Head Chef

Head Chef

Stratford-upon-Avon Full-Time 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead our kitchen team, innovate menus, and inspire junior chefs daily.
  • Company: Join an award-winning hotel group recognised for employee wellbeing and hospitality excellence.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 31 days off, monthly tips, exclusive discounts, and wellness support.
  • Why this job: Be part of a collaborative culture that values your voice and promotes growth.
  • Qualifications: Professional Cookery Level 3-4 or equivalent experience in a rosette-standard kitchen.
  • Other info: We welcome diverse applicants and support underrepresented groups in our workforce.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.

**We’re proud winners of the AA Small Hotel Group of theyear , rated as a Top 30 Best Place to Work in Hospitality 2024 by The Caterer, and recently crowned Best Employer at the 2025 Springboard Awards for Excellence**

What you’ll be doing?

As Head Chef , you will lead the culinary direction of our 2 AA Rosette brasserie, playing a pivotal role within the senior kitchen leadership team. You’ll take ownership of day-to-day kitchen operations – planning, organising and prioritising workloads – while confidently delegating and developing your brigade to deliver consistently exceptional food.

Drawing on your experience in a similar rosette-standard environment, you’ll bring creativity, innovation and attention to detail to every dish, ensuring standards are upheld at all times. You’ll lead from the front, inspiring pride in the kitchen and fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability and continuous improvement.

You’ll be passionate about nurturing talent, motivating your team to perform at their best and supporting both personal and professional development across all levels of the brigade.

EHC is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We actively welcome applications from under-represented groups and would particularly encourage applications from female chefs to help strengthen representation within our kitchens.

What you’ll need?

To succeed as our Head Chef , you’ll be a confident, professional leader with a genuine passion for delivering Rosette-standard cuisine and creating a positive, high-performing kitchen culture.

You’ll bring:

  • Proven experience working at 2–3 AA Rosette level , within a professional and fast-paced kitchen environment

  • A Professional Cookery qualification (Level 3–4) or equivalent demonstrable experience

  • A strong passion for food, seasonality and ethically sourced produce, with pride in presentation and execution

  • The ability to lead, organise and inspire a brigade – ensuring food is well-prepped, services run smoothly and standards are never compromised

  • Excellent time management, planning and organisational skills, with the ability to remain calm under pressure

  • A supportive, approachable leadership style, with a genuine commitment to developing Apprentices, Commis Chefs and future talent

  • A modern, people-first approach to kitchen leadership, creating an inclusive and engaging working environment while working collaboratively with the wider hotel team

  • What’s in it for you?

    At Eden Hotel Collection, we’re proud of our award-winning approach to employee wellbeing, engagement, and recognition (with industry award wins in 2023, 2024 and 2025!)—which means you’re joining a team that values your happiness, growth, and success every step of the way.

  • Generous Time Off : 31 days of leave, increasing to 33 with service.
  • Monthly Tips : Fairly shared service charge/gratuities, all paid on second paydate in the month.
  • Discounts & Perks : Exclusive savings at 800+ retailers, gyms, restaurants, days out, and utilities.
  • Wellbeing Center : Access to Hello Fresh recipes, fitness videos, and financial planning tools.
  • Health & Wellness Plans : Dental, vision, alternative care, and 24/7 GP access.
  • Sustainable Commuting : Cycle-to-Work and Electric Vehicle Leasing options.
  • Exclusive EHC Perks : Discounted stays, spa treatments, golf, and leisure at our properties.
  • The Happy Hub : Our reward and recognition platform where you can send peer-to-peer cards, earn monetary rewards, be celebrated as Employee of the Month, and receive long-service vouchers.
  • Genuine Wellbeing Support : We’re here to support your financial, mental, and physical wellbeing both via our supportive teams and Hospitality Action.
  • Employee Comm’s : Stay connected through Eden Engage for all the latest team news.
  • Grow with Eden : Develop with us through apprenticeships and leadership programs like RISE & THRIVE.
  • Family-Friendly Policies : Enhanced leave and return-to-work financial support for life’s key moments.
  • Everyday Essentials : Free parking, meals on duty, uniform provided and a footwear allowance.
  • A Culture of Collaboration and Care

    We work together to create a truly inclusive workplace, where your voice matters, and real change happens:

  • Your Voice Matters: Regular surveys that value your input.
  • Real Action: “You said, we did”—because we listen and respond.
  • Sustainability Focus: Employee champions at every hotel and HQ.
  • We’re proud members of the Hoteliers’ Charter, and our team is always at the heart of what we do, guided by our values of Heart, Honesty, Spirit, and Team.

