Executive Chef

Based in Bristol | Nationwide Travel Required

Full-time | 5 days per week (Monday–Sunday rota). Minimum 4 days based in Bristol, with flexibility to travel and be present in restaurants on some weekends

We’re searching for an experienced Head of Food or Executive Chef with the commercial acumen and creative leadership to shape the next chapter of our brand’s food story. If you’ve led menu development at scale, delivered high-performing food strategies in branded hospitality, and thrive on blending flavour with commercial results – this could be your next role.

Who We Are

Turtle Bay is a unique place which brings you the warmth, welcome and relaxed vibes of the Caribbean. We are a Mid-Market restaurant brand with big ambitions to redefine the experience with our innovative, fresh, menu with an obsession for quality, and a deep love of food culture.

About the Role

This is more than a kitchen role — it’s a chance to define and drive the food vision of a much-loved, growing brand.

As Executive Chef, you’ll own our menu innovation, food quality, chef engagement, and commercial food performance. You’ll work closely with our founders, marketing, operations, suppliers, and regional chef teams from ideation to execution to create a food offer that’s distinctive, scalable, and exciting.

Expect plenty of creativity, strategic input, and hands-on involvement — from food tastings and shoots to chef forums and margin reviews.

Our Ideal Candidate Will Have

• Senior leadership experience in a branded restaurant group or hospitality brand
• A strong track record in menu development, food innovation, and cost management
• Proven experience working cross-functionally with Ops, Marketing, and Supply Chain
• Experience leading food strategy and development across multiple locations
• A deep love of food culture, combined with a head for numbers

Key Responsibilities

Food Strategy & Innovation

• Develop and maintain Turtle Bay’s food strategy in line with commercial goals and evolving guest expectations
• Create innovative, crave-worthy menus with a clear brand identity — across dine-in, takeaway, and delivery
• Research and share food trend insights with the wider team
• Analyse dish performance using sales data, margin, and guest sentiment to guide improvements
• Lead the ideation and delivery of LTOs, seasonal updates, and new product development (NPD)

Quality & Consistency

• Set and uphold high execution standards across all kitchens via the Ops team
• Write and gain sign-off on briefs for new dishes and menus
• Design dish specs that balance guest value with GP targets
• Host food tastings and internal food shows to finalise new dishes
• Collaborate with the Training Team to create training materials, spec documents, and support tools
• Implement and maintain kitchen SOPs, recipes, and food safety systems
• Carry out regular site visits, mystery reviews, and tasting sessions

Supplier & Product Development

• Build strong supplier relationships to source authentic, high-quality ingredients
• Partner with artisan and market-leading producers to elevate the menu
• Utilise supplier network to inspire development
• Ensure all sourcing decisions consider sustainability and environmental impact
• Work closely with our Central Kitchen team to maximise efficiency and quality
• Manage supply chain risks and collaborate with compliance partners to meet safety and allergen standards

Team Engagement & Culture

• Present and communicate dish briefs clearly to ensure successful execution
• Be the face of Turtle Bay food development — both internally and on marketing and social channels
• Mentor chefs across all locations, building a culture of creativity and consistency
• Regularly visit sites to coach senior chefs and support team development
• Support food photography and video shoots to showcase new dishes
• Host our annual Chef Competition — with winning dishes featured on the menu
• Run food forums, workshops, and chef capability sessions to upskill the wider team

Commercial Accountability

• Own food cost performance — balancing flavour, quality, and profitability
• Work with Ops to optimise kitchen design, flow, and equipment
• Champion Procure Wizard — identifying and solving issues, driving improvements
• Accurately cost dishes using our tech platforms to ensure target margins are met
• Lead our food safety systems and contribute as a member of the HACCP team
• Hold relevant food safety and compliance qualifications

Other Responsibilities

• Support brand and external events as needed
• Be confident sharing digital content to support food-led marketing
• Pitch in as needed — we’re a small, agile team that works collaboratively

What’s in It for You?

• A senior role shaping the future of food at a vibrant, growing brand
• Freedom to innovate with real influence and creative control
• A collaborative environment with support from a passionate leadership team
• Opportunities to mentor, develop, and inspire chefs across the UK
• A strong voice in a business that values quality, passion, and individuality