development:

• Lead by example and create a positive, professional kitchen culture
• Prepare weekly rotas and holiday planning
• Support training, coaching and development across the kitchen team
• Ensure team members complete required training in Food Safety, HACCP, COSHH and Allergens
• Assist with recruitment, performance management and HR matters where required
• Ensure full compliance with HACCP, Food hygiene and Allergen legislation
• Maintain accurate Health & Safety records and risk assessments
• Uphold Stoke by Nayland Resort policies and procedures at all times
• Maintain a clean, safe and organised kitchen environment

What are our Requirements:

• Minimum of 5 years previous experience as an Executive or Head Chef
• Previous experience of delivering an exciting and modern approach to restaurant food delivery
• Experience in delivering a quality Conference & Banqueting food offering that includes plated events for large numbers
• Strong leadership and mature people management skills
• Excellent knowledge of food safety, allergens, COSHH & HACCP procedures
• Commercially astute with strong cost control experience
• Maintaining our guest's satisfaction index to a high level
• Must always show a calm presence under pressure with excellent organisational skills
• Flexible approach to working hours, including evenings and weekends

Please note candidates only eligible to live and work in the UK should apply.

Ann Mansfield Recruitment are specialists in recruiting for Hospitality and Catering. Contact us to enquire about this role or any others we may have available.