Head Chef – Garden-Led Luxury Hotel (Scotland)
Are you a confident, grounded Head Chef looking to lead a kitchen with purpose, clarity and longevity?
Arecibo are delighted to be recruiting a Head Chef on behalf of an independent, award-winning luxury hotel in Scotland, set within extensive gardens and entering an exciting new phase of its culinary evolution.
This is a rare opportunity to take the stewardship of a garden-led, seasonal food operation, where quality, consistency and genuine hospitality matter more than trends or theatre.
The Opportunity
The hotel is repositioning food as a central pillar of the guest experience, with the launch of a relaxed, confident brasserie - combining Scottish produce with Scandinavian flair and timeless, recognisable classics.
Produce grown in the hotel’s gardens is organic and plays a key role in shaping the menus. The wider offering is complemented by carefully sourced ingredients from trusted producers, selected for quality, provenance and seasonality. The focus is on doing simple things exceptionally well, rather than chasing fashion.
This is not a Michelin-driven role. It is about food people genuinely want to return for — guests and locals alike.
The Role
As Head Chef, you will have full responsibility for the culinary direction and day-to-day running of the kitchen operation. You will lead an established, professional brigade and work closely with senior leadership to deliver a clear, consistent and commercially sound food vision.
You will be hands-on, calm under pressure, and confident in refining classics, developing seasonal menus and maintaining high standards without unnecessary complexity.
Key Responsibilities
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Lead, inspire and develop a skilled kitchen brigade
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Deliver consistent quality across all food offerings (Brasserie; Bar & Lounges, Garden Terraces; Banqueting)
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Enhance core menus guided by seasonality and the gardens
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Manage food GP, labour and supplier relationships within agreed parameters
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Maintain the highest standards of food safety, hygiene and compliance
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Foster a positive, respectful and professional kitchen culture
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Work collaboratively with senior leadership, front of house and garden teams
About You
This role will suit a Head Chef who:
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Values produce, seasonality and simplicity
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Is confident cooking and refining classic dishes
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Is commercially aware and operationally grounded
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Enjoys leading and developing people
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Is seeking a long-term role within a stable, independent business
This role is not suited to candidates focused on short-term CV building, constant reinvention or personal brand over team culture.
The Offer
In return, our client offers:
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A competitive salary and benefits package
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A supportive, values-led ownership team
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The opportunity to contribute to a food identity with long-term impact
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Temporary relocation accommodation may be available if required
If you are an experienced Head Chef looking for a meaningful next step - where food, gardens and hospitality genuinely work in harmony - we would love to hear from you.