Head Chef

Burleigh Court Hotel Llp; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A charming country-house hotel located near Stroud is seeking a Head Chef to lead its culinary team. This full-time role involves overseeing kitchen operations, crafting seasonal menus, and fostering an environment of excellence. The ideal candidate has experience in high-end kitchens and a passion for local produce. Competitive salary and complementary staff meals offered.

Benefits

Competitive salary based on experience

Complimentary staff meals on duty

Discounted stays and dining across the hotel

Supportive ownership and team culture

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef in a high-end kitchen.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• Creative flair paired with sound technical skills.
• Excellent time management and financial acumen.
• Genuine passion for hospitality and local provenance.

Responsibilities

• Lead and motivate the kitchen team for exceptional food and service.
• Curate seasonal menus using local ingredients.
• Ensure daily operations run smoothly.
• Work closely with Front of House for seamless experiences.
• Uphold food safety and hygiene standards.
• Support staff recruitment and training.
• Manage supplier relationships and pricing.
• Maintain a calm and collaborative kitchen environment.

Skills

Leadership skills

Creativity

Communication skills

Time management

Organizational skills

Financial acumen

Education

Formal culinary qualification or equivalent experience

Job description

Perched above the Golden Valley near Stroud, Burleigh Court Cotswolds is a charming country‑house hotel and two‑rosette restaurant known for its panoramic views, seasonal menus, and warm, unhurried hospitality.

We blend the comfort of a country escape with the craft of fine dining — creating an experience that feels both luxurious and heartfelt. Alongside our hotel and restaurant, we host intimate weddings, retreats, and corporate gatherings in a setting that inspires connection and calm.

Our mission is simple: to delight guests through thoughtful detail, genuine warmth, and exceptional food rooted in the Cotswolds.

Role Description

We’re seeking a Head Chef to lead our culinary team with creativity, passion, and precision.

This is a full‑time, on‑site role based at Burleigh Court near Stroud.

As Head Chef, you’ll oversee all aspects of kitchen operations — from menu design and ingredient sourcing to daily service, standards, and team development. You’ll champion local produce, sustainability, and seasonality, crafting dishes that express a sense of place and uphold our highly‑rated two‑rosette reputation.

The right candidate will not only manage the kitchen but inspire a culture of pride, learning, and calm excellence — where food is prepared with care, and guests feel the difference.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and motivate the kitchen team to deliver consistently exceptional food and service.
• Curate seasonal menus that celebrate local ingredients and balance creativity with comfort.
• Ensure smooth daily operations, including prep schedules, stock control, and cost management.
• Work closely with the Front of House and Events teams to deliver seamless guest experiences across dining, weddings, and retreats.
• Uphold all food safety, hygiene, and compliance standards to the highest level.
• Support staff recruitment, training, and performance development.
• Manage supplier relationships and negotiate pricing to ensure sustainable profitability.
• Maintain a calm, collaborative environment — especially during peak service periods.

Qualifications & Experience

• Proven experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef in a high‑end or rosette‑level kitchen.
• Strong leadership and communication skills with the ability to nurture emerging talent.
• Creative flair paired with sound technical skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent time management, organisational, and financial acumen.
• Formal culinary qualification or equivalent hands‑on experience.
• Genuine passion for hospitality, seasonality, and local provenance.

Personal Qualities

• Calm under pressure and unflappable in service.
• Naturally collaborative — a mentor and team player.
• Brings warmth, pride, and professionalism to the role.
• A love of food that goes beyond technique — a storyteller through flavour and presentation.
• Competitive salary based on experience.
• Complimentary staff meals on duty.
• Discounted stays and dining across the hotel.
• Supportive ownership and a small, close‑knit team culture.

Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience.
• Complimentary staff meals on duty.
• Discounted stays and dining across the hotel.
• Supportive ownership and a small, close‑knit team culture.

📍 Location: Burleigh Court Cotswolds, near Stroud

If you’re a chef who finds joy in crafting food that feels both elegant and heartfelt — and you’d like to shape the next chapter of a beloved Cotswolds manor — we’d love to hear from you.