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
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The Opportunity
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.
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Your Role as Head Chef
* 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.
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About You
* 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.
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What We Offer
* 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
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Apply Now
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 jonny@knekthub.com or call 0161 528 5555 for a confidential discussion.