Production Head Chef

Production Head Chef

£40,000-£42,500 per annum plus quarterly performance bonus and fantastic benefits

40 hours per week across 5 days - predominantly daytime hours with weekend flexibility needed

www.thenewtinsomerset.com

Our Farm Kitchen Head Chef

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Industrial/Production Head Chef to lead the daily operations of our new state-of-the-art production kitchen at Avalon Farm. This role will play a pivotal role in shaping and scaling our food manufacturing capabilities. You will be responsible for leading and optimising the production of our three core product groups: Low & Slow Meats, Soups + Braises, and Premium Frozen Ready Meals.

With a strong understanding of food production standards and a drive to achieve regulatory excellence, you will be responsible for leading our team through certification processes such as maintaining FSA approval & SALSA accreditation, enabling The Newt to expand into new wholesale opportunities.

Reporting directly to the Operations Manager, you will manage a growing production team ensuring effective coordination between Low Care and High Care production areas. The role demands strong leadership, seamless workflow integration, and a hands-on approach to delivering a best-in-class product in both quality and safety.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end production of our three key product categories: Low & Slow Meats, Soups + Braises, and Premium Frozen Ready Meals
• Ensure daily production targets are met while maintaining best-in-class food safety, quality, and consistency
• Manage and coordinate operations that flow across both Low Care and High Care environments, enforcing discipline, hygiene, and cross-contamination controls
• Oversee and support direct reports: Production Chefs, Kitchen Assistants & Hygiene Operatives
• Collaborate with the wider technical and compliance teams to work to maintain FSA approval and SALSA accreditation
• Develop and implement manufacturing practices that meet retail and wholesale-ready standards
• Drive operational efficiency, workflow optimisation, and effective resource planning
• Monitor and report on KPIs including yield, wastage, production output, and team performance
• Champion team culture, training, and development within a growing production environment
• Collaborate with the wider estate team to utilise our own-reared livestock, estate-grown produce, and integrated systems to produce outstanding food products
• Maintain strict adherence to food safety, health & safety, and hygiene protocols
• Work closely with internal Product, Product Development, and Technical teams to successfully develop and launch best-in-class products to market

Why work for us

• A positive workplace environment with opportunities to develop both personally and professionally
• Complimentary use of our gym and wellbeing classes
• Complimentary access to our Spa and swimming pools, and 50% off Spa treatments
• Enjoy 30% colleague discount across our shops (on-site and online), with free delivery for all online purchases
• Discover exclusive perks with discounted hotel stays and 30% off dining at our estate restaurants
• The opportunity to shape the future of the business through our Employee Engine Room
• Complimentary garden membership for The Newt and our partner gardens including the Eden Project, Kew Gardens, and The Lost Gardens of Heligan
• Complimentary meal on shift, created with estate produce by our dedicated staff food chefs
• Recognition for your hard work through our “Newt Awards”, with the opportunity to win amazing prizes, including complimentary hotel stays
• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme for yourself and your family
• Regular team engagement events, from motivational speakers to go-karting and wine tasting
• Up to 30 days of annual leave for full-time colleagues

What we're looking for

• Experience in managing or leading a food manufacturing or production kitchen operation
• Proven understanding of low care and high care environments, including food safety and cross-contamination control
• Experience producing or managing chilled/frozen ready meals, cooked meats, or similar food product lines
• Strong leadership and organisational skills, with experience managing cross-functional teams
• Familiarity with certification schemes such as SALSA and Identification Marks (FSA)
• Passion for high-quality, fresh food made with traceable ingredients
• Excellent understanding of production planning, efficiency tracking, and yield control
• Resilient, practical, and solutions-focused – ready to grow with an ambitious and high-performing team

Where you'll be working – Our Farm Kitchen at Avalon Farm

The Farm Kitchen at Avalon Farm is the beating heart of our food production operation. Housed in a purpose-built facility, it produces a growing range of ready-to-eat meals, retail products, and food items for internal consumption across our restaurants and shops. Using produce grown and livestock reared on-site, our kitchens deliver outstanding quality through cutting-edge equipment and a team of skilled, passionate professionals. This is a unique opportunity to join at a formative stage and shape one of the most exciting food production projects in the UK.

Who are we- The Newt in Somerset

Nestled within an expanse of rolling fields and steeped in ancient history, our luxury country estate stands as a haven of refined elegance, inviting guests to explore acres of captivating gardens, meandering pathways, and enriching exhibitions - accessible 364 days a year for our members. Our hotel extends a warm welcome, offering a home-away-from-home experience where impeccable service flourishes in an ambiance of unassuming sophistication. Beyond the estate, the Newt's essence remains tangible, with our Ecommerce teams delivering our finest products to homes, while media and membership endeavours keep them informed of our latest developments. Behind the scenes, a tapestry of talented teams - from Housekeeping to HR, Finance to Farming - collaborates harmoniously, crafting an unforgettable journey of growth, development, and innovation, where every contribution creates unparalleled experiences.