Head Chef

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Job Title:

Head Chef

Location:

Glyndebourne, East Sussex
Salary:
Up to £52,000 per annum + tronc

Contract:

Permanent, Full-Time, 5 out of 7 days per week

As the Head Chef at Glyndebourne Dining, you will lead and elevate the culinary experience across this iconic venue. Working with Restaurant Associates Venues (part of Compass Group), you will be responsible for delivering exceptional food across a multi‑outlet operation that includes fine dining restaurants, member spaces, premium hospitality, interval dining, grab & go areas, and large‑scale event catering. This role requires a chef with strong leadership capability, refined culinary standards, and the ability to oversee both high‑volume and high‑quality delivery during the world‑renowned Glyndebourne Festival and year‑round events programme.

Success in this role means visitors, patrons, members, and guests consistently enjoy outstanding food across all outlets, with kitchens running efficiently, safely, creatively, and profitably.

• Menu Development & Innovation – Design and adapt menus reflecting seasonality, sustainability, premium ingredients, and Glyndebourne’s elevated brand, ensuring consistency and creativity across all outlets.
• Operational Excellence – Oversee all kitchen operations, ensuring full compliance with food safety legislation, company policies, and contractual requirements while maintaining exceptional quality and presentation standards.
• Leadership & Team Development – Lead, train, and inspire a talented brigade of chefs, cultivating a positive, professional, and high‑performance kitchen culture, especially during peak periods.
• Cost Control & Profitability – Manage budgets effectively, control waste, monitor ordering and stock, and achieve GP targets without compromising quality or guest experience.
• Collaboration – Work closely with front‑of‑house teams, senior RA Venues stakeholders, and the Glyndebourne client team to deliver a seamless and memorable guest journey.
• Event & Hospitality Delivery – Lead culinary operations for large‑scale events, VIP hospitality, gala dinners, and commercial functions throughout the festival and off‑season calendar.

• Proven experience as a Head Chef in a high‑volume, high‑quality, multi‑outlet environment.
• Experience in premium hospitality, cultural attractions, contracted venues, or fine dining.
• Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to build, motivate, and develop teams.
• Excellent organisational skills and the ability to perform under pressure during peak operational periods.
• Knowledge of food trends, allergens, dietary requirements, and modern culinary techniques.
• Demonstrated ability to meet financial targets while maintaining exceptional standards.
• IT‑literate with good Microsoft Office skills.
• Passionate about food, hospitality, and guest experience.
• Adaptable, resilient, and solution‑focused in a dynamic environment.
• Creative, commercially minded, and results driven.
• Committed to sustainability, responsible sourcing, and Compass Group values.

• Free meals on shift
• Free onsite car parking
• Contributory pension scheme
• Career development with our Career Pathways and My Learning programmes
• Quick access to a Digital GP for you and your immediate family
• Wider healthcare and wellbeing support
• Exclusive travel discounts with TUI, Expedia,  and more
• Supermarket savings with Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons and many others
• Up to 44% off cinema tickets
• Cashback rewards across a wide range of brands
• Free wellness, mindfulness, and exercise classes
• Share discounts with friends and family

Part of Compass Group UK & Ireland
, Restaurant Associates provides exceptional hospitality through outstanding food, drink, and service. We partner with some of the UK’s most iconic cultural, heritage, and workplace destinations to deliver unforgettable experiences. At Glyndebourne, our mission is to craft dining that enhances every visitor’s experience — from everyday moments to world‑class festival performances. Every day, our passionate teams strive for excellence, creativity, and service that leaves a lasting impression.

Compass Group UK & Ireland is committed to fostering an environment where everyone can be themselves and thrive. We celebrate diversity, encourage inclusion, and empower our teams to reach their full potential — because diversity is our strength.