At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a passionate kitchen team and create seasonal, ingredient-led menus.
- Company: Join the Signet Collection at The Alfriston, a stunning 14th-century hotel.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous tronc, flexible scheduling, and personal development opportunities.
- Other info: Enjoy a vibrant work culture with opportunities for growth and recognition.
- Why this job: Make your mark on a historic property and inspire through culinary creativity.
- Qualifications: Experience in leading a kitchen and a passion for local, sustainable produce.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
We are seeking an exceptional Head Chef to lead the culinary journey of The Alfriston, a remarkable 14th-century property and the fourth hotel in the growing Signet Collection. This is a rare opportunity for a passionate, thoughtful and ambitious Head Chef to deliver our Signet group menus, building a culture and telling a story through food that reflects both the heritage of the building and the landscape that surrounds it.
The Story So Far
At Signet Collection, every property has its own soul. The Alfriston is no exception. Set within historic grounds overlooking the Sussex landscape, the hotel has been lovingly restored to combine timeless character with modern luxury. Our food offering is central to how guests connect with the property — seasonal, ingredient-led and rooted in a genuine sense of place. From herbs grown in our gardens to relationships with trusted local suppliers, we believe great food should feel honest, confident and unmistakably personal. As Head Chef, you will be entrusted with turning that philosophy into plates.
About The Alfriston
Set in the picturesque village of Alfriston, our beautifully redesigned 38-bedroom, 14th-century hotel sits where the South Downs meet the Cuckmere River. We’re home to The 1554 Brasserie, Godfrey’s Bar with a sunny garden terrace, The Orangery for breakfast and afternoon tea, plus a stunning events space. Add in our luxury spa with a heated outdoor pool, sauna and steam room, and you’ve got a pretty amazing place to work. Plus we've got free parking as well!
The hotel features:
- 41 beautifully redesigned bedrooms and suites
- The 1554 Brasserie, our flagship dining experience, with views over the front lawn towards the sea
- A relaxed bar offering for casual dining indoors and out
- The Orangery, serving breakfast and afternoon tea overlooking the rear gardens
- Revitalised herb and vegetable plots supplying the kitchen
- A luxury Signet Spa, including a steam room, sauna, outdoor pool and treatment rooms
- A stunning function and events space for celebrations and private dining
The Opportunity
This role is about far more than delivering service. As Head Chef, you will be encouraged to bring your leadership style while aligning with the Signet Collection ethos. You will be a visible leader on the pass— inspiring your team, collaborating with the wider hotel, and playing an active role in shaping the guest experience from breakfast through to celebrations and events.
Key responsibilities:
- Leading, inspiring and developing a high-performing kitchen brigade
- Executing seasonal, commercially sound menus across all outlets
- Setting and maintaining exceptional food quality and consistency
- Owning food cost control, GP targets, ordering and stock management
- Recruiting, mentoring and retaining talent at all levels
- Establishing a calm, professional and respectful kitchen culture
- Ensuring full compliance with food safety, hygiene and health & safety legislation
- Managing rotas, holidays, payroll inputs and departmental budgets
- Working closely with Front of House and senior leadership to deliver seamless guest experiences
- Championing local, seasonal and sustainable produce
- Acting as a culinary ambassador for the hotel and the Signet Collection brand
What We Offer:
- Excellent salary package, plus generous tronc
- Personalised leadership training and clear progression pathways
- Discounted rates across Signet Collection hotels and restaurants
- Stream – access up to 40% of earnings before payday
- 28 days’ holiday + your birthday off (including Bank Holidays)
- Team recognition programme and long-service awards
- Referral bonus scheme – earn up to £1,000
- Flexible scheduling
- Complimentary team meals on shift
- Supplier trips, masterclasses and culinary workshops
- Opportunities to move across the Group as you develop with us
- Access to apprenticeships and accredited qualifications up to Level 3
Our Culture
At Signet Collection, we believe luxury should feel warm, charming and unpretentious — and our kitchens should reflect that same ethos. We value leaders who cook with purpose, manage with integrity and understand that the best food is created by supported, inspired teams. If you are ready to lead a kitchen with heart, ambition and creativity — and to leave your mark on a very special opening — we would love to meet you. Join us and tell the next chapter of The Alfriston’s story through food.
Head Chef employer: The Signet Group
At Signet Collection, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a warm and inclusive work culture. As the Head Chef at The Alfriston, you will not only lead a talented kitchen brigade but also enjoy personalised leadership training, flexible scheduling, and opportunities for career progression within our growing group. With a stunning location in the historic village of Alfriston, generous benefits including a competitive salary, team recognition programmes, and access to culinary workshops, this is a unique opportunity to create memorable dining experiences while working in a beautifully restored 14th-century hotel.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with other chefs and industry professionals. Attend culinary events, join local chef associations, or even hit up social media groups. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Head Chef role!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, organise a tasting event or pop-up dinner to showcase your culinary creations. This not only demonstrates your talent but also gives potential employers a taste of what you can bring to their kitchen.
✨Tip Number 3
Be visible! When you're applying for jobs, don’t just sit back and wait. Follow up on your applications, reach out to hiring managers, and express your enthusiasm for the role. A little persistence can go a long way in making you stand out.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing passionate candidates who are eager to join our team at Signet Collection. Make sure to highlight your leadership style and how you can contribute to our culinary journey at The Alfriston.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food:When writing your application, let your love for food shine through! Share your culinary journey and how it aligns with our philosophy of seasonal, ingredient-led cooking. We want to see your personality and passion reflected in your words.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to fit the Head Chef role at The Alfriston. Highlight your experience in leading a kitchen brigade and your ability to create menus that tell a story. We appreciate candidates who take the time to connect their skills with our unique setting.
Be Authentic:We value honesty and authenticity, so don’t be afraid to share your personal cooking style and what makes you tick as a chef. Let us know how you plan to bring our ethos to life in the kitchen. Remember, we’re looking for someone who can inspire and lead with heart!
Apply Through Our Website:Ready to take the plunge? Make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and get to know you better. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at The Alfriston!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Signet Group
✨Know Your Ingredients
As a Head Chef, it's crucial to have a deep understanding of seasonal and local ingredients. Research the suppliers in the area and be ready to discuss how you would incorporate their produce into your menus. This shows your commitment to the Signet Collection ethos of championing local, sustainable food.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to talk about your leadership approach and how you inspire and develop your team. Think of specific examples where you've successfully led a kitchen brigade or resolved conflicts. This will demonstrate that you can create a calm and respectful kitchen culture, which is key for this role.
✨Align with Their Vision
Familiarise yourself with The Alfriston's unique story and how it reflects the surrounding landscape. Be ready to share your vision for how you would tell that story through food. This will show that you understand the importance of connecting guests with the property through culinary experiences.
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
Expect questions about food cost control, menu execution, and compliance with health and safety regulations. Brush up on your knowledge of these areas and be prepared to discuss how you would manage them effectively. This will highlight your ability to maintain exceptional food quality and consistency.
