Head Chef

Sterling Cross; Wealden; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious business in the South Downs is seeking an exceptional Head Chef for their onsite venue. In this role, you'll manage a dynamic kitchen focusing on modern British cuisine, ensuring sustainability while leading a dedicated team to excellence. This is a unique opportunity to thrive in a stunning rural setting, where you will be part of a company committed to sustainability and quality.

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.
• Creative approach to modern British cuisine.
• Excellent organisational and time-management skills.

Responsibilities

• Leading kitchen operations including seasonal events and set menus.
• Managing team development and performance.
• Menu planning and sourcing sustainable ingredients.

Skills

Leadership

Creativity

Organisational skills

Time-management

Communication

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 exceptional Head Chef for 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.