Head Chef

Compass Group; Forest Row; On-site; GBP 44,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

A premier hospitality group is seeking a Head Chef to elevate culinary experiences at Glyndebourne. Responsibilities include leading kitchen operations, menu innovation, and ensuring high standards across multiple outlets. The ideal candidate will have a robust background in premium hospitality and team leadership. Join a dynamic environment where creativity and quality are paramount, with opportunities for professional growth and a comprehensive benefits package.

Benefits

Free meals on shift

Free onsite car parking

Contributory pension scheme

Career development programs

Digital GP access

Exclusive travel discounts

Cashback rewards

Mindfulness and exercise classes

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Head Chef in a high-volume, high-quality environment.
• Experience in premium hospitality or fine dining.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Design and adapt menus reflecting seasonality and innovation.
• Oversee all kitchen operations for quality and compliance.
• Lead and develop a talented team of chefs.

Skills

Leadership skills

Organizational skills

Culinary knowledge

Communication skills

Adaptability

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Title: Head Chef
Location: Glyndebourne, East Sussex
Salary: Up to £52,000 per annum + tronc
Contract: Permanent, Full-Time, 5 out of 7 days per week

As the Head Chef at Glyndebourne Dining, you will join one of the UK's most prestigious cultural destinations to lead and elevate the culinary experience across this iconic venue. Working with Restaurant Associates Venues (part of Compass Group), you will be responsible for delivering exceptional food across a multi‑outlet operation that includes fine dining restaurants, member spaces, premium hospitality, interval dining, grab & go areas, and large‑scale event catering.

This role requires a chef with strong leadership capability, refined culinary standards, and the ability to oversee both high‑volume and high‑quality delivery during the world‑renowned Glyndebourne Festival and year‑round events programme.

Success in this role means visitors, patrons, members, and guests consistently enjoy outstanding food across all outlets, with kitchens running efficiently, safely, creatively, and profitably. Building on an established, collaborative relationship with our client, you will help ensure that the dining experience continues to be a key part of Glyndebourne's celebrated reputation.

Responsibilities

Menu Development & Innovation - Design and adapt menus reflecting seasonality, sustainability, premium ingredients, and Glyndebourne's elevated brand. Develop offer ranges from fine dining to retail, ensuring consistency and creativity across all outlets.

Operational Excellence - Oversee all kitchen operations, ensuring full compliance with food safety legislation, company policies, and contractual requirements. Maintain exceptional quality and presentation standards.

Leadership & Team Development - Lead, train, and inspire a talented brigade of chefs. Cultivate a positive, professional, and high‑performance kitchen culture, especially during peak periods.

Cost Control & Profitability - Manage budgets effectively, control wastage, monitor ordering and stock, and achieve GP targets without compromising quality or guest experience.

Collaboration - Work closely with front‑of‑house teams, senior RA Venues stakeholders, and the Glyndebourne client team to deliver a seamless and memorable guest journey.

Event & Hospitality Delivery - Lead culinary operations for large‑scale events, VIP hospitality, gala dinners, and commercial functions throughout the festival and off‑season calendar.

Ideal Candidate

• Proven experience as a Head Chef in a high‑volume, high‑quality, multi‑outlet environment
• Experience in premium hospitality, cultural attractions, contracted venues, or fine dining
• Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to build, motivate, and develop teams
• Excellent organisational skills and the ability to perform under pressure during peak operational periods
• Knowledge of food trends, allergens, dietary requirements, and modern culinary techniques
• Demonstrated ability to meet financial targets while maintaining exceptional standards
• IT‑literate with good Microsoft Office skills
• Passionate about food, hospitality, and guest experience
• Adaptable, resilient, and solution‑focused in a dynamic environment
• Creative, commercially minded, and results driven
• Committed to sustainability, responsible sourcing, and Compass Group values

What We Offer

We ensure you're rewarded for all your hard work, which is why we offer a comprehensive benefits package including (but not limited to):

• Free meals on shift
• Free onsite car parking
• Contributory pension scheme
• Career development with our Career Pathways and MyLearning programmes
• Quick access to a Digital GP for you and your immediate family
• Wider healthcare and wellbeing support
• Exclusive travel discounts with TUI, Expedia, Booking.com and more
• Supermarket savings with Tesco, Sainsbury's, Morrisons and many others
• Up to 44% off cinema tickets
• Cashback rewards across a wide range of brands
• Free wellness, mindfulness, and exercise classes
• Share discounts with friends and family

About Us

Part of Compass Group UK & Ireland, Restaurant Associates provides exceptional hospitality through outstanding food, drink, and service. We partner with some of the UK's most iconic cultural, heritage, and workplace destinations to deliver unforgettable experiences.

At Glyndebourne, our mission is to craft dining that enhances every visitor's experience - from everyday moments to world‑class festival performances. Every day, our passionate teams strive for excellence, creativity, and service that leaves a lasting impression.

Compass Group UK & Ireland is committed to fostering an environment where everyone can be themselves and thrive. We celebrate diversity, encourage inclusion, and empower our teams to reach their full potential - because diversity is our strength.