Head Chef

Head Chef Winslade Manor, Exeter Salary negotiable | Full Time | Permanent Lead the Dining Experience at Winslade Manor Winslade Manor is one of Devon's premier hospitality destinations, combining exceptional dining, elegant events, luxury weddings and outstanding guest experiences within a stunning countryside setting. We are seeking an ambitious, creative and experienced Head Chef to lead our kitchen team and further develop a food offering that reflects the quality, reputation and aspirations of the venue. This is a hands-on leadership role combining creative food, people leadership, organisation and commercial responsibility. You will take full ownership of the kitchen operation across restaurant service, weddings, private dining and events, ensuring consistently high standards while developing a strong, motivated and professional team. The Role As Head Chef, you will lead the day-to-day operation of the kitchen, overseeing menu development, food quality, team performance, purchasing, stock control, labour management and service delivery. You will work closely with the General Manager, Front of House and Events teams to ensure the kitchen is well planned, commercially effective and consistently delivers an exceptional guest experience. The role requires flexibility to work across days, evenings, weekends, Bank Holidays and busy seasonal periods. Your Responsibilities

• Lead the culinary direction of Winslade Manor, maintaining consistently high standards of food quality, presentation and service.
• Develop creative, seasonal and commercially viable menus, including appropriate options for vegetarian, vegan and other dietary requirements.
• Cost menus and dishes accurately, managing food GP, portion control, purchasing, stock and waste.
• Recruit, lead, motivate and develop a strong kitchen team, creating a positive and professional working environment.
• Set clear standards and expectations, supporting training, performance management and career development.
• Plan kitchen rotas and staffing levels around restaurant covers, weddings, private dining, events and seasonal demand.
• Take ownership of the food delivery for weddings, private functions and events, including menu planning, tastings, preparation and logistics.
• Ensure dietary requirements and food allergies are communicated clearly, prepared safely and delivered accurately.
• Work closely with Front of House, Events and management teams to ensure smooth service and effective communication.
• Plan for forthcoming business levels, ensuring appropriate staffing, ordering, preparation and stock levels.
• Maintain exceptional standards of food safety, hygiene, HACCP, allergen management, COSHH and Health & Safety.
• Monitor guest feedback, food quality and service performance, identifying opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Ensure kitchen equipment, cleanliness, organisation and maintenance are maintained to a high standard.
• Remain hands-on during key services, leading by example and ensuring consistency across every service. About You We are looking for a passionate and commercially aware head chef with:
• Previous experience as a Head Chef, Senior Sous Chef or equivalent within a high-quality restaurant, luxury hotel, wedding venue or events environment.
• Strong leadership, communication and people-development skills.
• Proven experience developing and costing seasonal menus.
• A strong understanding of food GP, purchasing, stock control and labour management.
• Experience delivering weddings, functions, private dining and events alongside restaurant service.
• Excellent organisation and forward-planning skills.
• Strong knowledge of food safety, allergens, HACCP and Health & Safety.
• A passion for fresh, seasonal and high-quality produce.
• The ability to balance culinary ambition with commercial discipline.
• A hands-on approach and genuine commitment to developing a successful kitchen team. What We Offer
• Salary negotiable, depending on experience
• Creative freedom to influence and develop menus
• Employee discounts and 50% off gym membership
• A supportive and ambitious management team
• The opportunity to lead the culinary operation at one of the South West's respected hospitality venues Working Pattern This is a full-time hospitality leadership role requiring flexibility across:
• Day and evening service
• Weekends and Bank Holidays
• Weddings and private events
• Peak seasonal trading periods Apply Now Please send your CV and a covering letter outlining your experience and what you could bring to sian@winsladepark.com Salary: Salary negotiable, depending on experience Location: Winslade Manor, Exeter Job Type: Full Time, Permanent Great food, exceptional experiences. A place to belong.