    Our commitment to equity means we welcome talent from all backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences, and we encourage applications from all communities, including underrepresented groups, parents, people living with disabilities, and those bringing diverse perspectives. Join us to experience what it means to work for a values-led, award-winning employer.

    Want to get a flavour for Eden Hotel Collection? Give us a follow on Linked in.

    INDHP

    Head Chef employer: Eden Hotel Collection

    Eden Hotel Collection is an award-winning employer that prioritises employee wellbeing, engagement, and recognition, making it a fantastic place to work as a Head Chef. With generous time off, competitive benefits, and a culture of collaboration and care, you will have ample opportunities for personal and professional growth while being part of a supportive team dedicated to delivering exceptional culinary experiences. Join us in a vibrant environment where your voice matters and your contributions are celebrated.
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    Contact Detail:

    Eden Hotel Collection Recruiting Team

    StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

    We think this is how you could land Head Chef

    ✨Tip Number 1

    Familiarise yourself with the Eden Hotel Collection's values and recent awards. Highlighting your alignment with their commitment to employee wellbeing and inclusivity during any discussions can set you apart.

    ✨Tip Number 2

    Showcase your leadership style and how you motivate a kitchen team. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've developed junior chefs or improved team dynamics in previous roles.

    ✨Tip Number 3

    Research current food trends and be ready to share innovative menu ideas that reflect a passion for ethically sourced produce. This demonstrates your creativity and commitment to high standards.

    ✨Tip Number 4

    Network within the hospitality industry, especially with professionals who have experience at Eden Hotel Collection or similar establishments. Personal connections can provide valuable insights and potentially advocate for your application.

    We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef

    Professional Cookery Qualification (Level 3-4)
    Experience in a 2-3 Rosette Standard Kitchen
    Menu Design and Innovation
    Leadership and Team Management
    Timekeeping and Organisational Skills
    Passion for Food and Ethically Sourced Produce
    Ability to Motivate and Inspire a Team
    Calm Under Pressure
    Supportive Approach to Staff Development
    Effective Communication Skills
    Creativity in Culinary Presentation
    Knowledge of Health and Safety Regulations
    Budget Management and Cost Control
    Adaptability to Changing Environments

    Some tips for your application 🫡

    Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in professional kitchens, particularly at 2-3 rosette standard. Emphasise your leadership skills and any experience you have in menu design and team development.

    Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for food and commitment to ethically sourced produce. Mention how your leadership style aligns with the company's values and your enthusiasm for creating a positive working environment.

    Showcase Your Achievements: Include specific examples of your past successes in kitchen management, such as improving team performance or innovating menu items. Quantify your achievements where possible to demonstrate your impact.

    Research the Company Culture: Familiarise yourself with Eden Hotel Collection's values and recent awards. Reflect this understanding in your application to show that you are not only a fit for the role but also for the company culture.

    How to prepare for a job interview at Eden Hotel Collection

    ✨Showcase Your Culinary Passion

    During the interview, express your genuine love for food and cooking. Share specific examples of dishes you’ve created or innovative menu ideas you’ve implemented in previous roles to demonstrate your creativity and passion for culinary excellence.

    ✨Highlight Leadership Experience

    As a Head Chef, leadership is key. Be prepared to discuss your experience in managing kitchen teams, mentoring junior chefs, and how you foster a collaborative environment. Use anecdotes that illustrate your ability to inspire and motivate others.

    ✨Emphasise Organisational Skills

    Talk about your time management and organisational skills, especially in high-pressure situations. Provide examples of how you ensure that food is prepped and ready for service, and how you delegate tasks effectively within the kitchen brigade.

    ✨Demonstrate Commitment to Development

    Discuss your approach to personal and team development. Mention any training or mentorship programmes you’ve been involved in, particularly with apprentices and junior chefs, to show your commitment to building a talented kitchen team.

    Head Chef
    Eden Hotel Collection
    Location: Stratford-upon-Avon
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