At Retirement Villages Group, we believe retirement living should be vibrant, connected, and full of opportunity. Paramount Place is our exciting new community in the heart of Tunbridge Wells - and at the centre of it will be Yarrow Restaurant, a stylish new dining destination open to both residents and the public.
We’re looking for a talented and ambitious Head Chef to lead Yarrow Restaurant from launch. This is a rare opportunity to shape a brand-new kitchen, develop a fresh and exciting menu concept, and build a restaurant culture focused on quality, hospitality, and community.
As Head Chef, you’ll oversee all kitchen operations - from menu creation and team leadership to events, food safety, and commercial performance - delivering an exceptional dining experience in a beautiful new setting.
Key Responsibilities
Culinary Leadership & Menu Development
* Create seasonal, modern, and high-quality menus using fresh ingredients
* Develop a dining offer that appeals to both residents and the wider public
* Lead hospitality and event catering within the village
* Maintain accurate recipe, allergen, and menu information within procurement and EPoS systems
Kitchen Operations & Commercial Management
* Lead and inspire the kitchen team, setting high standards from day one
* Manage rotas, ordering, stock control, and monthly stocktakes
* Deliver strong food margins while maintaining exceptional quality
* Support efficient and commercially successful kitchen operations
Food Safety & Compliance
* Ensure the highest standards of food hygiene, health & safety, and compliance
* Conduct regular kitchen and dining area checks
* Maintain audit records and equipment servicing schedules
Team Development & Culture
* Build a positive, collaborative, and professional kitchen culture
* Recruit, onboard, and develop kitchen team members
* Support ongoing training and personal development plans
Guest & Resident Experience
* Create a welcoming and memorable dining experience for residents and public guests alike
* Engage with feedback to continuously evolve the offering and guest experience
About You
Essential
* Level 3 Professional Cookery qualification (or equivalent)
* Experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef in a quality-led environment
* Passion for fresh food and excellent hospitality
* Strong leadership and kitchen management experience
* Commercial awareness with experience managing budgets and margins
* Excellent communication and organisational skills
* Willingness to complete an enhanced DBS check
Desirable
* Experience in hospitality-led restaurant openings
* Experience within retirement living, hotels, restaurants, or premium hospitality
* Knowledge of kitchen management systems and Microsoft Office
* Experience delivering events and function catering
What We Offer
* Competitive salary and benefits package
* Brand-new restaurant and kitchen facilities
* Learning and development opportunities
* The opportunity to launch and shape an exciting new restaurant concept from the very beginning