Head Chef - Bristol

Head Chef - Bristol

A Head Chef role where you can achieve a good work/life balance.

Old Down Estate, based just outside Bristol, which includes Old Down Manor, Foxhills Spa, Country Park, self catering cottages and glamping, has some exciting plans for the year to come. To be able to move forward and fulfil our wedding and event commitments we are looking for an experienced, proactive and passionate Head Chef to lead our kitchen team and work as part of the Country Park team.

At Old Down we are reliant on the kitchen team to produce a diverse selection of food on a daily basis. Overseeing and working across the outlets – weddings, café, events, farm shop – you will be expected to fulfil the needs of our visitors by offering a seasonal menu where all the food is home produced using as many ingredients as possible that are grown within the estate.

Responsibilities of the Head Chef

• To take overall responsibility for the kitchens – The Manor, Barn plus outdoor outlets for events.
• To ensure the kitchen is cleaned and presented to a high standard at all times and H&S and Food Safety compliance is consistently achieved.
• To produce innovative menus utilising fresh ingredients for the weddings, café and corporate events taking into account dietary needs and requirements.
• To train and develop team members in kitchen practices.
• To work collaboratively with all departments in planning future events and attending relevant meetings as required to ensure all team members are aware of what is happening across the Park.
• To integrate into the wider team at Old Down, personally join and encourage the team to join the regular social events.

Previous experience required

• To have worked as a Head Chef in a comparable kitchen – ideally with extensive experience in weddings/events
• Proven experience in devising and implementing seasonal menus as well as excellent knowledge of dietary requirements and the ability to fulfil requirements.
• Proactive approach to last minute changes – ability to adapt quickly.
• Ability to lead and motivate a team
• Development of team members (commis chefs)
• Proven experience in ensuring Health and Safety and Food Safety compliance are consistently adhered to.

What we offer:

• Competitive salary
• Diverse role working across all aspects of the business
• Opportunity to devise and implement menus utilising produce from the Estate
• Work/life balance – when weddings/events are not taking place the Park closes at 4pm in the Winter and 5pm in the Summer
• An average of 45 hours/week
• Great team culture – we are not an ‘it’s not my job’ place!

Take a look at our website to get a feel for what the Estate is about - Adventure Park | Farm Animals | Café | Old Down Country Park (olddownestate.co.uk)

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Salary: £38,000.00 per year