Head Chef
Near Coggeshall and Halstead
Head Chef – Boutique 2 AA Rosette Restaurant
Location: Located near to Coggeshall and Halstead
Salary: £45,000 + Tips + Bonus + Benefits
Hours: 45 hours per week
Days Off: 2.5 days per week
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent
The Opportunity
We are recruiting on behalf of a highly regarded boutique restaurant in an historic town located near to Coggeshall and Halstead. With 60 covers and a strong reputation for refined, seasonal cuisine, the restaurant holds 2 AA Rosettes and is firmly established within the local fine dining scene.
This is an excellent opportunity for a talented and driven Head Chef to take ownership of a well-structured kitchen and play a key role in maintaining and elevating its already established standards.
The Role
As Head Chef, you will lead a focused and skilled kitchen team, delivering consistently high standards aligned with 2 AA Rosette expectations. You will have creative freedom to shape seasonal menus while ensuring commercial performance and operational excellence.
This is a hands-on leadership role requiring precision, consistency, and strong kitchen management skills.
Key Responsibilities
Lead and develop a small, professional kitchen brigade
Maintain and enhance 2 AA Rosette standards across all dishes
Design and deliver refined, seasonal, ingredient-led menus
Ensure exceptional consistency, presentation, and flavour profiles
Oversee all kitchen operations including stock control, ordering, and GP management
Maintain full compliance with food safety and hygiene standards (HACCP)
Work closely with front of house to deliver a seamless guest experience
Mentor and develop junior team members to support long-term kitchen strength
About You
Proven experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef within a rosette or fine dining environment
Strong background in modern British or contemporary cuisine
Demonstrable ability to maintain high culinary standards consistently
Strong leadership presence with the ability to inspire and develop a team
Excellent organisational and time management skills
Commercially aware with strong understanding of kitchen financials and GP control
Calm, consistent, and detail-driven under pressure
What’s on Offer
£45,000 salary + tips + performance bonus
45-hour working week
2.5 days off per week
Opportunity to take full creative ownership of a respected kitchen
Supportive ownership with a focus on quality and long-term growth
Staff meals and additional benefits