Head Chef

Simple Recruitment are looking for a Head Chef for a permanent opportunity with our client in Bruton.

The Job:

Our client is looking for a passionate and experienced Head Chef to lead their kitchen from the ground up. This is a unique opportunity to shape a new food offering, build a positive kitchen culture, and develop a team dedicated to quality, consistency, and creativity.

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee all kitchen operations, from prep to service
• Recruit, train, and manage the kitchen team
• Lead on menu development - seasonal, creative, and cost effective
• Communicate regularly with our market garden to plan dishes around available produce
• Maintain high standards of food quality, presentation, and consistency
• Ensure compliance with all food safety and hygiene regulations
• Manage stock, ordering, supplier relationships, and GP targets
• Foster a supportive, respectful, and growth-oriented kitchen culture
• Collaborate with the front of house team to ensure smooth service and communication
• Lead by example - with care, skill, and accountability

The Hours:

Full time role, including evenings and weekends

Benefits:

• Competitive salary tips
• Company Pension
• Employee Discount
• Creative input on menu development
• Opportunity to shape the food identity of a new, independent venue
• A direct link to fresh, seasonal produce through their market garden partnership
• Support in building and leading your own team
• A values driven, respectful working environment
• Long term growth as part of their leadership team

About You:

• Minimum 3 years’ experience in a Head Chef or Senior Sous role
• Strong leadership and organisational skills
• Deep understanding of kitchen systems, GP, and cost control
• Experience with menu creation and working with seasonal produce
• Confidence in planning around available ingredients and adapting menus accordingly
• High level of professionalism and attention to detail
• Positive and collaborative management style
• Passion for bold, flavour driven food - experience with Mexican cuisine is a plus but not essential
• Full understanding of food hygiene and safety standards (Level 3+ preferred)

Our brief: Simple Recruitment are acting as an employment agency on behalf of our client, based in Bruton, who are seeking a Head Chef to join their team on a permanent basis.