Head Chef in Taunton, Somerset

Position Overview

We are looking for an ambitious, creative, and hands-on Head Chef to lead our kitchen team. This is a fantastic opportunity for a talented culinary professional who takes pride in crafting exceptional dishes from fresh, locally sourced ingredients, maintaining high kitchen standards, and fostering a collaborative team culture.

Key Responsibilities

• Menu Development: Design, test, and execute seasonal menus that balance creativity, profitability, and customer appeal.

• Kitchen Operations: Oversee all daily kitchen operations, ensuring seamless service during peak hours.

• Quality & Compliance: Maintain uncompromising standards of food safety, hygiene, cleanliness, and stock rotation.

• Team Leadership: Hire, mentor, and schedule kitchen staff, fostering a positive, high-performing, and supportive work environment.

• Inventory & Cost Control: Manage supplier relationships, order efficiently, monitor food wastage, and hit gross profit (GP) targets.

What We Are Looking For

• Proven experience working as a Head Chef or an ambitious Sous Chef ready for the next step.

• A deep passion for high-quality food, bold flavours, and presentation.

• Strong leadership skills with a proven track record of inspiring and managing a kitchen brigade under pressure.

• Excellent organisational skills, financial awareness, and attention to detail.

• Relevant food safety and hygiene qualifications