Head Chef

Head Chef – The Bedford Swan Hotel

Up to £45,000 per annum + TRONC + 10% bonus realistic package up to £55,000 per annum.

Job Summary
The Bedford Swan Hotel, located right on the Great Ouse river and is one of Bedford’s landmark hotels – a busy 137 bedroom hotel with thermal spa, high-end brasserie, afternoon tea room and a thriving C&B department. We are part of the Distinct Group of Hotels, a growing hotel group with serious ambitions for our food offer. We are looking for a Head Chef who shares these ambitions. This opportunity has arisen as the outgoing Head Chef is moving onto a more senior role within the company.

This is a genuine leadership role to take ownership of a high-volume, multi-outlet kitchen. Creatively you will be developing menus using fresh, seasonal and wherever practical locally sourced ingredients with the assistance of our Group Head Chef and Procurement Manager – who bring support and strategic direction but do not interfere with the running of the kitchen unless assistance is required.

Requirements of the Role

As the Head Chef you will be responsible for the day to day food operations in the hotel including the high-end brasserie - open for breakfast, lunch and dinner with a capacity of 150 covers, weddings, private events, corporate functions for up to 120 guests and afternoon tea production. You will lead and develop your kitchen team of approximately 11 chefs, control wage costs, manage food costs and margins, manage supplier relationships and work closely with the F&B Ops Manager and the front of house team to deliver a superb guest experience.

You will be perfect for this role if you have previously held a Head Chef or a Senior Sous Chef position in a ‘quality driven’ hotel or restaurant operation, understand kitchen financials and cost controls, be clear on managing the health & safety and food hygiene within the kitchen, have a passion for food and very importantly calmly build a brigade that performs and thrives under pressure.

What’s on Offer?

• £45,000 per year + TRONC + 10% bonus realistic package up to £55,000.

• 42.5 hour contract

• Genuine career development within a growing hotel group.

• Staff discounts on accommodation, food, and beverage.

• Access to retail, leisure, and lifestyle discount platform.

• Wellbeing support, including 24/7 employee assistance and Virtual GP.

• Cycle to work and pension schemes.

• Employee of the month recognition.

If the Bedford Swan Hotel sounds like the right fit for your next career move, we would love to hear from you. Send us your CV and tell us why you would be a perfect fit for us.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: £45,000.00 per year

Work Location: In person