At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead our award-winning kitchen, creating exceptional dishes and inspiring your team.
- Company: Join a celebrated hotel group known for excellence and employee satisfaction.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous time off, health plans, discounts, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Be part of a collaborative culture that values your voice and promotes sustainability.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a creative culinary environment while nurturing future talent.
- Qualifications: Experience at 2-3 AA Rosette level and a passion for high-quality cuisine.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
We’re proud winners of the AA Small Hotel Group of the year 2024‑25, and Best Employer at the 2025 Springboard Awards for Excellence.
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.
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:
- 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?
- 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
- 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.
Our commitment to equity means we welcome talent from all backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences, and we encourage applications from all communities, including under‑represented groups, parents, people living with disabilities, and those bringing diverse perspectives.
Head Chef employer: Eden Hotel Collection
As a proud winner of the AA Small Hotel Group of the Year 2024-25 and Best Employer at the 2025 Springboard Awards for Excellence, we offer an exceptional work environment for our Head Chef. With a strong focus on employee wellbeing, generous time off, and numerous growth opportunities through our RISE & THRIVE leadership programmes, we foster a culture of collaboration and care, ensuring that every team member feels valued and supported in their culinary journey.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow chefs, industry contacts, or even friends who might know someone in the culinary world. A personal recommendation can go a long way in landing that Head Chef role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, organise a tasting session or a pop-up event to showcase your culinary creations. This not only highlights your talent but also gives potential employers a taste of what you can bring to their kitchen.
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared for interviews! Research the restaurant’s style and menu, and come armed with ideas on how you can elevate their offerings. Show them you’re not just a fit for the role, but a perfect match for their vision.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team and culture.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food:When you're writing your application, let your love for food shine through! Talk about your favourite dishes, your culinary inspirations, and how you keep up with food trends. We want to see that you’re not just a chef, but a true foodie at heart.
Highlight Your Leadership Style:As a Head Chef, your leadership skills are key. Share examples of how you've motivated your team in the past, and how you create a positive kitchen culture. We’re all about collaboration, so show us how you inspire pride and accountability in your brigade.
Be Specific About Your Experience:Make sure to detail your experience in 2–3 AA Rosette kitchens. We want to know about the environments you've worked in, the challenges you've faced, and how you've maintained high standards. Specifics will help us see how you fit into our team!
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. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our amazing team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Eden Hotel Collection
✨Know Your Culinary Vision
Before the interview, think about your culinary philosophy and how it aligns with the restaurant's ethos. Be ready to discuss your approach to creating Rosette-standard dishes and how you can bring innovation to their menu.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a kitchen team in the past. Highlight your ability to inspire and develop talent, as well as how you foster a positive kitchen culture. This will demonstrate that you're not just a great chef, but also a supportive leader.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Quality
Be prepared to talk about your commitment to using ethically sourced produce and your attention to detail in food presentation. Share specific instances where you've gone above and beyond to ensure quality in your dishes.
✨Practice Calm Under Pressure
Since the role involves managing a fast-paced kitchen, think of scenarios where you've successfully handled high-pressure situations. Discuss your time management skills and how you keep your team focused and calm during busy service times.
