Culinary Director, Resort Dining & Menu Innovation

The NICI Lymington; South Baddesley; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Service charge

Staff discounts across THE NICI

Meals on duty

Training and development

Career progression

New resort environment

Job summary

THE NICI Collection in the New Forest seeks an Executive Chef to take overall responsibility for the resort's food operation. This senior leadership role combines culinary excellence with commercial leadership, shaping the menus of Martha's and Elm's Café, building a high-performing brigade, and driving financial success.

You will own kitchen budgets, food margins, purchasing, and standards, while mentoring chefs and delivering outstanding guest experiences.

Qualifications

• Significant senior-level experience in hotel, resort, restaurant group or similar complex food operation.
• Experience managing multiple outlets and/or high-volume service.
• Proven leadership and ability to develop a large kitchen team.
• Strong culinary background with passion for quality and consistency.
• Commercial understanding to manage food cost, GP, labour and purchasing.

Responsibilities

• Establish and evolve the overall food direction for THE NICI New Forest.
• Shape the identity and menus for Martha's and Elm's Café with own distinct personalities.
• Lead the kitchen leadership team and set clear standards across all areas.
• Build a strong brigade capable of delivering high-volume service.
• Develop chefs and future kitchen leaders through coaching and training.
• Introduce menus that are exciting yet practical and commercially viable.
• Own kitchen budgets, food margins, GP, and overall culinary profitability.
• Review purchasing and supplier relations for quality and value.
• Implement systems for stock, waste reduction and portion control.
• Maintain high standards for food safety, allergens and hygiene.

Skills

Senior-level experience

Multi-outlet / high-volume

Strong culinary background

Menu development

Commercial kitchen acumen

Food safety & compliance

Team recruitment & development

Leadership & communication

Strategic leadership

Guest experience focus

Job description

THE NICI Collection in the New Forest seeks an Executive Chef to take overall responsibility for the resort's food operation. This senior leadership role combines culinary excellence with commercial leadership, shaping the menus of Martha's and Elm's Café, building a high-performing brigade, and driving financial success.

You will own kitchen budgets, food margins, purchasing, and standards, while mentoring chefs and delivering outstanding guest experiences.