Executive Head Chef

Located on the stunning Paignton seafront, the Mercure Paignton Hotel and ibis Styles Paignton offer one of the most exciting hospitality environments in the area. With panoramic sea views, vibrant restaurants, busy bars, and a strong mix of leisure and business guests, our hotels are quickly establishing themselves as a destination for great food, great service, and memorable stays.

Our team works across both hotels, creating a collaborative and supportive environment where departments work closely together and everyone plays a part in delivering exceptional guest experiences. From relaxed breakfasts overlooking the bay to busy evening service and large events, no two days are the same.

Our vision is to become Devon’s most welcoming hotels, delivering outstanding hospitality, great food, and experiences that guests love to return to.

At The Mercure and the Ibis Styles Paignton we are managed by RBH management. We believe our people are our biggest assets and understand the value in putting them first. Our approach to diversity in the workplace, health & wellbeing, sustainability, and individuality sets us apart from our competitors and is one of the reasons we are rated Top 30 Best Places to Work in Hospitality! We are passionate about the industry and always on the lookout for new talent to join us on our journey...

At our hotels, we believe in fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment. We provide ongoing training, career development opportunities, and a chance to work alongside a passionate team dedicated to delivering exceptional service.

What you'll be doing…

Leading the kitchen teams across two distinct dining concepts – the Mercure’s latitude 50 restaurant and the vibrant Fun Deller’s Café at ibis Styles , ensuring both deliver consistently excellent food and service.

Inspiring, developing, and mentoring your team, creating a positive kitchen culture where standards, teamwork, and learning thrive.

Driving menu development, bringing fresh ideas that balance creativity, quality, and commercial performance across both venues.

Overseeing all aspects of kitchen operations, from service delivery and food quality to cost control, stock management, and supplier relationships.

Ensuring the highest standards of food safety, hygiene, and compliance , maintaining a kitchen environment that is organised, safe, and efficient.

Working closely with the senior hotel leadership team to deliver memorable guest experiences across restaurant service, events, and group business.

Managing rotas, labour costs, and kitchen performance to ensure the operation runs smoothly while supporting team wellbeing.

Leading from the front during service, ensuring every dish leaving the kitchen reflects the standards and reputation of our hotels.

Proven experience as a Head Chef , leading busy kitchens and managing full kitchen operations within a hotel, restaurant, or similar high-volume environment.

Strong leadership skills with the ability to build, develop, and motivate a kitchen brigade while maintaining a positive and professional culture.

Demonstrable experience managing kitchen financial performance, including food GP, stock control, and labour costs.

Confidence managing multiple food outlets or varied service styles , ensuring consistent quality across different dining experiences.

A hands-on leader who remains calm and organised during busy services while maintaining exceptional standards.

Excellent knowledge of food safety, kitchen compliance, and HACCP standards .

A passion for quality food and menu development, with the ambition to build a reputation locally for elevating the food offering at our hotels.

OUR BENEFITS

You will have access to a benefits package we believe truly works for our people

Discounted hotel room rates for you and your friends & family

An additional day's holiday for your birthday

Enhanced Maternity, adoption & shared parental leave

Course Sponsorship

30% F&B discount at RBH hotels

Refer a Friend scheme (earn £250 for each referral up to 5 referrals)

Flexible working arrangements

Wagestream - choose how and when you get paid

Life Insurance

Employee Assistance Programme

Social and wellness events and activities all year round

Free meals on duty saving you over £1000 per year

Salary band ranging from £44k - £48k depending on experience

RBH Hospitality Management is an equal opportunity employer. We believe in hiring a diverse workforce and sustaining an inclusive, people-first culture. If at any point throughout our process you require reasonable adjustments, please contact .