Executive Head Chef
Location: Stoke by Nayland Resort
Department: Food & Beverage
Reporting to: Food & Beverage Director
Who We Are:
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, with a passion for delivering exceptional guest experiences.
We are now seeking an experienced and ambitious Executive Head Chef to join our senior management team to help drive the continued success of our food & Beverage offerings.
The Role
As Executive Head Chef, you will work closely with the F&B director and your senior chefs to lead the kitchen operations, inspire the brigade and deliver exceptional food standards across both our restaurants, our conference & banqueting and all our other hospitality outlets.
This is a hands-on leadership role requiring strong operational management skills, creativity, financial awareness and a passion for delivering high-quality seasonal menus using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. You will be responsible for maintaining the profitability targets, training & developing of the kitchen teams, and ensuring compliance with all food safety and health & safety legislation.
Key Responsibilities.
- Lead and motivate the kitchen brigade, including Head chef’s, Sous Chefs, Chef de Parties, Commis Chefs and Apprentices
- 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 periods and at weekly management meetings
Financial & Commercial Performance
- Manage food purchasing, stock control and ordering procedures
- Minimise wastage and control departmental food costs within budgeted GP targets
- Review menus and pricing regularly to maximise revenue opportunities
- Support payroll and rota management in line with business levels
- Work closely 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
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 are our Requirements:
- Minium of 5 years previous experience as an Executive or Head Chef
- Previous experience of delivering an exciting and modern approach to restaurant food delivery
- Experience in delivering a quality Conference & Banqueting food offering that includes plated events for large numbers.
- Strong leadership and mature people management skills
- Excellent knowledge of food safety, allergens, COSHH & HACCP procedures
- Commercially astute with strong cost control experience.
- Maintaining our guest’s satisfaction index to a high level
- Must always show a calm presence under pressure with excellent organisational skills
- Flexible approach to working hours, including evenings and weekends
Employee Benefits:
- Free onsite Parking
- 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
- 5% discount off retail items in Pippin
- Complimentary access to Hospitality Action’s Employee Assistance Programme
- 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
Additional Information:
The 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 Manager, looking to take the next step in your career within a prestigious hospitality environment, we would love to hear from you.
Remuneration:
Basic salary £55-£60,000 on experience
Bonus scheme up to £10,000 per annum based on KPI targets – (Food cost & Labour cost within set budgets)
Company pension scheme
Company insurance policy for long term sickness
Pay: From £55,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company events
- Discounted or free food
- Employee discount
- Free parking
- Gym membership
- On-site parking
- Store discount
Work Location: In person
