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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic kitchen, create delicious dishes, and build your dream team.
- Company: Join Mad Swans, a vibrant new social space in the South Downs.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, free meals, employee discounts, and fun team events.
- Why this job: Shape a brand-new kitchen and make your mark in a unique dining experience.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Head Chef or Sous Chef with a passion for food.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with opportunities for creativity and growth.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 50000 £ per year.
Mad Swans is looking for a full-time Head Chef to join our budding team. You’ll be the first person to step into this role and shape it at our first site: Mad Swans in the South Downs, located in Blacknest near Farnham & Alton.
We are experts in our field, committed to creating boundary-pushing social spaces that spark meaningful connections through play in nature. We’re opening our second countryside hangout for mavericks, offering social play spanning Padel Tennis, Pickleball, Darts, Shuffleboard and Golf, alongside two distinct dining experiences: The Potting Shed (Brasserie classics) and The Hangout (shareable plates). An Eco Cabin for the night sits nearby for guests who want to extend their visit.
As this is a brand-new role for a new opening, you won’t just be running the kitchen – you’ll be shaping it. From building your dream team to setting the pace for daily service, you’ll be at the core of everything that happens at Mad Swans in the South Downs.
Responsibilities
- Lead the day-to-day kitchen operations with confidence, energy and attention to detail.
- Recruit, train, and mentor a skilled and motivated kitchen team.
- Foster a kitchen environment that’s positive, respectful, and high‑performing.
- Maintain impeccable hygiene and food safety standards, and ensure every dish meets guest expectations.
- Keep your skills and knowledge fresh, bringing new ideas and best practices to the table.
- Complete weekly stock takes and manage orders and deliveries while ensuring SOPs, recipe specifications, and procedures are followed using Procure Wizard.
- Represent Mad Swans and the wider company with pride and professionalism.
- Work closely with the General Manager and liaise daily with the team about events, specials, and VIPs.
- Complete weekly kitchen schedules two weeks in advance.
- Collaborate with the Group Head Chef and maintain strong communication.
- Report Health & Safety issues, hazards, accidents or near misses to the Senior Management Team during the weekly H&S meeting.
Qualifications and attributes
- Experienced in a Head Chef or Sous Chef role.
- Genuine passion for food, creativity and high standards.
- Focus on food quality, presentation and hygiene.
- Excellent communicator.
- Strong organisational skills and ability to multi-task.
- Confident, outgoing and well-presented.
- Hands-on and willing to assist with day-to-day duties in a small team.
- Self-driven and highly motivated.
- Able to work independently and as part of a team.
- Proactive, positive and resilient by nature.
- Solutions-driven.
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment.
- Food Safety Level 3 qualification is desirable but not essential.
Please note, you must be eligible to work in the UK; we are unable to sponsor work permits or visas.
What is in it for you
- Tips & Service Charge.
- Free Parking.
- Free Employee Meal whilst on shift.
- Wage Stream – access your pay for hours worked before payday.
- Employee Discounts on Food, Sports, Activities, Cabins and in the Retail Shop.
- Reward & Recognition Initiatives.
- Team Social & Well-being Activities & Events.
- Employee Referral Scheme Bonus.
- Mad Swans Water Bottle.
- Mad Swans Hoodie.
- Plant your own tree at Mad Swans.
Location and working details
- Location – onsite role at Mad Swans in the South Downs, Frith End Road, Blacknest, Hampshire, GU34 4QL.
- Working Hours – shift times vary; kitchen operation hours are 6.00 am to 11.00 pm.
- Working Days – any five days out of seven; weekends regularly.
Who we’re looking for
- Experienced and has previous experience in a Head Chef or Sous Chef role.
- Genuine passion for food, creativity and high standards.
- Focused on food quality, presentation and hygiene.
- Excellent communicator.
- Strong organisational skills and ability to multi-task.
- Confident, outgoing and well-presented.
- Happy to be hands-on and assist with day-to-day duties as part of a small team.
- Self-driven and highly motivated.
- Happy and able to work both independently and as part of a team.
- Proactive, positive and resilient by nature.
- Solutions driven.
- Comfortable working in a very fast-paced environment.
- Food Safety Level 3 qualification is desirable but not essential.
Please note, you must be eligible to work in the UK as we are unable to sponsor any work permits or visas.
How to Apply
If you believe you have what it takes to come on-board and would like to be part of something new and exciting, we would love to hear from you. Please simply apply by hitting the apply button.
Recruitment Agencies
We are not working with any recruitment agencies at this time. As such, we do not accept any speculative CVs and/or candidate profiles and are, therefore, unable to consider these.
Head Chef in Alton employer: Mad Swans
Contact Detail:
Mad Swans Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef in Alton
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the venue! Before your interview, take a trip to Mad Swans. Check out the vibe, the food, and the overall atmosphere. This will help you tailor your conversation and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of the team.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your creativity! As a Head Chef, you’ll be shaping the kitchen. Bring some ideas to the table during your interview. Whether it’s a new dish or a unique service style, let them see your passion for food and innovation.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Connect with other chefs and hospitality professionals on social media. Join groups related to culinary arts and share your journey. You never know who might have a lead or insight into the role at Mad Swans.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, shoot a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It shows professionalism and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef in Alton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food: When you're writing your application, let your love for food shine through! Share your culinary journey and what inspires you in the kitchen. We want to see that genuine enthusiasm for creating amazing dishes.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for this role. Highlight your experience as a Head Chef or Sous Chef and focus on your skills that match our needs at Mad Swans. We’re looking for someone who can shape our kitchen, so show us how you can do that!
Be Yourself: We’re all about creating a positive and respectful environment, so don’t be afraid to let your personality come through in your application. Whether it’s your unique cooking style or your approach to teamwork, we want to know what makes you, you!
Apply Through Our Website: To make things easy for both of us, please apply directly through our website. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you get the best chance to showcase your skills and passion for this exciting new role!
How to prepare for a job interview at Mad Swans
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
As a Head Chef, you’ll need to showcase your culinary expertise. Familiarise yourself with the menu and be ready to discuss your favourite dishes, cooking techniques, and how you would elevate the dining experience at Mad Swans.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role is all about shaping the kitchen team. Be prepared to share your experiences in recruiting, training, and mentoring staff. Highlight any successful team-building strategies you've implemented in the past.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Food
Let your enthusiasm for food shine through during the interview. Share stories about your culinary journey, your inspirations, and how you keep your skills fresh. This will show that you’re genuinely invested in the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions about handling high-pressure situations or resolving conflicts in the kitchen. Think of examples from your past experiences where you’ve successfully navigated challenges, as this will demonstrate your problem-solving abilities.
