Job Description

Artelium is a boutique English wine estate nestled in the picturesque landscapes of Sussex, where our passion for crafting exceptional wines meets a commitment to delivering an unparalleled dining experience. As a leading producer in the rapidly growing English wine market, we are excited to invite a passionate and experienced Head Chef to join our vibrant team.

This role offers more than just a position—it’s an opportunity to be part of a creative, collaborative team dedicated to delivering excellence. You will play a pivotal role in developing and executing a world-class menu that highlights the exceptional produce of Sussex while supporting the estate’s broader goals of growth and profitability. We’re seeking a culinary professional with creativity, leadership, and a passion for using local, sustainable ingredients. Your collaboration with senior management will be key in shaping our kitchen’s offering and aligning it with our unique wine experience. Our business thrives on continuous improvement, and you’ll need to balance maintaining the existing offering while consistently striving for innovation.

At Artelium, we believe that food is more than just a meal—it’s a way of sharing our love for local produce, craftsmanship, and exceptional hospitality. We’re looking for someone who embodies this philosophy and thrives in an environment where growth takes time and patience, but the results are worth the effort. Our team is handpicked for their creativity, passion, and the drive to continuously evolve.

If you’re a motivated chef with a growth mindset and a desire to create something truly special, this is the perfect place for you. Join us at Artelium, where you’ll have the freedom to carve your own path and contribute to a high-achieving, supportive, and enriching environment that celebrates both personal and professional development.

Location: Artelium Wine Estate, Streat Lane, Streat, Sussex, BN6 8SA

Hours of work: Full Time, 40-48 hours per week (over 5 days)

Reports to: Commercial Operations Manager

Start Date: September 2024

Salary: £32,000 - £38,000 + tips

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

- Menu Development & Execution: Lead on the creation, development, and execution of menus that highlight local, seasonal ingredients, ensuring that all dishes align with the Artelium wine experience and hospitality standards. Be prepared to continue existing offerings while striving for improvements.

- Team Leadership & Development: Lead, inspire, and manage the kitchen team, ensuring effective communication, guidance, and training to maintain high performance and excellent service.

- Service Standards & Guest Satisfaction: Ensure that every dish served meets the highest standards of quality, presentation, and taste. Take ownership of guest feedback to continuously improve the menu and service offering.

- Budget & Financial Management: Manage kitchen budgets, control costs, minimise wastage, and report on weekly gross profit (GP). Play an active role in increasing profitability by driving sales and carefully managing stock and portion control.

- Event Catering: Oversee the preparation and service for catered private events, delivering tailored menus that meet client expectations and enhance the overall guest experience.

- Food Hygiene & Safety Compliance: Ensure all kitchen operations adhere to health, safety, and food hygiene standards, maintaining a clean, organised, and compliant kitchen at all times.

- Collaboration & Creativity: Work closely with the Hospitality Manager and business owners to align on key objectives such as increasing spend per head (SPH) and enhancing the overall dining experience.

- Resilience & Gradual Improvement: Embrace the importance of patience, knowing that progress and innovation within the business are gradual. Actively participate in refining the menu and kitchen operations, making deliberate and well-considered changes that support long-term growth and consistency.

QUALIFICATION & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

- Minimum of 2-3 years of experience in a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef position, ideally in a high-end or boutique setting.

- Proven experience in creating menus that focus on local, seasonal, and sustainable ingredients, with a passion for culinary innovation.

- Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire and manage a team, ensuring high standards of service and communication.

- Excellent organisational skills with a strong attention to detail, able to manage multiple tasks while maintaining quality and consistency.

- Experience in managing kitchen budgets, controlling costs, and achieving financial targets, particularly in relation to GP management and wastage reduction.

- Up-to-date food hygiene certification and thorough understanding of health, safety, and compliance regulations.

- A collaborative mindset, with the ability to work closely with front-of-house teams, senior management, and clients to deliver a seamless and memorable guest experience.

Ability to work weekends and evenings as required, with reliable transport to our rural location.

BENEFITS:

- Sociable working hours with Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesdays off, plus predominantly daytime shifts.

- Opportunities for ongoing professional development and training.

- Generous staff discounts on Artelium wines and other estate products.

- Be a part of a rapidly growing business with ambitious expansion plans, offering potential for career progression within the company.

- Opportunity to shape the food offering and leave your mark on a dynamic, creative project within the English wine tourism industry.

The successful candidate will be expected to work during peak periods, predominantly Thursday through Sunday, while maintaining a flexible approach to meet the needs of private events and seasonal demand.

To apply, please send a CV and covering letter to hannah@artelium.com.

Please note that this job description is intended as a general guide and is not exhaustive; you may be required to undertake additional tasks in support of the broader business and team objectives.

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