At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead culinary operations, create innovative menus, and mentor kitchen teams.
- Company: Drewton's Farm Shop, a respected family-run food business in Yorkshire.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonuses, daytime hours, and career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with diverse culinary challenges and local produce collaboration.
- Why this job: Shape the future of exceptional homemade food and customer experiences.
- Qualifications: Experienced chef with strong leadership, creativity, and commercial skills.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 42000 £ per year.
- Executive Chef & Head of Culinary Experience
- Drewton's Farm Shop, Restaurant & The Manor Rooms
- South Cave, East Yorkshire
- Full Time | 45 Hours per Week | Competitive Salary Dependent on Experience
Lead the Culinary Direction of One of Yorkshire's Most Respected Independent Food Businesses
Are you an exceptional culinary leader with the vision, creativity and commercial awareness to oversee multiple food operations under one award-winning brand?
Drewton's is an established and highly respected family business combining a busy farm shop, delicatessen, bakery, restaurant, weddings and events venue, holiday accommodation and online food offering.
Food is at the heart of everything we do.
We are looking for an ambitious and inspirational Executive Chef to become the driving force behind our culinary operation.
Reporting directly to the business owners, you will lead our Head Chefs and wider kitchen teams, taking hands‑on responsibility for food quality, menu innovation, standards, training, profitability and product development across the entire business.
This is a rare opportunity to shape the future direction of a thriving business with a reputation for exceptional homemade food, outstanding customer experiences and a commitment to supporting local producers.
The Opportunity
Our food operation includes
- A busy daytime restaurant serving brunch, lunch and afternoon tea seven days a week.
- A dedicated weddings and events venue at The Manor Rooms.
- A thriving bakery and delicatessen producing a wide range of homemade products.
- Seasonal food ranges and online ordering, including festive products, sharing platters and special occasion catering.
- Collaboration with over 320 local Yorkshire producers and suppliers.
As Executive Chef, you will ensure every dish, product and menu reflects the quality, creativity and consistency that our customers expect from Drewton's.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide leadership and direction across all kitchen operations.
- Lead, develop and mentor our Head Chefs and wider kitchen teams.
- Create and deliver innovative seasonal menus across restaurant, weddings, events and retail operations.
- Drive new product development for the bakery, delicatessen and online food ranges.
- Act as the guardian of quality, consistency, presentation and taste throughout the business.
- Manage food costs, margins, stock control and supplier relationships.
- Ensure the highest standards of food safety, allergen management, HACCP compliance and kitchen procedures.
- Oversee kitchen rotas, recruitment, training and performance management.
- Identify food trends and opportunities to keep our offering exciting and relevant.
- Work closely with the senior leadership team to support business growth and profitability.
- Lead by example, setting the standard for professionalism, excellence and teamwork.
About You
You will be
- An experienced Executive Chef, Senior Head Chef or multi-site culinary leader.
- Passionate about quality ingredients, seasonality and creating exceptional food.
- A natural people manager who inspires and develops successful teams.
- Commercially minded with experience managing budgets, margins and productivity.
- Organised, proactive and capable of overseeing multiple departments simultaneously.
- Skilled in menu development and product innovation.
- Committed to delivering exceptional customer experiences.
- Qualified in Food Safety and Hygiene.
- In possession of your own transport due to our rural location.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary dependent on experience, plus bonus and share of gratuities
- Hourly paid, ensuring every hour worked is paid.
- 45-hour full-time contract.
- Daytime restaurant opening hours meaning less late night working.
- Significant influence over menu development and culinary strategy.
- The opportunity to shape food across multiple business sectors.
- A supportive and ambitious family business environment.
- The chance to work with outstanding local produce and talented teams.
- Career progression within a growing and award-winning business. A Diverse Culinary Operation
No two days at Drewton's and The Manor Rooms are the same.
One day you may be developing seasonal menus for our restaurant and afternoon teas, the next overseeing production in the bakery and delicatessen, supporting the delivery of a bespoke wedding banquet, creating grazing tables for a celebration, preparing festive food ranges, or working with the team to deliver everything from corporate events and funeral gatherings to street food suppers and fine dining experiences.
This role requires a chef who enjoys variety, thrives under pressure and takes pride in delivering exceptional food across a wide range of dining styles and occasions.
Join Drewton's
If you are ready to take ownership of a diverse, ambitious and expanding food operation and become the culinary leader behind one of Yorkshire's most respected hospitality businesses, we'd love to hear from you.
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Executive Chef & Head of Culinary Experience in South Cave employer: DREWTONS LIMITED
Drewton's Farm Shop, Restaurant & The Manor Rooms is an exceptional employer that offers a vibrant and supportive work culture, where culinary creativity thrives. As a family business located in the picturesque South Cave, East Yorkshire, employees benefit from competitive salaries, career progression opportunities, and the chance to work with outstanding local produce. With a commitment to quality and innovation, this role as Executive Chef allows you to shape the culinary direction of a respected brand while enjoying a balanced work-life with daytime hours.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive Chef & Head of Culinary Experience in South Cave
✨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 DREWTONS LIMITED. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to DREWTONS LIMITED
Don't be shy about reaching out to DREWTONS LIMITED 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 Executive Chef & Head of Culinary Experience in South Cave
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 DREWTONS LIMITED 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 DREWTONS LIMITED
✨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!
