Job Ref: AB1073
Branch: St Mawes Elysium
Location: St Mawes Elysium
Salary/Benefits: Competitive Salary
Contract type: Permanent
Hours: Full Time
Hours per week: 40 Hours a week
Posted date: 31/08/2026
Closing date: 30/09/2026
Head Chef
Lead the Kitchen | Mediterranean Small Plates | Cornwall
Do you thrive in a busy kitchen where fresh ingredients, exceptional hospitality and beautifully crafted food come together?
We're looking for an experienced Head Chef to become the driving force behind the day-to-day operation of our kitchen in our stunning new 56-bedroom hotel. Our restaurant celebrates vibrant Mediterranean-inspired small plates, showcasing seasonal ingredients, bold flavours and relaxed dining at its very best.
This is an exciting opportunity for a talented chef who loves leading from the front, developing people and delivering consistently exceptional food. Working alongside our Executive Chef, Stephane Delourme you'll take ownership of daily service, inspire your team and help shape an unforgettable dining experience for every guest.
What you'll be doing
- Leading the kitchen during busy breakfast, lunch and dinner services.
- Inspiring, coaching and developing a talented brigade.
- Delivering consistently outstanding Mediterranean-inspired dishes.
- Maintaining exceptional food quality, presentation and consistency.
- Supporting seasonal menu development and new dish creation.
- Managing stock, food costs and minimising waste.
- Ensuring the highest standards of food safety and kitchen cleanliness.
- Working closely with our front-of-house team to create memorable guest experiences.
- Taking full responsibility for the kitchen in the Head Chef's absence.
We're looking for someone who
- Has previous experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef in a busy hotel kitchen.
- Is a confident and supportive leader who enjoys developing others.
- Has a passion for fresh, seasonal food and Mediterranean flavours.
- Thrives in a fast-paced, quality-led kitchen.
- Has excellent organisational and communication skills.
- Understands food cost control and kitchen profitability.
- Leads by example with energy, professionalism and positivity.
- Takes pride in producing exceptional food every single service.
Why join us?
This isn't just another Head Chef role.
You'll be joining a growing luxury hospitality business where quality, creativity and genuine hospitality sit at the heart of everything we do. You'll have the opportunity to influence menus, develop your team and play a key role in shaping the reputation of one of Cornwall's most exciting new dining destinations.
We believe great hospitality starts with great people, so we invest in creating an environment where talented chefs can grow, be recognised and enjoy coming to work.
We offer
Competitive salary.
- Career development and progression opportunities.
- Ongoing training and development.
- Meals on duty.
- Uniform provided.
- Employee discounts across the group.
- A supportive, collaborative team culture.
- The opportunity to help build something truly special.
If you're passionate about great food, love leading a team and want to be part of an ambitious new hospitality brand, we'd love to hear from you.
A new chapter in luxury hospitality is coming to St Mawes. This exciting new hotel will bring 56 beautifully designed bedrooms, a vibrant café, and a relaxing spa experience to one of Cornwall’s most sought-after coastal destinations. We will be looking for talented, enthusiastic people to join the opening team and help shape something special from the very beginning — creating exceptional guest experiences in a setting defined by style, comfort and seaside charm.
St. Mawes is a pretty village that once used to be a fishing port. Narrow streets and cottages help to give St. Mawes a quaint feel, albeit with all the modern facilities you could need. There’s a treasure trove of beaches, coves, and creeks all along the Roseland Heritage Coast, including beaches that are perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
You can take leisurely strolls along the coast, spend time relaxing on the beach or enjoy serene boat trips. If you are more active you can make the most of the wonderful walking trails and maybe take part in any of the water sport activities available. Our St. Mawes hotel also makes an excellent base from which to explore the region.
