Head Chef in Plymouth

We are looking for an experienced Head Chef to lead the kitchen at the historic Duke of Cornwall Hotel. This exciting opportunity requires a passionate and commercially minded chef to take ownership of the hotel’s food offering, leading the kitchen team across restaurant service, events, weddings, conferences, and private dining. As the building prepares to reopen at the end of August following a period of maintenance and improvement works, this is a fantastic chance for a Head Chef to help shape the next chapter of the hotel’s food offering and guest experience. The role works closely with the senior leadership team to elevate the guest experience and develop a food offering that reflects the character and reputation of one of Plymouth’s most iconic hotels.

Responsibilities

• Lead the kitchen team across The Duke of Cornwall hotel, ensuring consistently excellent food and service.
• Inspire, develop, and mentor the team to create a positive kitchen culture where standards, teamwork, and learning thrive.
• Drive menu development, bringing fresh ideas that balance creativity, quality, and commercial performance.
• Oversee all aspects of kitchen operations, including service delivery, food quality, cost control, stock management, and supplier relationships.
• Ensure the highest standards of food safety, hygiene, and compliance, maintaining a kitchen environment that is organized, safe, and efficient.
• Work closely with senior hotel leadership to deliver memorable guest experiences across restaurant service, events, and group business.
• Manage rotas, labour costs, and kitchen performance to ensure the operation runs smoothly while supporting team wellbeing.
• Lead from the front during service, ensuring every dish leaving the kitchen reflects the standards and reputation of the hotel.

Requirements

• Proven experience as a Head Chef, leading busy kitchens and managing full kitchen operations within a hotel, restaurant, or similar high‑volume environment.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to build, develop, and motivate a kitchen brigade while maintaining a positive and professional culture.
• Demonstrated experience managing kitchen financial performance, including food GP, stock control, and labour costs.
• A hands‑on leader who remains calm and organised during busy services while maintaining exceptional standards.
• Excellent knowledge of food safety, kitchen compliance, and HACCP standards.
• A passion for quality food and menu development, with the ambition to build a reputation locally for elevating the food offering at our hotels.

Benefits

• Discounted hotel room rates for you and your friends & family.
• An additional day’s holiday for your birthday.
• Enhanced maternity, adoption and shared parental leave.
• Course sponsorship.
• 30% F&B discount at RBH hotels.
• Refer‑a‑Friend scheme (earn £250 for each referral up to 5 referrals).
• Flexible working arrangements.
• Wagestream – choose how and when you get paid.
• Life insurance.
• Employee assistance programme.
• Social and wellness events and activities all year round.
• Free meals on duty, saving you over £1000 per year.
• Salary band ranging from £39k – £42k depending on experience.

Equal Opportunities

RBH Hospitality Management is an equal opportunity employer. We believe in hiring a diverse workforce and sustaining an inclusive, people‑first culture. If at any point throughout our process you require reasonable adjustments, please contact us.