At a Glance
- Tasks: Create seasonal baked goods and lead product development from our biodynamic farm.
- Company: Heckfield Place, a stunning Georgian house on a 400-acre working farm.
- Benefits: Healthcare cover, discounts, life assurance, and free staff meals.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for creativity and growth.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and innovate with fresh, seasonal produce.
- Qualifications: Experience in production kitchens and a love for seasonal cooking.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
Heckfield Place is a beautifully restored Georgian house set within a 400-acre working farm in Hampshire, under an hour from London.
Our kitchens are led by what grows here: produce comes from our biodynamic market garden and Home Farm, and our chefs take regular tours of the land to draw inspiration from what's growing and what's coming next.
The role
We're looking for a
Senior Production Chef to work closely with the Culinary Director and the Head of Culinary Training, Development and Research in creating and developing a wide range of products from Heckfield Home Farm and the wider Estate for our businesses.
- What You'll Be Doing
- Produce all seasonal baked goods, including sourdough and other breads, ensuring labelling and packaging meet Heckfield Home Farm produce sales standards.
- Lead the development and growth of our baked goods and bread offering, creating new seasonal products in line with the Heckfield ethos and estate produce.
- Streamline and improve production methods, cost-effectiveness and efficiency across the operation.
- Uphold a high standard of food safety, following the health and hygiene procedures set by our food safety policy and current legislation.
- Support food-related guest experiences throughout the year.
- Support the preparation, cooking, service and delivery of hospitality events held on Heckfield Home Farm throughout the year.
- Champion and promote our working culture, company principles and the Heckfield brand ethos.
About You
- A genuine passion for working seasonally, and an openness to learning new styles and techniques.
- Experience in a production or pastry kitchen, ideally with a produce-led or farm-to-table operation.
- The creativity to develop new products rather than only follow recipes.
- Confident with preserving — ferments, pickles, jams, cordials — or keen to learn.
- Organised and methodical: comfortable with production planning, yields, stock rotation and costings.
- A collaborative approach — happy working across kitchens, the farm and the wider estate team.
- Baking And Pastry Skills
- Laminated pastry — croissants, danish, puff and rough puff made from scratch, with the feel for dough temperature, resting and butter behaviour that keeps quality consistent through changing seasons and kitchen conditions.
- Sourdough — building and maintaining a starter, managing bulk fermentation, shaping, proving and baking, and adapting timings to the day rather than the clock.
- Broader baking craft — cakes, tarts, biscuits and traybakes produced to a consistent standard, at volume, with an eye on yield and waste.
Benefits
- Vitality healthcare cover
- Employee assistance programme
- Life assurance scheme (from day one, covering up to 2x your annual salary)
- 50% F&B discount when dining in our restaurants
- Enhanced maternity pay
- Enhanced paternity pay
- Recruit a Friend bonus (£1000)
- Monthly employee recognition scheme
- Free staff meals
- Daily briefings with the team, including food tasting - opportunities to work with the Home Farm
- 50% discount on Wildsmith Skin products
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Senior Production Chef employer: Heckfield Place
Heckfield Place is an exceptional employer that prioritises the wellbeing of both its guests and employees. With a strong focus on employee growth, enhanced holiday allowances, and a creative work environment, team members are encouraged to thrive while delivering outstanding service. Join a motivated team where your contributions are recognised and valued in the beautiful setting of Heckfield, England.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Production Chef
✨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 Heckfield Place. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Heckfield Place
Don't be shy about reaching out to Heckfield Place 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 Senior Production Chef
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 Heckfield Place 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 Heckfield Place
✨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!
