Head Chef in Exeter

Head Chef in Exeter

Exeter Full-Time 40000 - 40000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Hospitality Hunters

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the kitchen, create fresh gastro-style menus, and manage daily operations.
  • Company: A beautifully refurbished boutique inn in stunning South Devon.
  • Benefits: £40,000 salary, performance bonus, live-in accommodation, and supportive owners.
  • Other info: Opportunity to create memorable guest experiences in a dynamic environment.
  • Why this job: Make your mark in a vibrant kitchen while enjoying the picturesque Devon countryside.
  • Qualifications: Experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef with strong leadership skills.

The predicted salary is between 40000 - 40000 £ per year.

A beautifully refurbished boutique country inn in the heart of South Devon is searching for a talented Head Chef to lead the kitchen through an exciting summer season and beyond. This is a fantastic opportunity for a passionate chef who loves fresh food, seasonal menus, and creating high-quality gastro pub classics with a modern twist. The venue combines a busy restaurant, vibrant bar trade, and charming guest accommodation, attracting both loyal locals and visiting tourists throughout the year.

We are looking for a strong kitchen leader who can take full ownership of the operation while maintaining exceptional standards during busy service periods, events, and peak summer trade.

What You’ll Be Doing:
  • Leading the day-to-day kitchen operation
  • Designing and delivering fresh gastro-style menus and weekly specials
  • Managing GP, stock control, and kitchen budgets
  • Writing rotas and overseeing kitchen staffing
  • Driving consistency, quality, and presentation
  • Working closely with ownership to continue developing the food offering
  • Maintaining a clean, organised, and compliant kitchen
What We’re Looking For:
  • Previous experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef ready to step up
  • Strong fresh food background
  • Excellent organisational and leadership skills
  • Comfortable managing costings, ordering, and labour
  • Calm under pressure during busy services
  • Passion for hospitality and creating memorable guest experiences
What’s On Offer:
  • Salary of £40,000 depending on experience
  • Performance-related bonus scheme
  • Live-in accommodation available
  • Stunning Devon countryside location
  • Supportive owners with investment in the business
  • A genuine opportunity to make your mark on the kitchen

If you’re a driven Head Chef looking for a fresh challenge in one of Devon’s most picturesque locations, we’d love to hear from you. Apply now with your CV for immediate consideration.

Head Chef in Exeter employer: Hospitality Hunters

Join a premium boutique inn and gastro pub in the stunning South Devon countryside, where you will have the opportunity to lead a passionate kitchen team and create exceptional seasonal menus. With a competitive salary of £40,000, a performance-related bonus scheme, and live-in accommodation available, this role offers not only a chance to showcase your culinary skills but also to thrive in a supportive environment that values creativity and quality. Embrace the vibrant work culture and make a lasting impact on both the local community and visiting guests in this idyllic setting.

Hospitality Hunters

Contact Details:

Hospitality Hunters Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Head Chef in Exeter

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with other chefs and hospitality professionals. Attend local food events, join culinary groups on social media, and don’t be shy to reach out for a chat. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!

Tip Number 2

Show off your skills! If you can, create a portfolio of your best dishes or even host a pop-up event. This gives potential employers a taste of what you can bring to their kitchen. Plus, it’s a great way to get your name out there!

Tip Number 3

Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job listings to pop up. Reach out directly to restaurants and pubs you admire. Send them a friendly email expressing your interest and share your CV. Sometimes, the best opportunities come from a simple conversation.

Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! We’ve got some fantastic opportunities waiting for talented chefs like you. Make sure to check out our listings regularly and apply directly for a better chance at landing that dream role in a stunning location.

We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef in Exeter

Leadership Skills
Menu Design
Fresh Food Preparation
Stock Control
Budget Management
Organisational Skills
Costing Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion:Let us see your love for fresh food and seasonal menus shine through in your application. Share your culinary journey and what excites you about creating high-quality gastro pub classics with a modern twist.

Highlight Your Leadership Skills:As a Head Chef, you'll be leading the kitchen team, so make sure to showcase your organisational and leadership skills. Talk about your experience managing a team and how you've maintained exceptional standards during busy service periods.

Be Specific About Your Experience:We want to know about your previous roles, especially if you've been a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef. Detail your experience with cost management, stock control, and designing menus to give us a clear picture of your capabilities.

Apply Through Our Website:To make sure your application gets the attention it deserves, apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your CV and consider you for this exciting opportunity in beautiful Devon!

How to prepare for a job interview at Hospitality Hunters

Know Your Menu Inside Out

Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with the types of dishes the venue serves. Research seasonal ingredients and be ready to discuss how you would create or adapt menus to fit the gastro pub style. This shows your passion for fresh food and your ability to innovate.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As a Head Chef, you'll need to lead a team effectively. Prepare examples of how you've managed kitchen staff in the past, handled busy service periods, and maintained high standards. Be ready to discuss your approach to training and motivating your team.

Discuss Cost Management Confidently

Since managing GP and kitchen budgets is crucial, come prepared to talk about your experience with stock control and costings. You might even want to bring a few ideas on how you could optimise these processes at the new venue.

Emphasise Your Passion for Hospitality

Make it clear that you’re not just about cooking; you care about creating memorable experiences for guests. Share stories that highlight your commitment to hospitality and how you’ve gone above and beyond to ensure customer satisfaction.