About the Role
Building lasting culinary partnerships – connecting exceptional chefs with kitchens where both can thrive.
Head Chef – Exciting Leadership Opportunity | Rural Surrey | 3-Star Hotel
We are seeking an exceptional Head Chef to lead the kitchen of an established 3-star hotel set within the beautiful Surrey countryside. Under new ownership and with ambitious plans for growth, investment and elevated quality, this is an opportunity to play a defining role in shaping the future of a developing hospitality destination.
This is more than a traditional Head Chef position — we are looking for a passionate culinary leader who wants to build something, influence standards, develop people and create a food offering that becomes a key reason guests choose to visit and return, this is not a sit back and coast role, you are building something real.
The Opportunity
With new ownership comes a clear vision: to enhance quality across every part of the guest experience while growing the reputation of the hotel as a destination for dining, events and hospitality. Our client is looking for a Head Chef who shares that ambition.
You will have the opportunity to:
Lead and inspire the kitchen, a long established team
Design and develop fresh, seasonal menus
Raise food quality and presentation standards
Drive consistency and operational excellence
Build a positive kitchen culture focused on teamwork and development
Work closely with senior leadership to shape the future direction of the food operation
Support growth across restaurant, events and hospitality offerings
About You
You are an experienced chef with strong leadership ability and a genuine passion for quality food and hospitality.
You will ideally have:
Previous experience as a Head Chef ready to step up
A strong understanding of fresh food operations, procurement systems and margin controls
Experience managing kitchen teams, rotas and stock control
High standards of food quality and consistency
Commercial awareness and cost management experience
Energy, ambition and a hands-on leadership style
A desire to be part of a business with long-term growth plans
1-2 Rosette experience in an operational hands on capacity
What We Offer
Competitive salary package
Opportunity to shape and influence the food offering from an early stage
Career progression as the business develops
Supportive ownership team with ambitious plans
Beautiful rural Surrey location
The chance to build a reputation and make a genuine impact
A solid commercial bonus - for KPI's around margin, growth of revenue and accolades
If you are an ambitious chef looking for a role where you can help create something special rather than simply maintain the status quo, we would like to hear from you.
The Chef Hub - raising the standard through community, quality, and opportunity.
Requirements
Ability to commute/relocate:
Surrey: Reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Experience:
Min 7 years of culinary experience,
Head Chef 1 year min
Hotel leadership and business development min 1 year
Casual & Fine Dining, Rosette experience is required
Passion for teamwork, commitment and growth,
Licence/Certification:
Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate (required)
H&S level 2 (required)
Allergen awareness training (required)
Work authorisation:
United Kingdom (required)
The Chef Hub is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse work environment. We do not discriminate based on race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by law. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any of these factors.We encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, please contact us directly, should you have any further questions or concerns.
Eligibility to Work in the UK - At The Chef Hub, we are committed to ensuring all our team members have the legal right to work in the United Kingdom. As part of our recruitment process, all applicants must provide valid documentation demonstrating their eligibility to work in the UK in accordance with current Home Office regulations. This may include, but is not limited to, a British or Irish passport, settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, or a valid visa that permits work in the UK.
£45,000 to £50,000 plus Bonus