Head Chef

We’re not hiring people to fill a seat or add to our headcount. We’re hiring people to craft our culture, ethos and success. This is a big deal for us, and we know it’s a big deal for you: a new role defines how you spend your days, who you spend them with, and what your future looks like. Together, we’ll shape each other’s entire trajectory. That deserves thoughtfulness, empathy and respect. It’s why this job description is deliberately detailed. We want you to know exactly what you’re stepping into. The challenges, the opportunities, the quirks of the role, and the kind of impact you’ll have.

Us Crafted is a series of life-friendly hotels and clubs where guests can be themselves and fill up on the good stuff: nature, food, wellbeing, craft, people and play. Crafted at Powdermills in East Sussex opened in November 2025 as our first hotel, with several more planned in the coming years. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by life. To switch to autopilot and go through the motions. We’re busy but not on the things we love doing, we spend more time on our phone, and we misplace our bounce and spark. We all need a tune up now and again. To escape to somewhere that makes us feel totally at ease. Not so we can step away from life, but so we can come back to it. This is where Crafted comes in. Our aim is to create a network of connected destinations that people come back to again and again because it’s where they feel good about life. Somewhere to work on life, come together, and connect locally.

Your Crafted’s culture will be inclusive and agile but with ambitious goals and a start-up mentality. We need to execute brilliantly from day one and every team member will contribute wherever they are able. As a member of the senior kitchen team, you are a passionate food enthusiast and expert on top culinary trends, adept at translating them into innovative hospitality experiences. You bring a rare blend of exceptional culinary leadership and a strong business acumen, balancing creativity with commercial success. Collaborating with the Executive Chef, Head of Operations and Head of F&B, you’ll shape and grow a distinctive culinary strategy, crafting dining concepts that stand out in a competitive market, delight customers, and achieve sustainable success.

As the Head Chef, you’ll support us shape the brand’s food philosophy—its identity, style, and success—while inspiring and mentoring the culinary and back-of-house teams to reach their full potential. You’ll work closely with your team to incorporate seasonal produce and ingredients from our garden, ensuring menus reflect sustainability and a connection to nature. You’ll express your creativity and culinary flair with an emphasis on simplicity, consistency, and production efficiency. A tech-enabled approach will be key to streamlining operations and fostering a collaborative, lean business environment where everyone contributes to shared projects and goals.

That said, as Head Chef your primary responsibilities will be to:

• Support & Drive the creation and operation of innovative food concepts aligned with the brand's food philosophy, connecting with customers’ lifestyles, preferences, and cultural influences.
• Research and interpret current and future food trends, integrating them into concepts, with a focus on sustainability, wellbeing, and global influences.
• Manage a sustainable local supply chain, utilising seasonal and estate-grown produce where possible.
• Plan, lead, and execute event menus that align with the brand's standards, collaborating with the operations team to ensure flawless delivery.
• Build and maintain a comprehensive recipe database with accurate costings and photos, leveraging technology for efficiency.
• Oversee food preparation and kitchen operations to ensure smooth, consistent, and high-quality delivery.
• Set and achieve financial targets, manage budgets, and collaborate on business forecasting to meet profitability goals.
• Lead and mentor the team, fostering consistency in recipes and food styling while implementing training programs, including apprenticeships.
• Handle all aspects of back-of-house staffing, from hiring and training to managing grievances and performance, in collaboration with HR.
• Provide nutritious staff meals and oversee purchasing, inventory, and cost control to ensure efficiency.
• Promote sustainability in all kitchen operations, including waste management, energy use, and adherence to sustainability standards.
• Maintain best-in-class food safety and hygiene practices, ensuring compliance with health regulations and achieving a 5-star food safety rating.
• Stay updated on food hygiene and health and safety laws, training senior team members on systems for compliance and EHO readiness.

We’re looking for someone with:

• 5+ years relevant work experience in similar position/s
• Willing to travel to Battle, East Sussex or relocate
• Preferably degree level education in hotel and catering management
• Excellent written and oral communication
• Strong interpersonal skills and strong ability to work within a team
• Excellent organisational skills
• Natural leadership abilities
• Extensive food knowledge
• Health & Safety knowledge

Three values we’ll expect you to live by:

• Enjoy it: it’s still work, but if you’re having fun then so are our guests. It’s ok if you’re humming behind the bar or moving with the music.
• Own it: whoever you are, and whatever your role, someone’s enjoyment is in your hands. Always keep an eye out.
• Improve it: ask for feedback (and don’t be scared of what follows), and be curious. We’ll give you plenty of chances to learn and develop.

Note: positive Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles are integrated across these three values.

Contact Details: careers@staycrafted.com