Head Chef | 2 AA Rosette Country Hotel | Dartmoor, Devon

£42,000–£45,000 + Tronc + Performance Incentives | Live-In Available | Full Menu Ownership

An excellent opportunity has arisen for an experienced Head Chef, or a strong Senior Sous Chef ready to step up, to lead the kitchen at an award-winning country hotel in the heart of Dartmoor National Park.

This is a genuine opportunity to take ownership of an established 2 AA Rosette kitchen, shape the food direction and work closely with high-quality local suppliers in one of Devon's most distinctive hospitality settings.

The Hotel

This historic 32-bedroom country hotel sits in a striking riverside location in Dartmoor National Park and combines quality accommodation with an award-winning restaurant, bar, lounges, afternoon tea, weddings, private dining and events.

The hotel holds 3 AA Gold Stars, while the restaurant holds 2 AA Rosettes. The food offer is strongly rooted in seasonal Devon produce, working with local farmers, fishermen and producers, with a focus on modern British cooking and strong regional provenance.

Alongside restaurant service, the kitchen supports weddings, celebrations, conferences and private dining, giving the Head Chef a varied operation to lead and develop.

The Role

As Head Chef, you will take overall responsibility for the day-to-day kitchen operation and future food direction, including:

Leading, motivating and developing the kitchen brigade
Maintaining and developing the existing 2 AA Rosette standard
Creating seasonal menus and introducing new dishes
Championing local and regional produce
Managing GP, purchasing, stock and wastage
Planning rotas and controlling kitchen labour
Recruiting, training and developing the team
Overseeing restaurant dining, weddings, functions and hotel events
Maintaining strong food safety, allergen and compliance standards
Working closely with the senior hotel management team

There is genuine scope to put your own stamp on the food offer while building on an established Rosette-standard operation.

The Package

£42,000–£45,000 base salary
Tronc
Performance-related incentives
Live-in accommodation available if required
Discounted or free food
Employee discount
Free on-site parking
Full-time, permanent position

The Ideal Candidate

You will ideally already be operating as a Head Chef, although an accomplished Senior Sous Chef with the leadership ability and commercial awareness to step up will also be considered.

Experience within a 2 AA Rosette or comparable quality kitchen is highly desirable, together with a strong understanding of GP, labour, stock control, purchasing and team leadership.

A background in quality hotels, country-house properties, restaurants or strong fresh-food operations would fit particularly well.

Why This Role?

This is an opportunity to take ownership of an established award-winning kitchen rather than simply inherit a rigid operation. You will have the freedom to shape menus, work closely with excellent local suppliers and lead a varied food operation spanning restaurant dining, hotel guests, weddings and events.

For a chef who values seasonal British cooking, strong provenance and genuine ownership of the kitchen, this is a particularly attractive opportunity in one of Dartmoor's most distinctive hospitality settings.