Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead culinary operations and inspire excellence across multiple dining venues.
- Company: Burgh Island Hotel, a historic and iconic destination in South Devon.
- Benefits: Starting salary of £60,000, bonuses, subsidised accommodation, and discounted meals.
- Why this job: Make your mark on a landmark hotel while crafting exceptional dining experiences.
- Qualifications: Proven experience as an Executive or Head Chef in high-quality environments.
- Other info: Join a collaborative leadership team dedicated to inclusivity and growth.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 84000 £ per year.
Burgh Island Hotel & The Pilchard Inn, South Devon
Starting from £60,000 per annum + Gratuities | Quarterly Bonus Scheme | Assistance with re-location available | Full-Time, Permanent
Step into a role steeped in history, creativity and coastal beauty. Burgh Island Hotel — one of Britain’s most iconic destinations — is seeking an Executive Head Chef to join our senior management team and lead our kitchens into an exciting new era.
About the Role
As Executive Head Chef, you’ll take the helm of all culinary operations across Burgh Island Hotel and The Pilchard Inn, inspiring excellence through every service — from elegant fine dining in the Grand Ballroom to relaxed, soulful dishes at The Pilchard and modern British cuisine in The Nettleford. You’ll shape and deliver a distinctive culinary identity across our venues, crafting menus that celebrate the essence of the island, the rhythm of the tides, and the incredible bounty of our local Devonshire suppliers. This is a hands‑on leadership role — balancing creative flair with operational precision, mentoring and developing a passionate team, and working collaboratively with the F&B Manager and senior leadership to ensure a seamless guest journey from breakfast to evening dining and every special event in between.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead, inspire and develop the kitchen teams across all outlets to deliver consistently exceptional food and service.
- Curate distinctive, seasonal menus for The Pilchard Inn, The Nettleford, and the Grand Ballroom, showcasing local, sustainable produce.
- Drive innovation while respecting the heritage and story of Burgh Island.
- Oversee all aspects of kitchen management — from compliance and food safety to cost control, purchasing, and labour planning.
- Collaborate closely with the F&B Manager and senior team to ensure a cohesive guest experience across all outlets and events.
- Elevate our celebration catering, creating memorable, one‑of‑a‑kind dining experiences for all occasions.
- Champion a positive, inclusive and empowered kitchen culture that encourages growth, creativity and pride in the craft.
About You
We’re looking for a leader who blends culinary excellence with emotional intelligence — someone who leads with presence, nurtures their team, and thrives on collaboration.
- Proven experience as an Executive or Head Chef within a high‑quality, independent or destination hotel environment with multiple dining concepts.
- A deep respect for fresh, seasonal, locally and responsibly sourced ingredients.
- Strong leadership and mentoring skills — passionate about developing people as much as creating food.
- A commercial mindset, with the ability to manage budgets, margins and performance effectively.
- A calm, inspiring approach that thrives in a culture of change, innovation and shared purpose.
- Creativity, curiosity and a genuine love for hospitality — from staff meals to grand events.
Why Join Us
This is a fantastic opportunity to make your mark on a landmark British hotel entering an exciting chapter of evolution. You’ll join a leadership team dedicated to building an inclusive, engaged and collaborative culture.
- Subsidised staff accommodation.
- Discounted food and drink across the hotel.
- High‑quality, free staff meals when on shift.
- Annual night’s stay.
- Plus, other great benefits!
Executive Head Chef employer: Burgh Island Hotel and Pilchard Inn
Contact Detail:
Burgh Island Hotel and Pilchard Inn Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive Head Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow chefs, industry contacts, or even past colleagues. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your culinary flair! Create a portfolio showcasing your best dishes and menus. This visual representation of your skills can really set you apart during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the venue's culinary style and ethos. Tailor your responses to reflect how your vision aligns with their brand, especially at a unique place like Burgh Island Hotel.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed and shows your genuine interest in joining our team at Burgh Island.
We think you need these skills to ace Executive Head Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Culinary Arts: When writing your application, let your love for food and hospitality shine through. Share your culinary journey, highlight your creativity, and explain how you can bring a unique flavour to our kitchens at Burgh Island Hotel.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for this role. Highlight your experience in high-quality dining environments and your ability to lead a team. We want to see how your skills align with our vision for the hotel!
Be Authentic and Personal: Don’t be afraid to inject some personality into your application. We’re looking for someone who can inspire their team and create memorable dining experiences, so let us know what makes you tick and how you connect with others.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates about the process. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Burgh Island Hotel and Pilchard Inn
✨Know Your Culinary Story
Before the interview, think about your culinary journey and how it aligns with the ethos of Burgh Island Hotel. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've crafted menus that celebrate local ingredients and reflect a unique culinary identity.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to discuss your approach to leading a kitchen team. Highlight your mentoring experiences and how you foster a positive kitchen culture. Use anecdotes that demonstrate your ability to inspire and develop talent while maintaining high standards.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Since this role involves working closely with the F&B Manager and senior leadership, be prepared to talk about your collaborative experiences. Share examples of how you've successfully partnered with other departments to enhance the guest experience and drive innovation.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Sustainability
Given the emphasis on local and sustainable produce, come equipped with ideas on how you can incorporate these elements into your menus. Discuss any previous initiatives you've led that focused on sustainability in the kitchen, showcasing your commitment to responsible sourcing.
