Culinary Director

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:

The Culinary Director provides strategic leadership and brand stewardship to evolve and embed the culinary and food experience at Fairmont Cheshire, The Mere. The role is responsible for refining the culinary vision, food identity, and quality standards of the hotel, working through established senior operational leaders to support exceptional guest experiences, strong commercial performance, and full brand compliance.

This position is not a replacement for operational senior leadership roles, but a senior, enabling role that aligns culinary excellence, service delivery, and commercial objectives in line with Fairmont and Accor brand standards.

• Provide strategic oversight of the culinary and food experience, working collaboratively with senior operational leadership
• Act as a senior ambassador for the Fairmont brand, embedding brand standards, service culture, and luxury positioning
• Shape menu philosophy, culinary concepts, and food identity across restaurants, bars, banqueting, in-room dining, and spa/wellness offerings
• Support consistent quality, presentation, and service excellence across all food and beverage outlets
• Contribute to food and beverage commercial strategy, including menu engineering, cost control, and revenue growth initiatives
• Partner with Sales, Marketing, and Events teams to support promotions and signature guest experiences
• Champion food safety, sustainability, and brand audit compliance
• Mentor and support senior culinary and food & beverage leaders, fostering a positive and inclusive culture

• Degree in Hotel or Hospitality Management (or equivalent experience)
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in a senior role within a luxury 5-star hotel setting
• Proven ability to deliver high-quality, personalised guest experiences
• Commercially aware, proactive, and open to innovation
• Strong knowledge of luxury F&B and culinary trends
• Excellent interpersonal, leadership, and problem-solving skills
• Flexible to meet the demands of a senior hospitality role, including guest-facing responsibilities
• Strong communication skills and professional presentation
• Results-driven, service-oriented, and attentive to detail
• Collaborative team player 

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