Head Chef - Boutique Hotel - Taunton

Head Chef

All potential candidates should read through the following details of this job with care before making an application.
Historic Boutique Hotel | Somerset
JWR is delighted to be working with a long-established, independently owned boutique hotel in Somerset, seeking an experienced and passionate Head Chef to lead the kitchen of this much-loved destination property.
This is a rare opportunity to take the reins of a well-regarded hotel kitchen with a strong local reputation, leading a food offering built around warmth, quality and consistency.
Combining a relaxed brasserie-style restaurant with elegant event dining, this role offers the chance to shape a food identity that is both commercially strong and true to the character of the property.
The Package
Salary From £45,000
Tronc / service charge circa £1,500-£2,000 per annum
28 days holiday
Free on-site parking
Staff meals on duty
Discounted accommodation
Friends and family discounts on food and drink
Career development within a well-established independent hotel
The Role
As Head Chef, you will take full ownership of the kitchen, leading the delivery of a food offering that balances approachable brasserie dining with refined hospitality for private events and functions.
You will:
Lead, inspire and develop the kitchen team across all service periods
Take full ownership of kitchen operations, standards and team culture
Deliver simple, honest and flavour-led dishes rooted in classic brasserie cooking
Champion quality ingredients, strong technique and consistency across every plate
Create menus that feel warm, familiar and inviting, with timeless appeal
Oversee all event and private dining menus, delivering a more elevated and refined style where required
Balance commercial performance with creativity, ensuring strong margins and guest satisfaction
Manage kitchen GP, labour, stock control and supplier relationships
Maintain exceptional food safety, hygiene and compliance standards
Work closely with senior management to evolve and strengthen the hotel's overall food proposition
Requirements
The successful candidate will be a confident and capable Head Chef with a genuine passion for classic hospitality, well-executed food and leading from the front.
You will have:
Previous experience as a Head Chef or strong Senior Sous within a quality-led hotel or restaurant
A passion for classic brasserie-style cooking and ingredient-led menus
Strong understanding of flavour, seasonality and timeless, approachable food
The ability to deliver both relaxed all-day dining and more refined event catering
Excellent kitchen management, organisation and leadership skills
Strong commercial awareness with experience managing food margins and labour costs
A calm, hands-on leadership style with high standards and strong attention to detail
A genuine passion for hospitality and creating memorable guest experiences
This is an exceptional opportunity for a talented chef to take ownership of a respected Somerset kitchen with a loyal following and strong reputation. xwzovoh
For a Head Chef who values classic cooking, quality ingredients and genuine hospitality, this is a rare chance to shape a food offering with both heritage and heart. For more information, send your CV today