Job Description

At Retirement Villages Group, we believe retirement living should be vibrant, connected, and full of opportunity. Paramount Place is our exciting new community in the heart of Tunbridge Wells - and at the centre of it will be Yarrow Restaurant, a stylish new dining destination open to both residents and the public.

We’re looking for a talented and ambitious Head Chef to lead Yarrow Restaurant from launch. This is a rare opportunity to shape a brand-new kitchen, develop a fresh and exciting menu concept, and build a restaurant culture focused on quality, hospitality, and community.

As Head Chef, you’ll oversee all kitchen operations - from menu creation and team leadership to events, food safety, and commercial performance - delivering an exceptional dining experience in a beautiful new setting.

Key Responsibilities

Culinary Leadership & Menu Development

• Create seasonal, modern, and high-quality menus using fresh ingredients
• Develop a dining offer that appeals to both residents and the wider public
• Lead hospitality and event catering within the village
• Maintain accurate recipe, allergen, and menu information within procurement and EPoS systems

Kitchen Operations & Commercial Management

• Lead and inspire the kitchen team, setting high standards from day one
• Manage rotas, ordering, stock control, and monthly stocktakes
• Deliver strong food margins while maintaining exceptional quality
• Support efficient and commercially successful kitchen operations

Food Safety & Compliance

• Ensure the highest standards of food hygiene, health & safety, and compliance
• Conduct regular kitchen and dining area checks
• Maintain audit records and equipment servicing schedules

Team Development & Culture

• Build a positive, collaborative, and professional kitchen culture
• Recruit, onboard, and develop kitchen team members
• Support ongoing training and personal development plans

Guest & Resident Experience

• Create a welcoming and memorable dining experience for residents and public guests alike
• Engage with feedback to continuously evolve the offering and guest experience

About You

Essential

• Level 3 Professional Cookery qualification (or equivalent)
• Experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef in a quality-led environment
• Passion for fresh food and excellent hospitality
• Strong leadership and kitchen management experience
• Commercial awareness with experience managing budgets and margins
• Excellent communication and organisational skills
• Willingness to complete an enhanced DBS check

Desirable

• Experience in hospitality-led restaurant openings
• Experience within retirement living, hotels, restaurants, or premium hospitality
• Knowledge of kitchen management systems and Microsoft Office
• Experience delivering events and function catering

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and benefits package
• Brand-new restaurant and kitchen facilities
• Learning and development opportunities
• The opportunity to launch and shape an exciting new restaurant concept from the very beginning