Location: Potton Hall Hotel & Spa, Suffolk
Salary: £16–£18 per hour depending on experience Progression:
Starting salary during probation with structured increase upon successful completion
Hours: 45–50 hours per week (lunch and dinner service initially, breakfast service to follow)
Benefits
- Tips and performance bonus (KPI and profitability linked)
- Creative input and menu influence Farm-to-fork philosophy using local and garden produce
- Staff meals provided Wellness scheme and spa benefits
- Opportunity to help shape and grow a new restaurant from launch Beautiful countryside working environment
About Pezo's
Pezo's is a new restaurant at Potton Hall Hotel & Spa, built around bold flavours, smoke-led cooking and exceptional ingredients.
Our food combines seasonal Suffolk produce with African-inspired flavours and techniques. Fire sits at the centre of our approach, with a focus on live-fire cooking, smoking methods and our Josper oven.
We have already established a menu and food identity that is beginning to gain positive guest feedback and we are looking for someone who can strengthen and build on that foundation while bringing their own creativity and personality over time.
This is an exciting opportunity for a passionate chef who wants genuine influence in shaping a growing restaurant.
Role Overview
As Head Chef, you will lead a small and passionate kitchen team while working closely with our Chef Director to deliver an exciting food experience focused on smoke, seasonality and quality ingredients.
We are looking for someone who can respect and strengthen an existing food vision while gradually bringing fresh ideas and helping evolve the menu naturally over time.
Key Responsibilities
Kitchen Leadership
- Lead day-to-day kitchen operations Maintain a professional, organised and positive kitchen culture Recruit, train and support a small kitchen brigade Motivate and develop team members
Menu Development
- Work within the existing Pezo's food identity and continue building on a menu already receiving positive guest feedback
- Maintain consistency across established dishes and core menu items
- Bring creative ideas and contribute new dishes gradually through seasonal specials and events menus
- Trial and introduce new dishes through specials, allowing successful concepts to evolve naturally into the main menu
- Support ongoing menu refinement while preserving the core character and direction of Pezo's
Supplier and Garden Collaboration
- Build relationships with local suppliers including farmers, fishmongers and butchers
- Work closely with seasonal produce from our kitchen garden
- Support planning around growing, harvesting and seasonal availability
Quality and Cost Control
- Maintain food consistency and quality standards Monitor food costs, margins and wastage Manage stock control and ordering procedures Work towards agreed food cost and GP targets
Events and Hospitality
- Support weddings, private dining experiences and bespoke events Design and deliver memorable food experiences Contribute ideas for seasonal and event menus
Compliance and Standards
- Ensure all HACCP, food hygiene and health and safety procedures are maintained
- Keep kitchen records and documentation updated
- Maintain excellent cleanliness and operational standards
Skills and Experience
- Previous experience as a Head Chef or experienced Senior Sous Chef ready for progression
- Experience with live-fire cooking, charcoal grilling or Josper ovens preferred Strong understanding of meat, seafood and ingredient preparation
- Passion for seasonal cooking and quality ingredients Strong leadership and communication skills
- Experience controlling food costs and kitchen operations
- Level 3 Food Hygiene qualification desirable
- Strong understanding of allergens and food safety procedures
What We Offer
- Opportunity to help build a restaurant from the beginning
- Genuine creative input within an established food vision
- Career growth opportunities as Potton Hall expands
- Supportive and collaborative working environment
- The chance to create something unique and exciting
If you are passionate about food, smoke, flavour and delivering memorable guest experiences, we would love to hear from you.
Pay: £16.00-£18.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Discounted or free food
- Employee discount
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
