Salary: To £53,000 p.a. depending on experience + Benefits • Full‑time, Permanent
A major UK leisure group is investing heavily in its Devon resort and is now recruiting an Executive Chef to lead three busy kitchen operations. This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced chef to shape standards, culture and training across a large, multi‑site hospitality environment in the South West.
Role Overview
We’re looking for a hands‑on, approachable Executive Chef with strong high‑volume experience. You’ll support Head Chefs across three kitchens, oversee catering for up to 450 guests per site, and help open and develop a brand‑new kitchen operation.
The early focus is on listening, observing and building trust—improving weaker areas without disrupting what already works well.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and support Head Chefs and kitchen teams across all sites
- Build trust and understand existing culture before introducing change
- Oversee high‑volume catering (up to 450 guests per site)
- Maintain consistent food quality, presentation and portion standards
- Manage purchasing, suppliers, food costs, GP, labour and waste
- Develop menus, recipes, SOPs and structured training plans
- Support apprenticeships and chef development pathways
- Remain visible and hands‑on during busy services
Ideal Candidate
- Senior Head Chef background
- Strong experience in high‑volume or mass catering
- Hotels, resorts, leisure or contract catering experience
- Calm, approachable and solutions‑focused leadership style
- Excellent communication, coaching and mentoring skills
- Strong commercial knowledge and Food Hygiene Level 3
What Success Looks Like
- Positive, cooperative culture across all kitchens
- Strong relationships with Head Chefs and teams
- Consistent food quality and compliance
- Effective training, apprenticeships and development pathways
- Improved communication, recruitment and retention
- Food cost, GP, labour and waste targets achieved
- Smooth launch of the new kitchen operation
Why Apply?
- To £53,000p.a. depending on experience + benefits
- Major investment environment and expanding company
- Supportive, people‑focused leadership team
- Opportunity to shape standards, culture and training across a multi‑site resort
Apply Today
If you’re a collaborative, hands‑on Executive Chef who thrives in large‑scale operations, we’d love to hear from you. Submit your CV to Hospitality Recruiters today.
