At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the kitchen team and create innovative, seasonal menus at a luxury hotel.
- Company: Join THE NICI Collection, a fast-growing luxury lifestyle hotel group.
- Benefits: Opportunity for career progression, recognition, and a collaborative work environment.
- Other info: Be part of an exciting chapter in hospitality and create memorable guest experiences.
- Why this job: Make your mark on a new destination and shape its culinary identity.
- Qualifications: Proven experience as an Executive Chef with strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
About THE NICI Collection
THE NICI Collection is a luxury lifestyle hotel group inspired by some of the world's most iconic destinations, bringing exceptional hospitality, outstanding food and drink, and unforgettable guest experiences to some of the UK's most desirable locations.
Following the success of THE NICI Bournemouth, the collection has continued to grow with THE NICI Newquay and, most recently, THE NICI New Forest.
Set within 23 acres on the banks of the Lymington River, THE NICI New Forest is a beautiful waterfront retreat where laid-back luxury meets the natural beauty of the New Forest.
At the heart of the resort is
Martha's , our signature restaurant inspired by the relaxed sophistication of the Hamptons.
Nostalgic American-led culinary vision meets seafood grill then sprinkle some coastal influence and a focus on seasonal produce, Martha's is all about great food, relaxed dining and memorable experiences.
Elm's Cafe , is our all day dining concept American diner comfort food with health conscious options and our juice bar for out thousand strong spa member, the space is always buzzing with DJ's at weekends and the capacity to deliver 500+ covers per day.
The Role
We are looking for an exceptional
Executive Chef to lead the culinary operation at THE NICI New Forest.
This is an exciting opportunity for an ambitious and creative chef to take ownership of the food vision across the resort, leading the kitchen team and ensuring that every dish, service and guest experience reflects the quality and personality of THE NICI brand.
You will be responsible for setting culinary standards, developing menus, nurturing talent, H&S complicence and creating a kitchen culture where great food and great people come together.
We are looking for a chef who is as passionate about people and leadership as they are about food. What You'll Be Doing
- Lead and inspire the kitchen team across the New Forest operation
- Set and maintain exceptional standards of food quality, presentation and consistency
- Develop innovative, seasonal menus that reflect the THE NICI New Forest identity
- Champion local, seasonal and sustainable produce wherever possible
- Work closely with the wider hotel leadership team to deliver an outstanding overall guest experience
- Drive the culinary vision for the New Forest resort and support the development of future food and beverage concepts
- Oversee kitchen operations, ensuring smooth and efficient service across all outlets and events
- Take full responsibility for food cost, GP, menu engineering, purchasing and stock control
- Build strong relationships with suppliers and ensure quality and consistency of produce
- Lead recruitment, training, development and performance management within the kitchen team
- Create a positive, ambitious and collaborative kitchen culture
- Ensure full compliance with food safety, health and safety and company standards
- Stay ahead of food trends while ensuring the operation remains commercially successful
- Work closely with the Food and Beverage Director to continually improve the guest experience
What We're Looking For
- Proven experience as an Executive Chef, Head Chef or senior culinary leader within a high-quality hotel, restaurant or resort environment
- Strong experience managing a multi-outlet or high-volume kitchen operation
- A genuine passion for fresh, seasonal and quality-led cooking
- A creative approach to menu development with strong commercial awareness
- Excellent leadership and people-management skills
- The ability to inspire, develop and retain a talented kitchen team
- Strong understanding of food cost, GP, purchasing and kitchen controls
- Excellent organisational skills and the ability to remain calm under pressure
- High standards of food hygiene and health & safety
- A natural eye for detail and consistency
- A confident, hands-on leadership style
- Most importantly, someone who understands that exceptional hospitality starts with exceptional people
Why THE NICI? This is an opportunity to join one of the UK's most exciting and fast-growing luxury lifestyle hotel groups at a pivotal moment in its development.
You'll have the opportunity to make your mark on a brand-new destination, shape the culinary identity of THE NICI New Forest and build a team and operation you can be proud of.
We believe our people are at the heart of everything we do.
We invest in our teams, recognise great work and create opportunities for development and progression across THE NICI Collection.
If you're an ambitious chef who wants to create something distinctive, lead from the front and be part of an exciting new chapter for THE NICI, we'd love to hear from you.
Come and make your mark at THE NICI New Forest.
Apply now to join the team
Executive Chef in Lymington employer: The NICI Lymington
The NICI Lymington is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. Located in the picturesque New Forest, we provide our Spa Evening Supervisor with competitive salaries, generous staff discounts, and ample opportunities for career advancement in the luxury hospitality sector, making it a truly rewarding place to work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive Chef in Lymington
✨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 The NICI Lymington. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to The NICI Lymington
Don't be shy about reaching out to The NICI Lymington 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 in Lymington
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 The NICI Lymington 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 The NICI Lymington
✨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!
