Head Chef
Location: Stoke by Nayland Resort & Golf Club, Suffolk
Department: Kitchen
Reporting to: Executive Head Chef
About Us
Stoke by Nayland Resort is one of the UK’s leading golf, spa and hospitality destinations, set within the beautiful Dedham Vale countryside. Home to award-winning dining, luxury accommodation, two championship golf courses, spa facilities and a thriving events business, we are passionate about delivering exceptional guest experiences.
We are now looking for an experienced and ambitious Head Chef to join our kitchen leadership team and help drive the continued success of our food offering across the Resort.
The Role
As Head Chef, you will work closely with the Executive Head Chef to lead the kitchen operation, inspire the brigade and deliver exceptional food standards across our restaurant and hospitality outlets.
This is a hands-on leadership role requiring strong operational management, creativity, financial awareness and a passion for delivering high-quality seasonal menus using fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
You will be responsible for ensuring outstanding food quality, maintaining profitability targets, leading and developing the kitchen team, and ensuring compliance with all food safety and health & safety legislation.
Key ResponsibilitiesKitchen Leadership & Operations
- Lead and motivate the kitchen brigade, including Sous Chefs, Chef de Parties and Commis Chefs
- Maintain consistently high food quality and presentation standards
- Support the planning and implementation of seasonal menus and new menu concepts
- Promote local produce and seasonal ingredients
- Work collaboratively with Front of House teams to deliver an exceptional guest experience
- Ensure smooth day-to-day kitchen operations and excellent communication throughout service
Financial & Commercial Performance
- Manage food purchasing, stock control and ordering procedures
- Minimise wastage and control departmental food costs in line with budgeted GP targets
- Review menus and pricing regularly to maximise revenue opportunities
- Support payroll and rota management in line with business levels
- Work alongside suppliers to negotiate best possible pricing
Team Development
- Lead by example and create a positive, professional kitchen culture
- Prepare weekly rotas and holiday planning
- Support training, coaching and development across the kitchen team
- Ensure team members complete required training in Food Safety, HACCP, COSHH and Allergens
- Assist with recruitment, performance management and HR matters where required
Compliance & Standards
- Ensure full compliance with HACCP, food hygiene and allergen legislation
- Maintain accurate health & safety records and risk assessments
- Uphold Stoke by Nayland Resort policies and procedures at all times
- Maintain a clean, safe and organised kitchen environment
What We’re Looking For
- Previous experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef within a quality hotel, resort or high-volume restaurant environment
- Strong leadership and people management skills
- Excellent knowledge of food safety, allergens and HACCP procedures
- Commercially aware with strong cost control experience
- Passionate about fresh food, menu innovation and guest satisfaction
- Calm under pressure with excellent organisational skills
- Flexible approach to working hours, including evenings and weekends
Employee Benefits From Your First Day
- 30% discount off food in Resort dining outlets (for up to four people)
- 20% discount off soft drinks in dining outlets
- 10% discount off alcoholic beverages
- 20% discount off lunch items in Pippin
- 5% discount off retail items in Pippin
- Complimentary access to Hospitality Action’s Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
After Successful Completion of Probation (Full-Time Employees 30+ Hours)
- Complimentary use of Peake Fitness (subject to availability)
- Complimentary use of both golf courses (subject to availability)
- Discounted accommodation in Resort hotel bedrooms
- 10% discount off lodge bookings
- 20% discount off spa treatments
- Discounted Resort event tickets
- 42% discount off full Peake Fitness membership
- 50% discount off full golf membership
After One Year’s Service
- Discounted membership options for an immediate family member or significant other
Additional Information
This role may require flexibility to support the wider kitchen and Resort operation as needed. Duties and responsibilities may evolve in line with business requirements.
If you are a passionate chef looking to take the next step in your career within a prestigious hospitality environment, we would love to hear from you.
Apply now to become part of the Stoke by Nayland Resort team.
Pay: From £55,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company events
- Discounted or free food
- Free parking
- Gym membership
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
