Job Ref: INT25809
Branch: Mercure Bedford Centre Hotel
Location: Mercure Bedford Centre Hotel, Bedford
Salary/Benefits: Competitive
Contract type: Permanent
Hours: Full Time
Shift pattern: Varied as per business requirements
Hours per week: 40 hours per week
Posted date: 18/08/2026
Closing date: 18/09/2026
Who are we?
Aimbridge Hospitality EMEA are a division of the global Aimbridge Hospitality brand. We’re passionate about connecting great people to great experiences in exciting destinations, working with brands such as Hilton, IHG, Accor, Marriott and everything in between. From the rich diversity of our people and locations to our “people first” approach to business, the Aimbridge experience is like no other.
What is in it for you?
As part of the Aimbridge team, you will have access to industry leading benefits that include
- Industry leading training and leadership development opportunities
- Hotel discounts portfolio wide – Staff rates and up to 50% discount on food beverage and spa
- Access to Stream - Stream up to 40% pay as it is earned and set automatic savings to support your financial wellbeing
- 24/7 access to our employee assistance programme
- Career and lifestyle breaks – Allowing you to take time off for key life events.
- Uncapped incentives to reward you for your contributions
- Staff meals on duty
- Free staff parking
A day in the life of…
As the inspiring Head Chef it will be your responsibility to oversee all kitchen operations with emphasis on quality and presentation and maximising every opportunity to ensure profit and cost margins are met and consistently kept in line with budget.
You will need to ensure that all food is prepared to the highest standard and in compliance with health and safety regulations and your knowledge of allergens will be crucial, as you will also be responsible for training and educating your staff on allergen awareness.
Additionally, you will be managing and motivating a team of chefs and kitchen staff while maintaining a clean and organized kitchen. You’ll be a key figurehead for the business that plays an essential role in maintaining the hotel's reputation and ensuring the safety and satisfaction of guests.
What do we need from you?
- Strong culinary skills and knowledge, including expertise in menu planning, recipe creation, and food preparation and presentation.
- Strong leadership and management skills, including the ability to Recruit, manage and motivate a team of kitchen staff to work together effectively and efficiently.
- Excellent communication and organisational skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with other hotel departments and external stakeholders, and to manage budgets and resources effectively.
- In-depth knowledge of food safety and hygiene regulations and guidelines, and the ability to always maintain strict standards of cleanliness and safety in the kitchen.
- The ability to adapt to changing customer preferences and dietary requirements, and to be creative and innovative in menu design and food presentation.
Most importantly, to be successful in this role, you will be passionate about providing an exceptional guest experience and living through our brand standards
At Aimbridge, we recognise that people are the heart of our business. As a Global leader, we are committed to representing our global community and offering everyone ‘A Place to Grow’
So, click apply today, we’d love to welcome you to our inclusive team shaping the future of hospitality.
The Mercure Bedford Centre is ideally situated in the heart of the busy market town of Bedford and is ideal for business and leisure guests. Thanks to our prime location, we have great transport links which make getting around by rail or car a breeze. On-site parking is available, and you're within walking distance of Bedford Railway Station. On the bank of the River Great Ouse, our restaurant and bar offers beautiful panoramic views over the river and surrounding area.
We're close to the M1 and just a mile off the A6, so you'll have easy access to local attractions like the Higgins Museum, Silverstone Circuit race track, John Bunyan Museum, Bedford Park and Woburn Safari Park. We have seven air-conditioned meeting rooms fully equipped with modern technology. They're perfect for business conferences or celebratory occasions, accommodating up to 450 guests.
Our hotel is conveniently located to London Luton Airport, London Stansted Airport and London Heathrow Airport for international and domestic guests travelling by plane. Milton Keynes, Cambridge and Central London are all within reach too.
