Executive Culinary Director

6 days ago


Crawley, United Kingdom West Dean College Full time
About West Dean College

Located in the picturesque South Downs, West Dean College is a premier arts, design, and conservation institution that offers a unique blend of academic excellence and creative expression.

We operate several food service outlets across our estate, serving seasonal cuisine to students, visitors, and guests. Our kitchen teams work 8-hour shifts between 6:30 am and 9 pm, offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus that showcase our commitment to sustainability and reducing food waste.

Our culinary philosophy is built around the principles of wholesomeness, seasonality, and sustainability. We achieve this through partnerships with local suppliers, innovative food preservation techniques, and minimizing waste in our kitchens.

The Role

We are seeking an experienced Sous Chef to join our kitchen team on a full-time, permanent basis. The successful candidate will possess exceptional leadership skills, with the ability to supervise day-to-day kitchen operations, manage staff, and maintain high standards of quality and presentation.

The ideal candidate will have a passion for delivering exceptional food experiences and fostering a warm, inclusive environment. Key responsibilities include:

  • Managing kitchen operations, including menu planning, food preparation, and presentation.
  • Supervising kitchen staff, allocating tasks, and providing guidance and support as needed.
  • Collaborating with the Head Chef to control food costs, ensure efficient use of resources, and maintain high-quality standards.
  • Maintaining effective relationships with suppliers, ordering ingredients, and managing inventory.

Requirements and Qualifications

To succeed in this role, you will require:

  • Previous experience working at a senior level in a high-quality food service environment.
  • Exceptional leadership, organizational, communication, and planning skills.
  • A passion for food and food service, with a focus on delivering exceptional customer experiences.

Benefits and Perks

We offer a competitive salary of £33,924 per annum, plus a range of benefits, including:

  • An annual leave allowance of 33 days (including bank holidays).
  • A contributory pension scheme, with employer matching from 4% to 7.5%.
  • An Employee Assistance Programme.
  • Cycle-to-work scheme.
  • Free entry to West Dean Gardens.
  • Staff access to events.
  • Discounts on retail goods in our two shops.
  • Free and discounted places on short courses at West Dean College.
  • Free use of West Dean College facilities, including swimming pool, library, and tennis courts.
  • Subsidized bed and breakfast rates.
  • Discounts on event hire and food and beverage charges.
  • Free on-site parking.
  • Opportunity to work in other catering outlets on the Estate.


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