The Headland Hotel & Spa, Torquay, Devon
Full-time, Permanent
Annual salary of £45,000.00
Perched in one of Torquay's most spectacular coastal locations, The Headland Hotel & Spa enjoys breathtaking panoramic views across Torbay and has established itself as one of the English Riviera's most popular destinations for both visitors and local residents. The hotel is home to the Romanoff Restaurant, Gallery Lounge & Terrace, popular afternoon teas, weddings, events and year-round leisure guests, creating a vibrant and varied food operation.
Food is a key part of the Headland experience. From breakfast overlooking the bay and relaxed terrace dining to traditional Sunday lunches, steak nights, BBQ events, afternoon teas and wedding banqueting, the kitchen delivers a broad range of memorable dining experiences throughout the year.
This is an outstanding opportunity for a talented Head Chef to take ownership of a well-established food operation and help shape its next chapter.
We're looking for a chef who is passionate about great ingredients, inspired by Devon's exceptional local produce and excited by the opportunity to create dishes that reflect both the season and the hotel's stunning coastal setting. You'll have the freedom to develop menus, introduce new ideas and specials, and further enhance the dining experience across all areas of the business.
As Head Chef, you'll lead and develop your brigade, be highly visible during service and set the standard for quality, consistency and presentation. Working closely with the senior leadership team, you'll balance creativity with commercial performance, ensuring every plate leaving the kitchen contributes to the hotel's reputation as a destination for exceptional hospitality and outstanding food. This role offers the chance to make a genuine impact while working in one of the South West's most enviable hotel locations.
- Leading the entire kitchen operation across breakfast, lunch, dinner, afternoon tea, weddings, functions and special events.
- Being operationally present during peak service periods, leading the brigade from the front.
- Creating, developing and delivering seasonal menus that showcase quality ingredients and reflect guest expectations.
- Hiring, training, developing and motivating a high-performing kitchen team.
- Building a positive kitchen culture and fostering strong working relationships across all hotel departments.
- Ensuring exceptional food quality, consistency, presentation and guest satisfaction at all times.
- Managing food purchasing through approved suppliers and Procure Wizard.
- Managing stock control, ordering, food costs and monthly stocktakes.
- Controlling departmental payroll in line with business levels and budgets.
- Minimising waste through effective ordering, training and portion control.
- Ensuring all allergen, dietary and nutritional requirements are met safely and professionally.
- Maintaining the highest standards of food safety, hygiene and health & safety compliance.
- Working closely with the Food & Beverage and senior leadership teams to drive guest satisfaction and commercial performance.
- Preparing and reviewing kitchen performance reports, including food cost, stock and labour analysis.
- Previous experience as a Head Chef, Executive Chef or Senior Sous Chef ready for the next step.
- A passion for quality food and delivering exceptional guest experiences.
- Strong leadership skills with experience building, coaching and developing kitchen teams.
- Excellent knowledge of food cost control, stock management and kitchen financial performance.
- Experience delivering weddings, banqueting and event catering is desirable.
- A calm and organised approach under pressure.
- Strong understanding of food safety, allergens and health & safety legislation.
- Creativity, attention to detail and a genuine passion for hospitality.
- A hands-on management style and willingness to support the team whenever required.
Why Providence Hotels
The Headland Hotel & Spa is part of Providence Hotels, a growing collection of recognisable hotels across the UK.
This is an opportunity to put your stamp on an established and respected coastal hotel, working in a stunning location with the support of an ambitious and growing hotel group.
What's On Offer
- £45,000.00 per annum
- Employee discounts across Providence Hotels
- Referral programme
- Career development opportunities within a growing hotel group
- The opportunity to shape and develop the food offering at one of the English Riviera's best-known hotels
Pay: £45,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Discounted or free food
- Employee discount
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
