OVERVIEW

River Cottage is looking for a new leader for one of the most distinctive and sustainable culinary operations in the UK. We are looking for a driven and confident Head Chef with several years’ experience of leading a professional kitchen, to lead our kitchen team of 10. The successful candidate will manage the culinary output of River Cottage across all our activities, including our restaurant and on-farm dining experiences. There is also an opportunity to do some teaching and demonstrations in our world-renowned cookery courses.
The kitchen is largely supplied by our own organic farm and market garden, offering a unique opportunity for our Head Chef to take the lead in creating seasonal, ethical and sustainable menus that follow the values and ethos of the company and are delivered to the highest possible standards. The nature of our business means that no two days at River Cottage are the same, offering our Head Chef a chance to further develop their own creativity, and lead our team in delivering outstanding food whilst constantly developing their own knowledge and skill sets.

RESPONSIBLE FOR:

Management of the River Cottage culinary direction working alongside Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall and the General Manager to deliver high quality farm to table dining, cookery school operations, weddings, private events and leading menu development and management of the River Cottage Cafe which is a daytime offering seven days/week

JOB PURPOSE:

• To inspire, motivate and lead the kitchen team
• To promote and maintain a positive relationship with all teams within River Cottage
• To manage operations across all kitchen activities, establish and maintain excellent standards within the business.
• Ensure delivery of flawless service & standards and be guest focused
• To always promote and operate within the River Cottage ethos
• To always maintain the highest standards of hygiene and health and safety and a achieving a 5 rating from the environmental health office
• To maintain control of the cost of sales achieving the relevant targets and maintaining good stock control