Head Chef

Head Chef – Michelin Guide-Listed Seafood Restaurant | Up to £45,000 + Tronc + Bonuses

Location: Near Exeter, Devon
Salary & Package: Up to £45,000 + Tronc + Performance Bonuses
Hours: Full-time | 4-day working week
Cuisine: Modern British • Seafood-Led • Michelin Guide-Listed

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a talented and confident Head Chef to take the lead at a Michelin Guide-listed, seafood-focused restaurant within a historic Devon inn. Set in a charming market town near Exeter, this independent property has built a reputation for exceptional local produce, creative cooking, and warm British hospitality.

After over a decade of success under the current owners, the restaurant is looking for a Head Chef who can bring fresh energy, creativity, and leadership while maintaining the consistent quality and ethos that guests love.

This is a role offering genuine autonomy, creative freedom, and the opportunity to put your own stamp on the menu and kitchen direction, working hand-in-hand with supportive owners who value collaboration and innovation.

• Lead the kitchen and inspire the brigade to deliver exceptional, consistent food at Michelin Guide standard.

• Create and develop new menus that celebrate seasonal, local produce — particularly the region’s outstanding seafood.

• Work closely with the owners to evolve the offering while respecting the restaurant’s established identity.

• Manage ordering, stock, budgets, and GP margins with precision.

• Maintain impeccable standards of food safety, hygiene, and organisation.

• Recruit, train, and nurture a motivated and happy kitchen team.

• Drive creativity and progression while ensuring smooth day-to-day operations.

• Experienced as a Head Chef or ambitious Senior Sous Chef in a fine-dining or Michelin Guide-listed restaurant.

• Confident, organised, and creative, with the ability to balance innovation and consistency.

• Passionate about seafood, sustainability, and seasonality.

• Skilled at leading, inspiring, and developing a small, close-knit team.

• Financially astute, with strong knowledge of GP, waste control, and supplier relationships.

• Collaborative and approachable, with the confidence to work closely with the owners and front-of-house team.

• Up to £45,000 base salary + tronc + bonuses

• 4-day working week with excellent work-life balance

• Creative autonomy and the opportunity to shape the restaurant’s future

• Supportive ownership and a calm, respectful working environment

• Meals on duty and free on-site parking

• Uniform provided

• 45-hour working week with a set monthly rota (open Wednesday to Saturday)

• Chance to build on an established Michelin Guide reputation and make your mark on a renowned Devon restaurant

If you’re a creative, motivated chef ready to lead a talented kitchen and drive a respected restaurant to new heights, this is your chance to shine.

Please contact Jonny at [email protected] or call 0161 528 5555 for a confidential discussion.