Head Chef

Ampleforth Abbey Trust; England; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A historic abbey trust in the UK seeks a passionate Head Chef to lead food quality in their Tearoom and create menu options. This on-site role requires strong teamwork, communication skills, and previous Head Chef experience. The position is full-time with competitive salary and benefits, set in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Benefits

Up to 8% employer-matched pension

Life assurance

Free lunch during working hours

Free on-site parking

20% discount at the Abbey Shop

Cycle to Work Scheme

Christmas Closure

Qualifications

• Experience of working at this level.
• Successful in supporting consistent and improved health and safety procedures.

Responsibilities

• Lead in delivering quality food in the Tearoom and create menu development.
• Work with the Executive Chef for events and the Monastery.
• Ensure highest quality food production and presentation.
• Liaise with Guest Operations and Finance for stock ordering.
• Adhere to Health & Safety policies.
• Build relationships with Front of House teams for excellent guest experience.
• Develop culinary knowledge under Executive Chef.
• Demonstrate a passion for hospitality and great food.

Skills

Excellent communication

Integrity

Professionalism

Agile mindset

Job description

Overview

Head Chef

Salary: Highly competitive, dependent on experience and skills + Benefits & Overtime

Hours: Full-time, permanent (40 hours per week), - no split shifts.

Based at Ampleforth Abbey YO62 - 5 days over 7 per week (on site)

Closing date: 3 October 2025

Benefits

• Up to 8% employer-matched pension
• Life assurance
• Free lunch during working hours
• Free on-site parking
• 20% discount at the Abbey Shop
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Christmas Closure

About Ampleforth Abbey

Ampleforth Abbey is home to the UK's largest Benedictine monastic community, rooted in the Rule of St Benedict. Our mission is to seek God through prayer and service, and to invite others to experience faith in action.

Located in the Howardian Hills near York, the Abbey sits within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and welcomes thousands of visitors each year to its Retreat Centre, Visitor Centre, Shop and Tea Room.

Ampleforth Abbey Trust, a registered charity, works alongside the monastic community to support this mission. With around 60 lay staff, the Trust delivers on a five-year strategy, choosing a Future Together, to ensure a sustainable, faith-led future for the Abbey and its valley home.

Main Responsibilities

• Taking a leading role in delivering quality food in our Tearoom as well as creating menu development.
• Working with the Executive Chef to ensure food for events and the Monastery.
• Monitor and ensure that the production, preparation, and presentation of food are of the highest quality at all times.
• Liaise with Head of Guest Operations and Finance regarding ordering stock and ingredients.
• Adhere to Health & Safety policies and regulations.
• Build great relationships with Front of House teams to demonstrate a shared passion for excellent guest experience.
• Continually develop culinary knowledge and skills under the supervision of the Executive Chef as our organisation expands.
• Demonstrate a passion for hospitality & great food with previous experience of working as a Head Chef.

Experience

You will have:

• Experience of working at this level.
• Successful in supporting consistent and improved health and safety procedures.

Skills and Attributes

You will bring:

• Excellent communication
• Integrity, professionalism and a positive, agile mindset

Safeguarding

Ampleforth Abbey Trust is committed to the highest standards of safeguarding. All appointments are subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.

How to apply

Interested in this Head Chef role? If you feel that you possess the relevant skills and experience, then please submit your latest CV.

INDHS