Role: Executive Head Chef
Location: Forest of Dean (near Cheltenham)
Salary: Up to £70,000 + Tronc
Business Type: Independent Venue – Restaurant, Cookery School & Events
An exciting and rare opportunity has arisen for a talented and visionary Executive Head Chef to join a distinguished independent venue in the Forest of Dean, near Gloucester. This multifaceted destination is renowned for its refined dining, immersive cookery school experiences, and exceptional private events, and is now seeking a culinary leader to take it into its next chapter.
About the Role:
As Executive Head Chef, you will lead the kitchen team across three key areas: a 60-cover fine dining restaurant, a hands-on cookery school, and a thriving events calendar including weddings, corporate functions, and seasonal celebrations. You will be responsible for maintaining high culinary standards across the site, bringing creative flair, rigorous organisation, and a deep understanding of quality dining experiences.
Key Responsibilities:
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Lead and develop the culinary team to consistently deliver dishes of 2 Rosette standard or higher.
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Oversee daily service in the restaurant, ensuring menus are seasonal, locally inspired, and meticulously executed.
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Collaborate with the cookery school team to deliver engaging, educational and inspiring guest experiences.
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Design and execute high-quality menus for a wide range of events, from intimate gatherings to large-scale functions.
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Manage budgets, GP targets, stock, and supplier relationships efficiently and effectively.
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Ensure full compliance with food safety, hygiene, and health & safety standards.
Candidate Profile:
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Demonstrable experience as Head Chef or Executive Chef in fine dining environments, ideally with accolades of at least 2 AA Rosettes.
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Strong leadership credentials with the ability to inspire and develop a high-performing team.
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A genuine passion for seasonal British produce and provenance.
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Experience managing multi-outlet kitchens or versatile venues is highly desirable.
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Excellent communication, planning, and problem-solving skills.
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Calm, composed, and results-driven, even under pressure.
If you're an Executive Head Chef with the vision, experience, and leadership to shape a destination venue of culinary distinction – we would love to hear from you.
Apply now and make your mark in one of Gloucestershire's most exciting independent hospitality ventures.
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