Head Chef – Michelin Guide-Listed Seafood Restaurant | Up to £45,000 + Tronc + Bonuses

Location: Near Exeter, Devon
Salary & Package: Up to £45,000 + Tronc + Performance Bonuses
Hours: Full-time | 4-day working week
Cuisine: Modern British • Seafood-Led • Michelin Guide-Listed

The Opportunity

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a talented and confident Head Chef to take the lead at a Michelin Guide-listed, seafood-focused restaurant within a historic Devon inn. Set in a charming market town near Exeter, this independent property has built a reputation for exceptional local produce, creative cooking, and warm British hospitality.

After over a decade of success under the current owners, the restaurant is looking for a Head Chef who can bring fresh energy, creativity, and leadership while maintaining the consistent quality and ethos that guests love.

This is a role offering genuine autonomy, creative freedom, and the opportunity to put your own stamp on the menu and kitchen direction, working hand-in-hand with supportive owners who value collaboration and innovation.

Your Role as Head Chef

Lead the kitchen and inspire the brigade to deliver exceptional, consistent food at Michelin Guide standard.
Create and develop new menus that celebrate seasonal, local produce — particularly the region’s outstanding seafood.
Work closely with the owners to evolve the offering while respecting the restaurant’s established identity.
Manage ordering, stock, budgets, and GP margins with precision.
Maintain impeccable standards of food safety, hygiene, and organisation.
Recruit, train, and nurture a motivated and happy kitchen team.
Drive creativity and progression while ensuring smooth day-to-day operations.

About You

Experienced as a Head Chef or ambitious Senior Sous Chef in a fine-dining or Michelin Guide-listed restaurant.
Confident, organised, and creative, with the ability to balance innovation and consistency.
Passionate about seafood, sustainability, and seasonality.
Skilled at leading, inspiring, and developing a small, close-knit team.
Financially astute, with strong knowledge of GP, waste control, and supplier relationships.
Collaborative and approachable, with the confidence to work closely with the owners and front-of-house team.

What We Offer

Up to £45,000 base salary + tronc + bonuses
4-day working week with excellent work-life balance
Creative autonomy and the opportunity to shape the restaurant’s future
Supportive ownership and a calm, respectful working environment
Meals on duty and free on-site parking
Uniform provided
45-hour working week with a set monthly rota (open Wednesday to Saturday)
Chance to build on an established Michelin Guide reputation and make your mark on a renowned Devon restaurant

Apply Now

If you’re a creative, motivated chef ready to lead a talented kitchen and drive a respected restaurant to new heights, this is your chance to shine.

Please contact Jonny at jonny@knekthub.com or call 0161 528 5555 for a confidential discussion.