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- Tasks: Lead a talented kitchen and create innovative seafood menus.
- Company: Michelin Guide-listed seafood restaurant in a charming Devon inn.
- Benefits: Up to £45,000 salary, bonuses, 4-day work week, and meals on duty.
- Why this job: Make your mark in a respected restaurant with creative freedom.
- Qualifications: Experience as Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef in fine dining.
- Other info: Supportive environment with excellent work-life balance and career growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 54000 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a talented and confident Head Chef to take the lead at a Michelin Guide-listed, seafood-focused restaurant within a historic Devon inn. Set in a charming market town near Exeter, this independent property has built a reputation for exceptional local produce, creative cooking, and warm British hospitality.
After over a decade of success under the current owners, the restaurant is looking for a Head Chef who can bring fresh energy, creativity, and leadership while maintaining the consistent quality and ethos that guests love. This is a role offering genuine autonomy, creative freedom, and the opportunity to put your own stamp on the menu and kitchen direction, working hand-in-hand with supportive owners who value collaboration and innovation.
Your Role as Head Chef
- Lead the kitchen and inspire the brigade to deliver exceptional, consistent food at Michelin Guide standard.
- Create and develop new menus that celebrate seasonal, local produce — particularly the region’s outstanding seafood.
- Work closely with the owners to evolve the offering while respecting the restaurant’s established identity.
- Manage ordering, stock, budgets, and GP margins with precision.
- Maintain impeccable standards of food safety, hygiene, and organisation.
- Recruit, train, and nurture a motivated and happy kitchen team.
- Drive creativity and progression while ensuring smooth day-to-day operations.
About You
- Experienced as a Head Chef or ambitious Senior Sous Chef in a fine-dining or Michelin Guide-listed restaurant.
- Confident, organised, and creative, with the ability to balance innovation and consistency.
- Passionate about seafood, sustainability, and seasonality.
- Skilled at leading, inspiring, and developing a small, close-knit team.
- Financially astute, with strong knowledge of GP, waste control, and supplier relationships.
- Collaborative and approachable, with the confidence to work closely with the owners and front-of-house team.
What We Offer
- Up to £45,000 base salary + tronc + bonuses.
- 4-day working week with excellent work-life balance.
- Creative autonomy and the opportunity to shape the restaurant’s future.
- Supportive ownership and a calm, respectful working environment.
- Meals on duty and free on-site parking.
- Uniform provided.
- 45-hour working week with a set monthly rota (open Wednesday to Saturday).
- Chance to build on an established Michelin Guide reputation and make your mark on a renowned Devon restaurant.
If you’re a creative, motivated chef ready to lead a talented kitchen and drive a respected restaurant to new heights, this is your chance to shine. Please contact Jonny for a confidential discussion.
Head Chef in Topsham employer: Knekt Hub Ltd
Contact Detail:
Knekt Hub Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef in Topsham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with other chefs, restaurant owners, and industry folks. Attend local food events or culinary workshops to make those valuable connections that could lead to your next big opportunity.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Consider hosting a pop-up event or a tasting menu at a local venue. This not only showcases your culinary creativity but also gets your name out there in the community. Plus, it’s a great way to test new ideas for that Michelin-star quality!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply – engage! When you find a job that excites you, reach out directly to the owners or hiring managers. A quick email expressing your enthusiasm and sharing your vision can set you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 4
Keep your online presence fresh! Update your social media profiles with your latest culinary creations and experiences. A strong online portfolio can catch the eye of potential employers and show them what you’re all about before they even meet you.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef in Topsham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Seafood: When writing your application, let your love for seafood shine through! Share your experiences with local produce and how you’ve incorporated seasonal ingredients into your dishes. We want to see your creativity and enthusiasm for the cuisine.
Highlight Your Leadership Skills: As a Head Chef, you'll be leading a team, so make sure to showcase your leadership experience in your application. Talk about how you've inspired and developed your kitchen brigade in the past. We’re looking for someone who can motivate and nurture a close-knit team!
Be Financially Savvy: Don’t forget to mention your financial acumen! Discuss your experience with managing budgets, GP margins, and waste control. We value candidates who can keep the kitchen running smoothly while maintaining high standards.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get to know you better. Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Knekt Hub Ltd
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with the restaurant's current menu and its focus on seafood. Be ready to discuss how you would innovate while respecting their established identity. This shows your passion for the cuisine and your ability to contribute creatively.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a kitchen team in the past. Highlight your experience in training and nurturing staff, as well as how you’ve maintained high standards under pressure. This will demonstrate your capability to inspire and manage a close-knit team.
✨Discuss Financial Acumen
Be ready to talk about your experience with managing budgets, GP margins, and supplier relationships. Bring specific examples of how you’ve controlled costs and minimised waste in previous roles. This will show that you understand the business side of running a successful kitchen.
✨Emphasise Collaboration and Creativity
Since the role involves working closely with the owners, prepare to discuss how you value collaboration. Share instances where you’ve worked with others to evolve a menu or improve kitchen operations. This will highlight your approachable nature and your commitment to teamwork.
