Executive Head Chef
Stratford-upon-Avon | Up to £57,000 + £4,000-£6,000 service charge + Management Bonus
Are you an ambitious, creatively driven Executive Head Chef with a strong 2 AA Rosette background and a genuine passion for exceptional, ingredient-led cooking?
An exciting opportunity has arisen to lead the kitchen of a distinctive restaurant and hotel in the heart of Stratford-upon-Avon, where a strong connection to the local landscape, seasonal ingredients and the very best British produce sits at the heart of the food offering.
Inspired by the character and ethos of a contemporary British restaurant, the kitchen celebrates field-to-fork cooking, nose-to-tail principles and the changing seasons , with a particular emphasis on high-quality local produce, sustainable sourcing and the creative use of game.
The Role
As Executive Head Chef, you will take ownership of the culinary direction, leading and inspiring the brigade to deliver consistently outstanding food with personality, precision and a strong sense of place.
You will have the freedom to develop menus that showcase the best of each season, championing local suppliers, wild ingredients and the versatility of game. From thoughtful menu development to exceptional execution, you will create a dining experience that reflects a genuine passion for modern British cuisine.
Key responsibilities will include:
Leading, motivating and developing a talented kitchen team.
Creating innovative, seasonal menus rooted in British produce and field-to-fork philosophy.
Championing nose-to-tail cooking, game and the creative use of lesser-known cuts and ingredients.
Building strong relationships with suppliers and producers.
Maintaining the highest standards of food quality, presentation, consistency and kitchen organisation.
Managing food costs, GP, stock control, wastage and kitchen budgets.
Ensuring excellent food safety, hygiene and compliance standards.
Working closely with the wider management team to drive guest satisfaction, commercial performance and the restaurant's reputation.
The Ideal Candidate
This role requires a chef with both technical excellence and a genuine connection to the food they create.
Essential experience and attributes:
A proven background at 2 AA Rosette level or above .
Experience leading a high-quality restaurant kitchen as an Executive Head Chef, or Head Chef
A demonstrable passion for field-to-fork cooking, nose-to-tail principles and seasonal British produce.
Strong knowledge of game, its seasonality, preparation and creative application within modern menus.
A commitment to provenance, sustainability and building relationships with outstanding suppliers.
Excellent leadership, organisation and communication skills.
A commercially astute approach to kitchen management without compromising culinary standards.
The creativity, confidence and ambition to continually evolve the food offering.
What's on Offer?
Salary c £55,000 - £57,000 , depending on experience.
£4,000-£6,000 annual service charge , subject to actual service distributions.
Additional management bonus linked to performance.
A 40-hour working week .
Straight shifts, supporting a more structured work-life balance.
The opportunity to lead a distinctive, produce-led culinary operation with a strong identity and scope to make your mark.
Interested?
If you are a passionate, standards-driven chef who believes great cooking begins with exceptional ingredients, respects the whole animal and celebrates the seasons, we would love to hear from you.
Apply now for a confidential conversation about this exciting Executive Head Chef opportunity in Stratford-upon-Avon.
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Executive Head Chef in Stratford-upon-Avon employer: James Webber Recruitment
As an Interim Operations Manager at our prestigious 4-star hotel, you will be part of a dynamic team that values excellence and innovation in hospitality. We offer competitive salaries, opportunities for career advancement within a thriving company, and exclusive benefits such as discounted room rates for you and your friends, all within a supportive and collaborative work culture that prioritises employee growth and satisfaction.
