Head Chef - Alton in Hampshire

You bring your expertise, enthusiasm, and curiosities; and we'll provide you with a space to play.

Full Time - Permanent Contract - 48 Hours a Week

£50,000 - £55,000/annum, including TRONC (Tips & Service Charge)

Onsite Role Based at Mad Swans in the South Downs, located in Blacknest near to Farnham & Alton.

What we do:

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, the unruly, and the friendship groups you wish you were in. For evenings that go on forever and weekends that become folklore. Come for a good time. Come for a long time. Come for a breath of fresh air. Social play spanning Padel Tennis, Pickleball, Darts, Shuffleboard and Golf gives guests the chance to explore one game or sample them all, across a few hours, a day, or a long weekend.

We're all about great food, which is why we've teamed up with experts in their field to create two distinct dining experiences. The Potting Shed proudly boasts a menu of refreshing takes on Brasserie classics while, in The Hangout, the focus is on shareable plates with no compromise on flavour.

What we can do for you:

We understand that there's more to life than work, which is why our roles are designed to allow exploration, from long-time passions to brand-new intrigues. We believe that to be interested is to be interesting - that means industry-leading training within and outside of your specified job role. If you have a question, we want to provide you with the tools to answer it. Our team need to be able to wear a few different hats, which we treat as an opportunity, allowing you to take considered detours into topics of interest, in the pursuit of a broader, richer perspective. And out of hours, our guests' playground is yours too. Enjoy the wide variety of green spaces, and the games they host, at an exclusive rate.

The key duties and responsibilities of this role will include:

• 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, ensuring every dish meets guest expectations.
• Keep your skills and knowledge fresh and up to date, bringing new ideas and best practices to the table.
• Complete weekly stock takes and manage orders, deliveries whilst ensuring all SOP's, recipe specifications, and procedures are followed.
• Represent Mad Swans and the wider company with pride and professionalism.
• Work hand-in-hand with the General Manager and liaise daily with the team about events, specials, and VIPs.
• Complete weekly schedules for the kitchen team and ensure they are completed two weeks in advance.
• Work closely with the Group Head Chef and maintain a good level of communication.
• Report any Health & Safety issues, potential hazards, accidents or near misses to the Senior Management Team during the weekly H&S meeting.

This is a full-time permanent position and will work any five days out of seven. Earnings for this position will be £50,000-£55,000/annum, including TRONC (Tips and Service Charge). Location - this is an onsite role and will be located at Mad Swans in the South Downs.

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.
• An excellent communicator.
• Strong organisational skills and able to multi-task.
• Confident, outgoing and well-presented.
• Happy to be hands-on and assist with the 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.

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.

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 CV's and/or candidate profiles and are, therefore, unable to consider these.