At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead culinary vision and create innovative menus across Daylesford's food operations.
- Company: Join the Bamford Collection, a leader in sustainable luxury food and hospitality.
- Benefits: Enjoy discounts, private medical insurance, pension scheme, and mental health support.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic environment with a commitment to sustainability and excellence.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a respected food brand while inspiring culinary talent.
- Qualifications: Significant leadership experience in multi-site hospitality and strong commercial acumen.
The predicted salary is between 56700 - 69300 £ per year.
THE BAMFORD COLLECTION IS A GROUP OF CONSCIOUSLY MINDED LIFESTYLE BRANDS COMMITTED TO NOURISHING AND NURTURING PEOPLE AND PLANET.
Join the Bamford Collection as our Head of Culinary.
This is an exceptional opportunity to shape the culinary vision of one of the UK's most celebrated food and hospitality brands.
As Head of Culinary, you will lead the food strategy across the Bamford Collection, overseeing our restaurants, events, cookery school and hospitality operations in both the Cotswolds and London.
Working closely with our senior leadership team and the founder, you will be responsible for delivering outstanding food experiences that celebrate Daylesford's organic philosophy, seasonal produce and uncompromising commitment to quality.
From developing innovative menus and nurturing exceptional culinary talent to driving operational excellence and commercial performance, you will play a pivotal role in the continued growth and success of the business.
This is a unique opportunity to influence one of the UK's leading luxury food, farming and hospitality brands while inspiring teams to deliver exceptional guest experiences every day.
Location: Based at the Daylesford Farm in the Cotswolds, with the expectation of travel to London up to twice per week, as required by the role.
Key Responsibilities
- Competitive Salary plus Benefits
- Culinary Strategy
- Lead the culinary vision and menu strategy across all Daylesford food operations, ensuring menus are seasonal, commercially successful and showcase the very best of Daylesford's own produce.
- Drive innovation while maintaining consistency, operational excellence and the highest standards of food quality.
- Operational Excellence
- Provide visible leadership across kitchens and food operations, coaching teams and ensuring exceptional culinary standards across all locations.
- Oversee food safety, health & safety, allergen management and regulatory compliance, ensuring robust systems and best practice are embedded throughout the business.
- Commercial Performance
- Own food margin performance, working closely with Finance to manage budgets, forecasts and profitability.
- Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency, enhance guest experience and drive commercial growth.
- Leadership & Development
- Lead, inspire and develop high-performing culinary teams, creating a culture of collaboration, accountability and continuous improvement.
- Champion succession planning, leadership development and chef training across the business.
- Collaboration & Innovation
- Partner with Events, Retail, Marketing, Finance and the Cookery School to deliver exceptional food experiences across every customer touchpoint.
- Develop engaging cookery school programmes and oversee the culinary delivery of events from concept through to execution.
- Build a trusted partnership with the business owner and contribute to wider strategic business decisions as a member of the senior leadership team.
Skills & Experience
We're looking for an inspiring culinary leader with
- Significant senior leadership experience across multi-site hospitality, luxury hotels, premium restaurants or food-led hospitality businesses.
- A proven track record of leading high-performing culinary teams while delivering exceptional guest experiences.
- Strong commercial acumen, with experience managing budgets, food margins, forecasting and operational performance.
- Extensive experience in menu development, balancing creativity, seasonality, operational practicality and profitability.
- Comprehensive knowledge of food safety, health & safety, allergen legislation and kitchen compliance.
- Exceptional leadership, coaching and mentoring skills with a passion for developing future culinary talent.
- Outstanding communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence at executive level.
- A hands-on leadership style, equally comfortable shaping long-term strategy and supporting operational teams on the ground.
Why Join us?
At Daylesford, food is at the heart of everything we do.
From our organic farm and award-winning restaurants to our farm shops, cookery school and luxury hospitality experiences, we are passionate about creating exceptional food with integrity.
As Head of Culinary, you'll have the opportunity to shape the future of one of Britain's most respected food brands, working alongside passionate people who share a commitment to sustainability, craftsmanship and excellence.
Perks & Benefits
- Discounts: We offer a range of discounts on our products, treatments, and dining experiences from day one.
- Local gym discounts
- Padel Discount
- Electric Car Scheme (subject to criteria)
- Volunteering Days: Employees are offered one paid day per year to volunteer with a charity of their choice.
- Private Medical: We offer subsidised private medical insurance through Bupa.
- Pension Scheme: Pay up to 9% of your salary into your pension each month; we contribute up to 4.5%.
- Life Assurance: We offer life assurance cover, equivalent of up to a year of your annual salary.
- Mental Health Support: Our Employee Assistance Programme provides 24-hour support, seven days a week.
Bamford Collection is a group of consciously minded lifestyle brands committed to nourishing and nurturing people and planet.
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Head of Culinary employer: Daylesford Organic
Daylesford Organic is an excellent employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises sustainability and exceptional customer service. Employees benefit from competitive pay, generous discounts on organic products, private medical insurance, and opportunities for community engagement through volunteering days. Working at the Brompton Cross store not only allows you to be part of a passionate team but also supports your personal and professional growth in a meaningful way.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Culinary
✨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 Daylesford Organic. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Daylesford Organic
Don't be shy about reaching out to Daylesford Organic 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 of Culinary
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 Daylesford Organic 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 Daylesford Organic
✨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!
