JOIN THE TEAM

Marcliffe is entering a new era. With a multi-million pound investment transforming the estate — including a stunning new 130-cover brasserie opening at the end of January, a whisky snug, reimagined guest suites, and further expansion underway — we are redefining luxury hospitality in the North-East of Scotland.

We are now seeking an exceptional Executive Chef to lead our culinary vision across the entire estate, guiding our restaurants and kitchen teams into this exciting new chapter.

ABOUT THE ROLE

This is a rare opportunity for an ambitious, creative and commercially astute culinary leader to shape the future of food at The Marcliffe.
You will oversee:

• The launch and ongoing success of our new brasserie

• Our 1 AA Rosette fine dining restaurant

• A high-performing banqueting and events kitchen, delivering exceptional experiences from intimate private dining to large-scale functions

As Executive Chef, you will set the tone for excellence — showcasing the finest Scottish ingredients, driving innovation, and maintaining the elevated standards expected of a five-star country retreat.
Your leadership, vision, and passion will be central to ensuring every guest enjoys a memorable experience, from relaxed brasserie dining to refined, bespoke menus.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

Using our recipe for success — empowering our people, excellence in service, strengthening infrastructure and optimising operations — you will:

• Lead, inspire and develop a high-performing kitchen brigade across brasserie, fine dining and banqueting.

• Design and deliver fresh, seasonal, innovative menus, celebrating Scotland’s larder and anticipating culinary trends.

• Ensure the successful opening of the new brasserie, including menu creation, team training, tastings and operational readiness.

• Oversee all culinary operations, ensuring efficiency, consistency and seamless service at every touchpoint.

• Manage inventory, purchasing and supplier relationships to ensure quality and reduce waste.

• Drive profitability through effective cost control, menu engineering and budgeting.

• Ensure full compliance with all food safety, health and hygiene standards.

• Build strong relationships across departments to ensure flawless coordination for restaurant service, private dining and large events.

• Engage with guests, delivering warmth, professionalism and a memorable culinary journey.

• Foster a positive, collaborative and motivated kitchen culture where creativity and excellence thrive.

ABOUT YOU

• Proven experience as an Executive Chef or Head Chef in a 4- or 5-star, Rosette-level or luxury environment.

• A passionate, talented chef with an outstanding culinary track record and a drive for continual improvement.

• Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire, coach and develop a diverse team.

• Creative flair combined with commercial awareness and confidence managing budgets and KPIs.

• Ability to manage multiple outlets and competing priorities in a fast-paced, high-standard operation.

• Calm, organised, and solutions-focused — thriving under pressure while maintaining a warm, guest-centric approach.

• Experience launching or opening a new restaurant or concept is highly advantageous.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Competitive salary

• Monthly service charge and gratuities

• Company pension

• Free onsite parking

• Meals and uniform provided

• Employee discount

• Ongoing investment in your development, with access to internal and external training

• Shine Awards programme