Head Chef

Overview

Head Chef

"Hospitality expert, paddle tennis enthusiast"

You bring your expertise, enthusiasm, and curiosities; and we’ll provide you with a space to play.

Contract – Full Time – Permanent, 48 hours a week

Salary – £45,000 - £50,000 per annum, including TRONC (Tips & Service Charge)

Location – Onsite role at Mad Swans in the South Downs, Frith End Road, Blacknest, Hampshire, GU34 4QL

Mad Swans is looking for a full-time Head Chef to join our budding team. You’ll be the first person to step into this role and shape it at our first site:
Mad Swans in the South Downs. Mad Swans in the South Downs is located in Blacknest near Farnham & Alton.

We are experts in our field, committed to creating boundary-pushing social spaces that spark meaningful connections through play in nature. We’re opening our second countryside hangout for mavericks, offering social play spanning Padel Tennis, Pickleball, Darts, Shuffleboard and Golf, alongside two distinct dining experiences:
The Potting Shed (Brasserie classics) and The Hangout (shareable plates). An Eco Cabin for the night sits nearby for guests who want to extend their visit.

As this is a brand-new role for a new opening, you won’t just be running the kitchen – you’ll be shaping it. From building your dream team to setting the pace for daily service, you’ll be at the core of everything that happens at Mad Swans in the South Downs.

• Lead the day-to-day kitchen operations with confidence, energy and attention to detail
• Recruit, train, and mentor a skilled and motivated kitchen team
• Foster a kitchen environment that’s positive, respectful, and high‑performing
• Maintain impeccable hygiene and food safety standards, and ensure every dish meets guest expectations
• Keep your skills and knowledge fresh, bringing new ideas and best practices to the table
• Complete weekly stock takes and manage orders and deliveries while ensuring SOPs, recipe specifications, and procedures are followed using Procure Wizard
• Represent Mad Swans and the wider company with pride and professionalism
• Work closely with the General Manager and liaise daily with the team about events, specials, and VIPs
• Complete weekly kitchen schedules two weeks in advance
• Collaborate with the Group Head Chef and maintain strong communication
• Report Health & Safety issues, hazards, accidents or near misses to the Senior Management Team during the weekly H&S meeting

• Experienced in a Head Chef or Sous Chef role
• Genuine passion for food, creativity and high standards
• Focus on food quality, presentation and hygiene
• Excellent communicator
• Strong organisational skills and ability to multi-task
• Confident, outgoing and well-presented
• Hands-on and willing to assist with day-to-day duties in a small team
• Self-driven and highly motivated
• Able to work independently and as part of a team
• Proactive, positive and resilient by nature
• Solutions-driven
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment
• Food Safety Level 3 qualification is desirable but not essential
• Please note, you must be eligible to work in the UK; we are unable to sponsor work permits or visas

• Tips & Service Charge
• Free Parking
• Free Employee Meal whilst on shift
• Wage Stream – access your pay for hours worked before payday
• Employee Discounts on Food, Sports, Activities, Cabins and in the Retail Shop
• Reward & Recognition Initiatives
• Team Social & Well-being Activities & Events
• Employee Referral Scheme Bonus
• Mad Swans Water Bottle
• Mad Swans Hoodie
• Plant your own tree at Mad Swans

Location – onsite role at Mad Swans in the South Downs, Frith End Road, Blacknest, Hampshire, GU34 4QL

Working Hours – shift times vary; kitchen operation hours are 6.00 am to 11.00 pm

Working Days – any five days out of seven; weekends regularly

We are looking for a Head Chef who is:

• Experienced and has previous experience in a Head Chef or Sous Chef role
• Genuine passion for food, creativity and high standards
• Focused on food quality, presentation and hygiene
• Excellent communicator
• Strong organisational skills and ability to multi-task
• Confident, outgoing and well-presented
• Happy to be…