At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a talented kitchen team and create exciting seasonal menus.
- Company: Ansty Hall, a beautifully restored country house in the Exclusive Collection.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, commission scheme, discounts, free meals, and career progression.
- Other info: Join a certified B Corp committed to sustainability and wellbeing.
- Why this job: Make your mark on culinary experiences while showcasing local ingredients.
- Qualifications: Proven experience as a Head Chef with strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 25290 - 30910 £ per year.
Set within picturesque grounds and brimming with character, Ansty Hall is a beautifully restored country house and proud member of the Exclusive Collection. With elegant event spaces, memorable dining and a passion for showcasing the best local and seasonal ingredients, it’s a place where creativity, heritage and exceptional hospitality come together.
We’re looking for an inspiring and ambitious Head Chef to lead our kitchen team and shape the culinary experience at Ansty Hall. This is an exciting opportunity for a talented chef who combines creativity with strong commercial awareness and exceptional leadership. You’ll have the freedom to develop distinctive menus, champion quality ingredients and create food that keeps guests coming back while building an engaged, high-performing brigade.
Working closely with the General Manager and wider hotel team, you’ll take ownership of kitchen performance, food quality, profitability and standards across all dining, private event and wedding operations.
At Ansty Hall, talent, passion and performance deserve to be rewarded. As part of the Exclusive Collection, you’ll enjoy:
- An attractive commission scheme, rewarding the achievement of agreed quality, profitability and guest-satisfaction targets
- Preferential rates across all Exclusive Collection hotels
- 50% off food and beverage when dining at our hotels
- Free meals while on duty
- Access to our Employee Assistance Programme and wellbeing resources
- Exclusive discounts and benefits through Hospitality Essentials
- Excellent opportunities for learning, development and career progression across the Exclusive Collection
What You’ll Be Doing
- Lead, inspire and develop the kitchen brigade, creating a positive culture built on teamwork, creativity and excellence
- Create exciting, seasonal menus that celebrate high-quality local produce and reflect the character of Ansty Hall
- Deliver consistently exceptional food across the hotel’s restaurants, weddings, private events and special occasions
- Take ownership of food quality, presentation and kitchen standards throughout every service
- Manage food costs, stock, purchasing, labour and waste to achieve agreed budgets and profitability targets
- Build strong relationships with trusted suppliers, ensuring exceptional ingredients, value and consistency
- Recruit, train and develop culinary talent, supporting progression and succession within the team
- Maintain the highest standards of food safety, hygiene, allergen management and health and safety
- Monitor guest feedback and dining trends, using insight to evolve menus and enhance the overall experience
- Work collaboratively with the General Manager, Food and Beverage team, Sales team and wider hotel departments
- Support the delivery of show‑rounds, tastings and special events, bringing the Ansty Hall food story to life
- Remain calm, organised and visible during busy services, setting the standard for the entire brigade
What We’re Looking For
- Proven experience as a Head Chef or senior kitchen leader within a quality hotel, restaurant or events environment
- A genuine passion for seasonal cooking, local ingredients and memorable dining experiences
- An inspiring leadership style, with experience recruiting, coaching and developing high-performing kitchen teams
- Strong commercial awareness and confidence managing food costs, labour, stock and budgets
- Experience delivering consistently high standards across restaurant service, weddings and events
- Excellent knowledge of food safety, allergens, kitchen compliance and health and safety requirements
- Creativity, attention to detail and the confidence to develop commercially successful menus
- Strong communication, organisation and problem-solving skills
- The energy and resilience to thrive in a fast-paced hospitality environment
- A collaborative approach and a commitment to creating exceptional experiences for every guest
We are a certified B Corp, committed to sustainability and responsible business practices. At Exclusive Collection, we champion wellbeing, progression and a culture where people who share our values can thrive. As an equal opportunities employer, we welcome applications from all individuals with the right to work in the UK. If you require any adjustments during the application process, please let us know. If you’re ready to lead with creativity, develop an outstanding kitchen team and make your mark on the culinary future of Ansty Hall, we’d love to hear from you.
Head Chef employer: Exclusive Hotels and Venues
At Exclusive Hotels and Venues, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, particularly at our stunning Ansty Hall location. Our commitment to sustainability as a certified B Corp, combined with a vibrant work culture that fosters creativity and teamwork, ensures that our employees thrive both personally and professionally. With competitive salaries, free meals, gym access, and ample growth opportunities, we invite you to be part of a team that celebrates innovation and prioritises employee wellbeing.
Contact Details:
Exclusive Hotels and Venues Recruitment Team
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 Exclusive Hotels and Venues. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Exclusive Hotels and Venues
Don't be shy about reaching out to Exclusive Hotels and Venues 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 Exclusive Hotels and Venues 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 Exclusive Hotels and Venues
✨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!
