At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic kitchen team and create memorable culinary experiences.
- Company: Join Compass Group UK & Ireland, a leader in hospitality with an inclusive culture.
- Benefits: Up to £50,000 salary, 23 days holiday, healthcare support, and career development.
- Other info: Flexible hours and opportunities for personal growth in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make your mark in a vibrant kitchen and shape the guest experience.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Head Chef or senior Sous Chef with a passion for great food.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 50000 £ per year.
This job is with Compass Group UK & Ireland, an inclusive employer and a member of my Gwork – the largest global platform for the LGBTQ+ business community.
Please do not contact the recruiter directly.
- Head Chef - Sedgebrook Hall, Northampton
- Full-Time | Permanent | Up to £50,000 + Excellent Benefits
We're looking for a Head Chef who wants to make their mark.
This is a brilliant opportunity to take the reins of the kitchen at Sedgebrook Hall and put your own stamp on the food, the team and the overall guest experience.
We're looking for an ambitious, creative and hands-on Head Chef who loves great food, enjoys leading from the front and knows what it takes to deliver consistently brilliant service in a busy hospitality environment.
You'll have the opportunity to shape our culinary offer, develop a talented kitchen team and work closely with the General Manager and wider leadership team to take the food experience at Sedgebrook Hall to the next level.
And because we're part of Levy UK & Ireland, you'll have plenty of opportunity to develop your career, share ideas and make a real impact across a much bigger hospitality business.
About Sedgebrook Hall Sedgebrook Hall is part of The Venues Collection, a group of five unique venues across the UK offering everything from meetings and conferences to weddings, celebrations and overnight stays.
With beautiful spaces, a diverse range of events and guests, and plenty happening throughout the year, no two days in our kitchen are quite the same.
What you'll be doing As Head Chef, you'll be at the heart of the operation, leading the kitchen team and making sure every plate that leaves the pass delivers on quality, creativity and consistency.
You'll
- Lead, inspire and develop the kitchen brigade, creating a positive and high-performing team environment.
- Take ownership of the culinary offer, bringing your own creativity, personality and ideas to our menus.
- Create food that looks as good as it tastes, using fresh, quality ingredients and keeping ahead of food trends.
- Adapt your approach to suit a broad range of guests and occasions, from conferences and meetings to weddings, celebrations and special events.
- Work closely with the General Manager and senior leadership team to continually improve the food and guest experience.
- Take a commercial approach to the kitchen, managing budgets, food costs, labour and waste without compromising on quality.
- Champion sustainability and play an important role in helping us achieve our wider environmental goals.
- Make sure the kitchen operates to the highest standards of food safety, hygiene and compliance.
- Embrace technology, including online food ordering, food waste management and menu planning systems.
- Be hands-on during service and lead by example when things get busy.
What we're looking for We're looking for someone who is confident, creative and calm under pressure - a chef who can take charge of a busy kitchen but still gets excited about what's going on the plate.
You'll bring
- Proven experience as a Head Chef or senior Sous Chef ready to take the next step.
- A genuine passion for fresh ingredients, great cooking and creating memorable food experiences.
- A strong track record in a quality hospitality environment.
- A natural ability to lead, motivate and develop a kitchen team.
- Creativity and confidence to bring your own style and ideas to the menu.
- A guest-first approach and the ability to adapt your offer across different types of events and occasions.
- Strong commercial awareness, including food costs, labour, waste and budgets.
- Excellent food safety and hygiene knowledge.
- A hands-on approach and the resilience to thrive in a busy environment.
- The flexibility to work around the needs of the business, including weekends and key service periods.
This isn't a 9-5 kitchen role - it's an opportunity for someone who genuinely loves hospitality and wants to be part of making great things happen.
What's in it for you? We believe great people deserve great benefits. Alongside a salary of up to £50,000, you'll get:
- 23 days' holiday + bank holidays, your birthday off and the option to buy additional holidays
- Healthcare and wellbeing support, including Aviva Digicare and Medicash
- 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme and mental health support
- Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave
- Additional family-friendly benefits
- Shopping, entertainment and travel discounts
- 20% off Nuffield Health and 10% off Pure Gym memberships
- Pension scheme and Life Assurance
- Preferred rates on salary finance products
- Professional subscriptions and ongoing training
- Structured career development and progression opportunities
- Meals on duty
Why Levy? Levy UK & Ireland is part of Compass Group, the world's largest catering and hospitality business.
But we're not about being corporate for the sake of it. We're about great people, great food and creating experiences that guests remember.
We want everyone to bring their own personality, ideas and individuality to work.
We're proud to build inclusive teams where people can be themselves, develop their careers and have the opportunity to do their best work.
If you're ready for your next challenge and want the opportunity to really put your stamp on a kitchen, we'd love to hear from you.
Together, we create unforgettable experiences - and shape the future of hospitality.
Head Chef- Sedgebrook Hall employer: Compass Group UK & Ireland
Compass Group UK&I is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that values dedication and flexibility. With competitive pay and a commitment to employee growth, you will have the opportunity to advance within our extensive facilities network while contributing to the safety and cleanliness of vital government services in London.
Contact Details:
Compass Group UK & Ireland Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef- Sedgebrook Hall
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Compass Group UK & Ireland. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Compass Group UK & Ireland
Don't be shy about reaching out to Compass Group UK & Ireland directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef- Sedgebrook Hall
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Compass Group UK & Ireland and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Compass Group UK & Ireland
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!