Job Title: Head Chef / Kitchen Manager
Overview
We are seeking an experienced, highly autonomous Head Chef / Kitchen Manager to take full ownership of kitchen operations for our hotel and restaurant located approximately 20 miles south of Alicante. This role is idóneo for a self-motivated culinary leader who thrives with creative and operational freedom and takes pride in running a high-performing, well-organised kitchen. We are a hotel/restaurant with up to 150 covers currently with vision for further expansion. Live in package is available if required.
You will have end-to-end responsibility for food quality, menu development, cost control, team leadership, and kitchen systems, with the authority to make decisions that directly shape the food offering and kitchen culture.
The successful candidate must be able to legally live and work in Spain.
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Key Responsibilities
Kitchen Leadership & Operations
- Run all day-to-day kitchen operations with minimal oversight
- Set and maintain high standards for food quality, consistency, and presentation
- Design, implement, and refine kitchen systems and workflows
- Ensure full compliance with food safety, hygiene, and workplace regulations
Menu Development & Food Direction
- Create, develop, and evolve menus aligned with the business vision and customer expectations
- Take full ownership of menu costing, portion control, and pricing input
- Adapt menus seasonally and respond to performance data and feedback
Financial & Stock Control
- Manage food costs, wastage, and supplier relationships
- Oversee ordering, inventory, and stock rotation
- Meet agreed food cost and margin targets
Team Management & Culture
- Recruit, train, and manage kitchen staff
- Build a positive, accountable, and professional kitchen culture
- Set rosters, manage labour efficiently, and lead by example during service
Autonomy & Accountability
- Operate with a high level of independence and decision-making authority
- Proactively identify issues and implement solutions without needing direction
- Report on performance, costs, and improvements to ownership/management
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Authority & Decision-Making
This role includes genuine autonomy, including:
- Full control over menu creation and execution
- Authority over kitchen hiring and team structure (within agreed budgets)
- Responsibility for supplier selection and ordering
- Freedom to improve systems, processes, and service flow
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Skills & Experience
- Proven experience as a Head Chef, Senior Sous Chef, or Kitchen Manager
- Strong leadership and people-management skills
- Excellent organisational and time-management ability
- Solid understanding of food costing, margins, and inventory control
- Ability to work independently and take full accountability for outcomes
- Passion for food, consistency, and continuous improvement
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Personal Attributes
- Self-starter with a strong sense of ownership
- Calm, decisive, and solutions-focused
- High standards with a practical, business-minded approach
- Comfortable being trusted to run the kitchen as your own
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What We Offer
- A senior role with real autonomy and influence, creative freedom and operational control
- Competitive salary (based on experience)
- Live in accommodation available if required
- A supportive ownership team that values trust and accountability
Job Type: Full-time
Work Location: In person