Executive Head Chef – Luxury Country House Hotel | Multi-Outlet Operation
New Forest, Hampshire
£60,000–£65,000 + Service Charge + Temporary Live-In + Excellent Benefits
A rare and exciting opportunity has arisen for an exceptional Executive Head Chef to take the culinary lead at one of Hampshire’s most iconic luxury country house hotels.
Set in the heart of the New Forest, this stunning and highly regarded property is home to two distinctive restaurant concepts, including its flagship 2AA Rosette-standard restaurant, alongside elegant afternoon teas and a thriving weddings and events business — all built around a true field-to-fork philosophy, championing the very best locally sourced seasonal produce.
This is a pivotal leadership role, overseeing the full kitchen operation across both restaurants while driving standards, consistency, creativity and culture throughout the business.
But this role is about far more than food.
We are looking for a calm, people-focused and inspiring leader — someone who builds high-performing teams through coaching, trust and development, never through pressure or shouting. This is a genuine people-first business, where the culture in the kitchen is just as important as what leaves the pass.
As Executive Head Chef, you will lead and develop your senior team, empower your brigade, and create an environment where chefs are supported, challenged and given every opportunity to grow. You will set the culinary direction across the site, ensuring both restaurants deliver exceptional guest experiences while maintaining the highest standards of quality, consistency and innovation.
This is the ideal opportunity for a chef who thrives on developing people, building strong kitchen cultures, and delivering outstanding food at scale without compromising standards.
What you’ll bring:
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Proven experience as a Head Chef or Executive Head Chef within a high-end, fresh food environment
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Strong multi-outlet experience, ideally including 2AA Rosette-level standards
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A genuine passion for seasonal, locally sourced produce and refined fresh food cooking
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Strong leadership skills with a track record of developing and mentoring teams
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A calm, composed and supportive management style
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Experience managing senior chefs and larger brigades across multiple kitchen operations
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Strong commercial awareness, including GP management, stock control, labour planning and kitchen efficiencies
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Creativity and flair in menu development and seasonal planning
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Excellent communication skills and the ability to build strong relationships across kitchen, front of house and senior leadership
What’s on offer:
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Competitive salary package
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Service charge
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Temporary live-in accommodation available
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Excellent company benefits
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Staff discounts across the wider group
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Leisure membership
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Free meals on duty
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Free parking
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A genuinely supportive and positive working environment
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Strong long-term career progression opportunities
This is an outstanding opportunity to join a respected luxury hospitality business that values its people, invests in its teams, and understands that the best kitchens are built on great leadership, strong culture and development — not ego.
Hesketh James Recruitment are acting as the managing agent for this role on behalf of the client.
We are committed to diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from all backgrounds.
Please note: Due to the high volume of applications expected, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted within 72 hours. If you do not hear from us within this time, unfortunately your application has not been successful on this occasion.