Estate Head Chef

Prestigious Country Estate | Weddings, Events & Championship Golf

Welwyn, Hertfordshire

£55,000–£60,000 DOE + Performance Bonus
48-Hour Annualised Contract | Live-In Available (Subject to Availability)

An exceptional opportunity has arisen for an experienced Estate Head Chef to lead the culinary operation across one of Hertfordshire's most prestigious private country estates.

Set within magnificent parkland and overlooking two championship golf courses, the estate offers a diverse hospitality operation including member dining, clubhouse service, luxury weddings, private dining, corporate hospitality, golf days and exclusive events.

This is far more than a traditional Head Chef position. Working closely with the General Manager and senior leadership team, you will oversee every aspect of food across the estate, leading an established brigade while driving quality, consistency, commercial performance and operational excellence throughout the business.

The Estate

Renowned as one of Hertfordshire's finest hospitality destinations, the estate delivers a wide variety of food experiences across multiple outlets and event spaces.

Operations include:

Clubhouse dining
Private dining
Weddings and celebrations
Corporate hospitality
Golf days
Member events
Estate functions
External catering opportunities

Functions range from intimate private dinners through to events of approximately 150 guests, requiring an adaptable, commercially minded chef capable of delivering exceptional food across multiple service styles.

The Role

As Estate Head Chef, you will take overall responsibility for the food operation across the estate.

Working alongside an established kitchen brigade and senior management team, you will lead both the strategic direction and day-to-day operation of the kitchens while ensuring consistently high standards across every outlet.

Your responsibilities will include:

Leading the entire culinary operation across the estate
Managing food production across clubhouse dining, private dining, weddings, corporate hospitality and events
Developing seasonal menus, event menus and bespoke dining experiences
Managing food costing, GP performance and commercial profitability
Overseeing ordering, supplier relationships and stock management
Planning kitchen rotas and labour requirements in line with business demand
Leading, mentoring and developing the kitchen brigade
Working closely with the Events and Sales teams to deliver exceptional functions
Maintaining outstanding food safety, hygiene and operational compliance
Driving consistency, organisation and high culinary standards throughout the estate

This is a genuine leadership role suited to a chef who enjoys building teams, developing people and taking ownership of a large-scale hospitality operation.

About You

Current Head Chef or an exceptional Senior Sous Chef ready to take the next step
Previous experience within quality hotels, country estates, golf clubs, events venues or premium hospitality businesses
Strong background across both restaurant service and banqueting/events
Commercially aware with experience managing GP, food costs and labour budgets
Excellent leadership and people management skills
Confident working across multiple food outlets and service styles
Passionate about fresh, seasonal cooking and consistently high standards
Organised, adaptable and calm under pressure

The Package

£55,000–£60,000 depending on experience
Performance bonus to be discussed with the successful candidate
48-hour annualised contract
Live-in accommodation available (subject to availability)
Company staff benefits programme
Access to golf facilities
Food and beverage discounts across the estate
Discounted world-class gym membership
Company referral bonus scheme
Genuine autonomy to shape and lead the estate's culinary offering
Long-term career progression within a prestigious hospitality business

Why This Role?

This is a rare opportunity to take ownership of the food operation across one of Hertfordshire's most prestigious private estates.

Offering a varied and rewarding mix of clubhouse dining, luxury events, weddings, private dining and corporate hospitality, the role provides the autonomy, responsibility and scope to make a genuine impact while leading an established brigade within an exceptional setting.

If you're an experienced Head Chef or an ambitious Senior Sous Chef ready to lead a multi-faceted food operation, this represents an outstanding opportunity to build your career within one of the region's most unique hospitality businesses.