Heckfield Place is a lovingly restored Georgian home set within 400 acres of Hampshire countryside, just an hour from London. At the heart of Heckfield lies a deep commitment to working in harmony with the land. Our organic Home Farm and biodynamic Market Garden provide an extraordinary variety of hyper-seasonal produce that forms the foundation of our kitchens. Chefs work closely with our growers, drawing inspiration from the farm and translating what is thriving into dishes that celebrate ingredients at their peak.
Guided by Culinary Director Skye Gyngell, whose cooking philosophy is rooted in simplicity, seasonality, and respect for the land, Heckfield's kitchens offer a unique opportunity to be part of a culinary journey that is both visionary and grounded.
We are seeking a Head Chef for Marle – the restaurant at Heckfield Place serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as overseeing the House menu for in-room dining. This role is central to shaping the daily guest experience, with menus that evolve in step with the garden and the seasons.
What makes this role unique
* The chance to work directly with biodynamic produce grown just steps from the kitchen, guided by the rhythms of the estate.
* The ability to craft menus inspired by the land and Skye Gyngell's ethos of natural, elegant cooking.
* A rare opportunity to lead and inspire a talented team in a kitchen where provenance, sustainability, and seasonality are not concepts but daily practices.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead and manage the day-to-day operations of Marle, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner service, as well as the House menu for in-room dining.
* Collaborate with the Culinary Director and the Executive Chef to maintain Heckfield's culinary vision, ethos, and excellence.
* Develop, mentor, and inspire junior chefs, fostering a culture of learning, collaboration, and respect for produce.
* Ensure high standards of consistency, care, and attention to detail across every service.
* Demonstrate flexibility, creativity, and professionalism in managing daily operations and adapting menus to reflect the ever-changing seasons.
* Maintain a schedule that accommodates evening and weekend shifts.
* Represent the ethos of Heckfield Place with pride, confidence, and authenticity.
This is a rare chance to lead a kitchen where the land and the grower's hands are part of every dish – and where your cooking will truly reflect a living, breathing estate.
Financial & Core Benefits
* Tronc (Allocation for 2024 was £7,800+ per annum / per person based on full-time hours)
* Life assurance scheme (from day one, covering up to 2x your annual salary)
* Company sick pay
* Enhanced maternity / paternity pay
* Increased holiday allowance
Health & Wellbeing
* Vitality healthcare cover
* Employee assistance programme
Perks & Discounts
* 50% F&B discount when dining in our restaurants
* 50% discount on Wildsmith Skin products
* Heckfield Plus – online discounts
* Recruit a Friend bonus (£1000)
* Monthly employee recognition scheme
* Annual employee parties
* Free staff meals
* Daily briefings with the team, including food tasting – opportunities to work with the Home Farm