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- Tasks: Lead and elevate the culinary experience at a prestigious venue.
- Company: Join Glyndebourne Dining, part of Compass Group, known for exceptional hospitality.
- Benefits: Enjoy free meals, career development, and exclusive discounts.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on dining experiences at world-class events.
- Qualifications: Proven experience as a Head Chef in high-quality environments.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for creativity and leadership.
The predicted salary is between 44000 - 62000 ÂŁ per year.
Location: Glyndebourne, East Sussex
Salary: Up to ÂŁ52,000 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
- 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.
Head Chef in Forest Row employer: Compass Group
Contact Detail:
Compass Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef in Forest Row
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your culinary contacts and let them know you're on the lookout for a Head Chef role. Attend industry events or local food festivals to meet potential employers and showcase your passion for food.
✨Tip Number 2
Get your culinary portfolio in order! Make sure it highlights your best dishes, menu innovations, and any successful events you've led. A well-presented portfolio can really set you apart when you're chatting with hiring managers.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your interview skills! Prepare for common chef interview questions and think about how you can demonstrate your leadership and creativity. Role-play with a friend to build confidence and get feedback.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it super easy for you to find and apply for the Head Chef position at Glyndebourne. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our team and elevating the culinary experience!
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef in Forest Row
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Culinary Creativity: When you're writing your application, let your passion for food shine through! Share examples of how you've developed innovative menus or tackled culinary challenges in the past. We want to see your unique flair!
Highlight Your Leadership Skills: As a Head Chef, you'll be leading a team, so make sure to showcase your leadership experience. Talk about how you've inspired and trained your brigade, especially during busy periods. We love a good team player!
Be Detail-Oriented: Pay attention to the details in your application. Mention your knowledge of food safety regulations and how you maintain high standards in the kitchen. This shows us you're serious about operational excellence!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Compass Group
✨Know Your Menus Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with the types of menus that Glyndebourne Dining offers. Be ready to discuss how you would innovate and adapt these menus based on seasonality and sustainability. Show your passion for premium ingredients and how you can elevate their culinary experience.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a Head Chef, strong leadership is key. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led and developed teams in high-pressure environments. Think about specific challenges you've faced and how you motivated your brigade to maintain high standards during peak times.
✨Showcase Your Operational Excellence
Be ready to talk about your experience with kitchen operations and compliance with food safety legislation. Highlight any systems or processes you’ve implemented to ensure quality and efficiency. This will show that you can manage both high-volume and high-quality delivery effectively.
✨Align with Their Values
Glyndebourne values sustainability and responsible sourcing. Research their initiatives and be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to these goals. Share your own experiences with sustainable practices in the kitchen to demonstrate that you’re a good fit for their culture.
