Chef – Modern Puglia Cuisine

Private Masseria; City Of London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

An innovative culinary project in the heart of the countryside is seeking a Resident Chef to design and execute seasonal menus inspired by Puglia’s rich culinary heritage. The ideal candidate will possess at least five years of experience in fine dining and have a deep connection to Puglia’s food culture. This part-time role offers creative freedom and the chance to shape unforgettable culinary experiences. Apply by sending your CV and portfolio detailing your vision for 'Modern Puglia Cuisine.'

Benefits

Creative freedom in menu development

Participation in culinary events

Work in a beautiful countryside estate

Qualifications

• Native of Puglia, with an intimate understanding of its food culture.
• Minimum 5 years of professional kitchen experience.
• Excellent communication in Italian and conversational English.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute seasonal menus reflecting Puglia’s culinary tradition.
• Build relationships with local suppliers for sourcing ingredients.
• Guide guests through Puglia’s flavors and traditions.

Skills

Menu Creation

Culinary Storytelling

Team Leadership

Local Sourcing

Job description

We are looking for a Resident Chef responsible for designing, preparing, and executing a seasonal menu inspired by Puglia’s culinary heritage, presented with a modern and creative touch. This role requires deep knowledge of local ingredients, traditional techniques, and a strong sense of storytelling through food. You will collaborate closely with our hospitality teams to curate unforgettable experiences — from intimate farm‑to‑table dinners and wine pairing suppers to hands‑on cooking workshops and culinary residencies for visiting chefs. Our mission is to celebrate Puglia’s culinary heritage — its humble ingredients, seasonal rhythms, and artisanal mastery — while presenting it through a modern, creative lens for an international audience. For this reason, we are seeking a Puglian‑born Chef who embodies the values of authenticity, craftsmanship, and innovation — someone capable of transforming the simplicity of rural life into an unforgettable gastronomic experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Menu Creation: Design and execute seasonal menus that reflect the depth and simplicity of Puglia’s culinary tradition in a modern way.
• Local Sourcing: Build close relationships with local farmers, cheesemakers, fishermen, and artisans to source ingredients that honor the land.
• Culinary Storytelling: Guide guests through Puglia’s flavors and traditions with passion, offering insight into ingredients, techniques, and history.
• Event Collaboration: Participate in private dinners, curated events, and international culinary showcases representing the essence of Puglia.
• Team Leadership: Manage daily kitchen operations and mentor staff with respect for craftsmanship and precision.
• Sustainability: Uphold responsible sourcing, reduce waste, and promote the ethical values that define southern Italian hospitality.

Ideal Candidate

• Native of Puglia, with an intimate understanding of its food culture and terroir.
• Minimum 5 years of professional kitchen experience, preferably in fine dining, boutique hospitality, or culinary residencies.
• Creative and visionary, with the ability to reimagine classic Puglian dishes in refined, contemporary form.
• Deep knowledge of local ingredients, traditional preservation methods, and regional wines.
• Excellent communication in Italian and conversational English, with the ability to connect with guests through storytelling and food.
• Passionate about sharing the identity of Puglia with the world.

What We Offer

• The opportunity to work in a restored countryside estate surrounded by olive trees, vineyards, and the Mediterranean landscape.
• A chance to shape the culinary heart of an ambitious new hospitality project.
• Creative freedom to develop menus, collaborations, and guest experiences that reflect your vision.
• Participation in culinary events and residencies both in Italy and abroad.

How to Apply

Please send your CV, portfolio (with images or menu samples), and a brief letter describing your vision of what “Modern Puglia Cuisine” means to you.

Experience: Required
Employment: Part‑time

About Private Masseria:

We are an internationally minded culinary and hospitality project born from a deep love for Puglia — with mission to bring the soul of our region to the world through food, wine, and cultural experiences.