We are looking for a passionate and experienced Head Chef to lead our kitchen team at Hawkchurch Resort & Spa, one of Darwin Escapes’ stunning holiday destinations set in the beautiful Devon countryside.
This is a fantastic opportunity for a confident leader who thrives in a fast-paced kitchen environment and takes pride in delivering high-quality food and exceptional guest experiences. As Head Chef, you will take full responsibility for the day-to-day running of the kitchen, leading and developing your team, maintaining high standards and driving performance in line with business targets.
You will play a key role in menu development, ensuring dishes are creative, seasonal and aligned with guest expectations, whilst also managing stock, controlling costs and maintaining excellent food safety and hygiene standards at all times.
About Hawkchurch Resort & Spa:
Hawkchurch Resort & Spa is a luxury lodge retreat nestled in the rolling hills of Devon, close to the Jurassic Coast and surrounded by stunning countryside. The resort offers high-quality lodge accommodation, excellent leisure facilities and a peaceful setting where guests can relax and unwind.
With its strong focus on guest experience, high standards and a welcoming team environment, Hawkchurch is a fantastic place to develop your career within Darwin Escapes.
About Darwin Escapes:
Darwin Escapes operates unique holiday destinations across the United Kingdom, offering beautiful locations, quality accommodation and memorable guest experiences.
Across our resorts, our teams are passionate about delivering excellent service and maintaining high standards across all areas of the business.
Why Join Darwin Escapes?
· Competitive salary
· Discounted staff breaks at our luxury resorts across the UK
· Free use of many resort facilities including gyms and swimming pools
· Food discounts across all resorts
· Discounts on spa treatments
· Employee Assistance Programme
· Access to the Darwin Academy training programme
· Cycle to Work scheme
· MediCash health plan
(Some benefits are subject to terms and conditions.)
About The Role
Key Responsibilities:
* Lead and manage the kitchen team, ensuring high performance and strong team engagement
* Oversee the preparation and delivery of high-quality dishes in line with company standards
* Plan, develop and present seasonal menus, taking into account guest needs and GP targets
* Maintain excellent food hygiene, allergen awareness and health & safety standards
* Monitor stock levels, control waste and manage ordering effectively
* Check deliveries for quality, accuracy and pricing
* Manage rotas, staffing levels and kitchen performance in line with budgets
* Ensure a clean, safe and well-organised kitchen environment
* Support training and development of the kitchen team
* Handle guest feedback and resolve any issues in a professional manner
What We’re Looking For:
* Previous experience as a Head Chef or in a senior kitchen leadership role
* Strong knowledge of food safety, hygiene and compliance standards
* Proven ability to manage a kitchen and work towards financial targets
* A confident leader with the ability to motivate and develop a team
* Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail
* A passion for food and delivering an outstanding guest experience
Additional Information:
This is a full-time position working variable days, including evenings, weekends and bank holidays in line with business needs. The role is hands-on and will involve standing for extended periods, as well as lifting or moving kitchen equipment where required.
Required Criteria
* Chef Experience
Skills Needed
About The Company
A Darwin Escape is all about creating the perfect destination for our guests to relax, explore and make lasting memories. Whether guests are looking to unwind in peaceful countryside surroundings or enjoy a fun-filled break with family and friends, our resorts offer a variety of experiences designed to suit every type of holiday.
Across our resorts, we offer a range of accommodation, from luxury lodges with private hot tubs to spacious caravans and unique stays such as treehouses. Each location has its own character, facilities and atmosphere, but all share the same focus on delivering high standards of hospitality and memorable guest experiences.
Our beautifully maintained resorts feature excellent on-site facilities and welcoming environments where guests can relax, recharge or enjoy adventure and exploration in some of the UK’s most desirable locations.
Behind every great Darwin Escape is a dedicated team. Our colleagues play a vital role in ensuring every guest enjoys their stay, helping to create the friendly atmosphere and outstanding service that our resorts are known for.
Company Culture
At Darwin Escapes we believe our people are at the heart of everything we do. Our teams work together to create welcoming environments and memorable experiences for our guests across our resorts throughout the United Kingdom.
Each of our destinations has its own personality, from luxurious lodge retreats to family-focused resorts and peaceful countryside locations. While every resort is unique, all of our teams share the same commitment to delivering outstanding service and creating great experiences for our guests and holiday home owners.
We are proud to offer a friendly and supportive working environment where colleagues are encouraged to develop their skills and grow their careers. Whether you are starting your first role in hospitality or progressing into management, Darwin Escapes provides opportunities for development, training and career progression across our growing collection of resorts.
Wherever you join us, you will become part of a team that values professionalism, teamwork and pride in delivering exceptional service.
Company Benefits
At Darwin Escapes, we believe in supporting our people. That’s why we offer a range of benefits, training opportunities and perks across our resorts.
Vacation, Paid time off, Paid sick days, Retirement plan and/or pension, Employee development programs, Employee discounts, Gym membership or wellness programs, Free parking, Cycle to work, Referral bonus, Competitive salary, Discount on meals purchased, Discount on spa treatments or products, Free parking or Discounted parking, Employee Assistance Scheme, Progression opportunities, Bereavement leave
Salary
Not disclosed