Head Chef

Location: On-site in Knutsford, Cheshire, North-West England (not remote)

Fairmont Cheshire, The Mere is one of the North West’s most distinguished luxury destinations. Nestled in the heart of the Cheshire countryside and surrounded by a championship golf course, the resort combines Fairmont’s world-renowned elegance with the warmth and character of its local heritage. Renowned for exceptional service and attention to detail, Fairmont Cheshire, The Mere offers guests an indulgent escape featuring world-class spa experiences, exceptional dining, and outstanding leisure facilities. Whether visiting for relaxation, celebration, or business, Fairmont Cheshire, The Mere is dedicated to creating unforgettable moments and delivering the very best in 5-star luxury hospitality.

Your purpose will be:

You will lead the culinary vision within our restaurant, championing exceptional food quality, service, and creativity. Showcasing British classics with refined Indian influences, you will guide the kitchen team in delivering dishes that balance tradition with innovation. This role oversees day‑to‑day kitchen operations, supports and develops colleagues, and ensures every service reflects the standards of a luxury Fairmont resort. Combining technical culinary expertise with strong leadership and a passion for flavour, you will help shape an outstanding dining experience that defines our brand.

You will be accountable for:

• Setting budgets and forecasts for Restaurant.
• Analysing P&L and month-end reports, identifying deviations from business goals.
• Participating in management meetings to reviewing progress and support annual business planning.
• Leading and managing the kitchen team to maximise F&B profitability.
• Overseeing food preparation, production, and menu execution to ensure high-quality, innovative, and safe cuisine.
• Developing and innovating menus for the Restaurant, ensuring creativity, relevance, and commercial viability.
• Maintaining the highest standard of food quality, presentation, and consistency across all outlets.
• Maintaining consistent quality and service in collaboration with Food & Beverage management.
• Ensuring compliance with health, safety, and HACCP standards.
• Supervising daily operations of the restaurant, including stewarding and event support.
• Managing food cost, inventory, purchasing, and resource allocation efficiently.
• Monitoring food standards, portion control, presentation, and guest satisfaction.
• Upholding emergency, fire, and hygiene procedures while maintaining operational readiness.
• Following Fairmont brand standards, policies, and SOPs consistently.
• Promoting positive guest interactions and delivering professional service standards.
• Fostering a positive, high-performing kitchen environment focused on learning and development.
• Recruiting, training, mentoring, and evaluating culinary team members.
• Conducting performance reviews and maintain staff training records.
• Preparing weekly schedules, payroll, and gratuity reports.
• Leading monthly team meetings to communicate updates, obtain feedback, and resolve operational issues.
• Promoting Fairmont Values and Vision while encouraging continuous improvement.
• Supporting induction and on-the-job training programs aligned with brand and service standards.

What you will need to do this role:

• Proven experience in a senior kitchen leadership role, ideally within a luxury or high‑volume environment.
• 3-5 years experience in the hospitality industry 
• Strong culinary expertise with a track record of delivering high‑quality, innovative cuisine.
• Knowledge of food safety legislation, and industry best practices.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and develop a diverse team.
• Excellent organisational and communication skills.
• Ability to manage costs, resources, and budgets effectively.
• Creative flair with adaptability to changing trends and customer preferences.
• Strong business acumen and understanding of operational profitability.
• Upholds brand standards for professional conduct and presentation

Please note that we believe in flexibility and multi-skilling, and you may be asked to do different tasks from time to time to enable us to meet the needs of our guests and colleagues.

What is in it for you?

• Exclusive Discounts:
  • Fairmont Cheshire, The Mere, Spa and Golf discount
  • Fairmont, Raffles, and Accor Hotels (friends and family rates are included)
  • 20% off food and beverage in on-site restaurants
• Colleague restaurant
• Being part of The Mere Team – our culture is unique!
• You will benefit from training and development opportunities
• Competitive salary and benefits including pension
• 28 days of holiday including public holidays
• 1-5 days service award based on length of service
• Special rates for Fairmont Cheshire, The Mere colleagues and their friends & family and discount across Accor hotels worldwide
• And last but not least you will get to work with a team of EXTRAORDINARY people