Head Chef

Sterling Cross Careers; England; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious business in the South Downs seeks a Head Chef for their on-site venue. This is a rare chance for seasoned chefs or aspiring Sous Chefs to lead a talented kitchen team focused on sustainability and high-quality cuisines. In this role, you will manage dining offerings, plan menus, and ensure exceptional hospitality experiences in a stunning rural environment.

Benefits

Private medical insurance

Service charge bonus

Discounts on food & wine

Opportunity to work with seasonal, locally sourced produce

Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience in a high-quality kitchen.
• Strong focus on sustainability and sourcing local ingredients.
• Excellent organisational and time-management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead kitchen operations including set menus and seasonal events.
• Manage team rotas, development, and performance.
• Coordinate with guest accommodation and front-of-house teams.

Skills

Leadership

Sustainability

Creativity

Communication

Organisational Skills

Job description

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We’re working with a prestigious and sustainable business located in the heart of the South Downs to recruit an exceptionalHead Cheffor their highly regarded on-site hospitality venue. This is a rare opportunity for an experienced Head Chef or a talented Sous Chef ready to take the next step, to lead an innovative kitchen team in a truly stunning rural setting working alongside the Executive Chef.

What’s in it for you:

Competitive salary based on experience

Generous benefits including:

Private medical insurance

Service charge bonus

Discounts on food & wine

Opportunity to work with seasonal, locally sourced produce

Be part of a business committed to sustainability and certified B Corp

The Role:

As Head Chef, you’ll take charge of multiple dining offerings at this celebrated countryside retreat. The kitchen focuses on modern British menus that evolve with the seasons and are perfectly paired with award-winning wines. You’ll work closely with the Executive Chef and manage a small, dedicated team to deliver consistently high standards across breakfast, dinner, and Sunday lunch services, plus summer seafood & BBQ menus in the courtyard.

You’ll thrive if you enjoy produce-led cooking, value sustainability, and take pride in creating warm and memorable hospitality experiences.

Key Responsibilities:

Leading kitchen operations, including set menus and seasonal events

Coordinating with guest accommodation and front-of-house teams

Managing team rotas, development, and performance

Menu planning and sourcing high-quality, sustainable ingredients

Supporting the drinks and wine pairing programmes

Ensuring compliance with health & hygiene standards

Contributing to a positive and collaborative team culture

About You:

Proven leadership experience in a high-quality kitchen

A creative, thoughtful approach to modern British cuisine

Strong focus on sustainability and sourcing local ingredients

Michelin experience is desirable but not essential

Excellent organisational and time-management skills

Confident communicator with a passion for hospitality

Keen interest in wine and food pairing a bonus

This is a standout opportunity for a talented chef seeking a lifestyle role that values excellence, collaboration, and connection to the land.

Apply now with your CV to be considered for this exceptional opportunity. Interviews are taking place shortly.