Position: Executive Chef/Manager
Location: Somerleyton Estate, Suffolk. Home of food entrepreneur Hugh Somerleyton, his artist wife and children
Contract: Full-time
The Role: The estate seeks capable and proven head chef/manager to help fulfil the families’ career interest in food, hospitality, rewilding and regenerative agriculture.
The right candidate will have earned their spurs in notable kitchens and/ or their own business seeking a secure long-term opportunity in the Wild East of England. Joining a small, focused management team, you will lead the development of all aspects of the estate food business, initially focused on its renowned member’s club, Fritton Lake.
You will be expected to drive the kitchen and front of house food training and delivery, write compelling menus, work with the farm and local suppliers to ensure best produce and contribute to social media.
Responsibilities:
· Oversee culinary operations across the Clubhouse, pool bar including tailored menus, and bespoke dining experiences.
Senior manager on the estate, working closely with the general manager and farm manager on delivery
Comfortable representing the business externally through social media ad other channels
· Develop innovative menus showcasing locally sourced produce while maintaining excellence and sustainability.
· Collaborate with Mark Hix and local growers to ensure a seamless supply of high-quality ingredients.
· Lead and inspire a dedicated team, ensuring outstanding service and operational efficiency.
· Manage economic and legislative aspects of the culinary business, demonstrating a solid understanding of constraints and solutions.
· Implement and manage effective cost controls, maintaining profitability without compromising quality.
· Be adept at working under pressure and meeting the expectations of a discerning clientele.
About You:
· Proven experience as an operator, with expertise in delivering exceptional food experiences.
· A passion for sustainability and a deep understanding of British provenance.
· Strong leadership skills, combining creativity with a commitment to excellence.
· A solid grasp of culinary economics, legislation, and operational dynamics.
· Meticulous attention to detail across all aspects of service and presentation.
This is a rare opportunity to work in an area of unparalleled natural beauty and collaborate with industry pioneers.
Competitive salary package, including benefits, commensurate with experience relocation package available.
About Us: Fritton Lake, the premier East of England Members Club is nestled in unrivalled natural beauty in Norfolk, close to Norwich. With roots in British provenance and sustainable agriculture, we’re redefining field-to-fork dining, working with support from renowned chef Mark Hix.
Fritton Lake is part of the Somerleyton Estate, owned by Hugh and Lara Somerleyton. Hugh Somerleyton is also the founder of charity WildEast which celebrates the extraordinary acts of ordinary people doing their bit to restore planet earth and sharing their dreams for a wider future - inspiring others to do the same. The ambition is to restore 20% of WildEast back to nature and record 20% of people on the map of dreams.
Applications to warren.browning@somerleyton.co.uk outlining your experience and vision for the role. Applications will be treated with confidentiality.