Production Head Chef

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Industrial/Production Head Chef to lead the daily operations of our new state-of-the-art production kitchen at Avalon Farm. This role will play a pivotal role in shaping and scaling our food manufacturing capabilities. You will be responsible for leading and optimising the production of our three core product groups: Low & Slow Meats, Soups + Braises, and Premium Frozen Ready Meals. With a strong understanding of food production standards and a drive to achieve regulatory excellence, you will be responsible for leading our team through certification processes such as maintaining FSA approval & SALSA accreditation, enabling The Newt to expand into new wholesale opportunities.

Reporting directly to the Operations Manager, you will manage a growing production team ensuring effective coordination between Low Care and High Care production areas. The role demands strong leadership, seamless workflow integration, and a hands-on approach to delivering a best-in-class product in both quality and safety.

• Lead the end-to-end production of our three key product categories: Low & Slow Meats, Soups + Braises, and Premium Frozen Ready Meals
• Ensure daily production targets are met while maintaining best-in-class food safety, quality, and consistency
• Manage and coordinate operations that flow across both Low Care and High Care environments, enforcing discipline, hygiene, and cross-contamination controls
• Oversee and support direct reports: Production Chefs, Kitchen Assistants & Hygiene Operatives
• Collaborate with the wider technical and compliance teams to work to maintain FSA approval and SALSA accreditation
• Develop and implement manufacturing practices that meet retail and wholesale-ready standards
• Drive operational efficiency, workflow optimisation, and effective resource planning
• Monitor and report on KPIs including yield, wastage, production output, and team performance
• Champion team culture, training, and development within a growing production environment
• Collaborate with the wider estate team to utilise our own-reared livestock, estate-grown produce, and integrated systems to produce outstanding food products
• Maintain strict adherence to food safety, health & safety, and hygiene protocols
• Work closely with internal Product, Product Development, and Technical teams to successfully develop and launch best-in-class products to market

• A positive workplace environment with opportunities to develop both personally and professionally
• Complimentary use of our gym and wellbeing classes
• Complimentary access to our Spa and swimming pools, and 50% off Spa treatments
• Enjoy 30% colleague discount across our shops (on-site and online), with free delivery for all online purchases
• Discover exclusive perks with discounted hotel stays and 30% off dining at our estate restaurants
• The opportunity to shape the future of the business through our Employee Engine Room
• Complimentary garden membership for The Newt and our partner gardens including the Eden Project, Kew Gardens, and The Lost Gardens of Heligan
• Complimentary meal on shift, created with estate produce by our dedicated staff food chefs
• Recognition for your hard work through our “Newt Awards”, with the opportunity to win amazing prizes, including complimentary hotel stays
• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme for yourself and your family
• Regular team engagement events, from motivational speakers to go-karting and wine tasting
• Up to 30 days of annual leave for full-time colleagues

• Experience in managing or leading a food manufacturing or production kitchen operation
• Proven understanding of low care and high care environments, including food safety and cross-contamination control
• Experience producing or managing chilled/frozen ready meals, cooked meats, or similar food product lines
• Strong leadership and organisational skills, with experience managing cross-functional teams
• Familiarity with certification schemes such as SALSA and Identification Marks (FSA)
• Passion for high-quality, fresh food made with traceable ingredients
• Excellent understanding of production planning, efficiency tracking, and yield control
• Resilient, practical, and solutions-focused – ready to grow with an ambitious and high-performing team

Where you'll be working – Our Farm Kitchen at Avalon Farm

The Farm Kitchen at Avalon Farm is the beating heart of our food production operation. Housed in a purpose-built facility, it produces a growing range of ready-to-eat meals, retail products, and food items for internal consumption across our restaurants and shops. Using produce grown and livestock reared on-site, our kitchens deliver outstanding quality through cutting-edge equipment and a team of skilled, passionate professionals. This is a unique opportunity to join at a formative stage and shape one of the most exciting food production projects in the UK.