At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a passionate kitchen team and create exceptional dining experiences.
- Company: Hiddenwell Luxury Wellness Retreat, a supportive and collaborative environment.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, spa perks, discounts, and excellent career development.
- Other info: Full-time role with flexible hours and opportunities for growth.
- Why this job: Inspire creativity in the kitchen and make a real impact on guest experiences.
- Qualifications: Confident culinary leader with strong people and commercial skills.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 55000 £ per year.
Ardencote Manor | Hiddenwell Luxury Wellness Retreat
Full Time | Permanent
Salary: £50,000 - £55,000 per annum
Estimated Start Date: 12 October 2026
Lead the kitchen. Inspire the team. Create exceptional dining experiences.
We’re looking for an experienced and passionate Head Chef to lead our kitchen team and deliver consistently outstanding food and memorable experiences for our guests. You’ll take ownership of the day-to-day kitchen operation from developing seasonal menus and maintaining exceptional standards to developing your brigade and delivering strong commercial performance.
What You'll Do
- Managing, motivating and developing the kitchen brigade, creating a positive, collaborative and high-performing environment where people can do their best work.
- Ensuring every dish meets our standards for quality, presentation and consistency, while keeping service running smoothly and efficiently.
- Developing and refining seasonal menus that reflect our brand, current culinary trends and what our guests love.
- Working alongside the Executive Chef and senior team to develop new dishes, concepts and ideas that continually improve our food offering and guest experience.
- Managing food costs, wage costs, stock, ordering and waste while maintaining quality and achieving agreed financial targets.
- Coaching, mentoring and recognising your brigade, providing regular feedback and supporting individuals with their development and career progression.
- Taking responsibility for kitchen rotas, stock control, opening and closing procedures, food specifications and the smooth running of daily operations.
- Maintaining excellent standards of food hygiene, allergen management and health & safety, including HACCP, COSHH, temperature monitoring and all required kitchen documentation.
What We're Looking For
- Must be a confident culinary leader who combines creativity and a passion for great food with strong people and commercial skills.
- Must know how to set the pace during a busy service, leading by example and build a kitchen culture based on high standards, respect and teamwork.
- Must have understanding of the numbers behind a successful kitchen, using food GP, labour costs, stock management and other KPIs to make informed decisions without compromising the guest experience.
Additional Information
- 45 hours per week – Full-Time permanent position.
- Working 5 days out of 7 per week (including weekends and bank holidays, you will need to be flexible to the business needs).
- Salary: £50,000 - £55,000 per annum.
- Estimated Start Date: 12 October 2026.
- Right to work in the UK required as time of application (visa sponsorship is not available).
Why Join Hiddenwell?
- Complimentary spa day on your work anniversary.
- Free use of leisure and spa facilities.
- 30% off stays and spa days.
- Discounts on food, drink and retail.
- Pension scheme.
- Free parking.
- Employee Assistance Programme.
- Perkbox benefits and Online GP.
- Refer-a-Friend bonus.
- Excellent training and career development.
- A supportive team where you can grow.
Ready to make an impact? We'd love to hear from you. People say you can't choose your family... we choose you to be part of ours!
Head Chef employer: Ardencote
At Hiddenwell Luxury Wellness Retreat, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values creativity, teamwork, and personal growth. As a Head Chef, you'll not only lead a passionate kitchen brigade but also enjoy a supportive work culture with excellent training opportunities, complimentary spa days, and discounts on our facilities. Join us in creating memorable dining experiences while advancing your culinary career in a beautiful retreat setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Ardencote. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Ardencote
Don't be shy about reaching out to Ardencote directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Ardencote and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ardencote
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
