A unique opportunity for an experienced head chef or a sous chef ready to make the step up, to join Ridgeview , a multi award-winning English Sparkling Wine producer in Sussex. You’ll play a leading role in our brand new al fresco restaurant with a high level of creative input.   The opportunity to work within an award-winning business as part of a pioneering, proactive, dynamic and friendly team, at the forefront of the English Wine Industry. 

ABOUT THE ROLE

You will be leading a dedicated team to establish and deliver an exciting new food offering. Ridgeview is a destination with very high standards and you will be instrumental in helping to create a restaurant to complement our award winning wines.
Nestled in Ditchling Common beside the South Downs we’ll be offering a 12pm-7pm lunch & dinner trade with your role expected to work 40hrs per week.
The teams vision is to create a menu that champions the best of local produce which is also in line with our sustainability drive. The role requires awareness of seasonality and suitable food menu adaptations, to align with the flow of the vineyard environment.
We are looking for someone who is passionate about great seasonal ingredients who will bring energy and inspiration to the role. As a head chef you must demonstrate the ability to run your kitchen and produce great food. You need to be a strong and fair leader to proactively motivate, train and support the team. The Head Chef works under the guidance of the head of hospitality.  

ABOUT US

Ridgeview has been producing world-class sparkling wine for over 25 years. Considered one of the pioneers of the English Sparkling Wine Industry, our state-of-the-art winery and established vineyards (Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier) are based in the heart of the South Downs National Park, with breath-taking views of the surrounding area. We are proud to be certified by Wines GB as a sustainable vineyard and winery, and we invest in the latest, innovative equipment to minimise our impact on the natural world whilst crafting the highest quality sparkling wine around. We are also proud winners of the IWSC Winemaker of the Year award in 2019.

OUR CULTURE

Ridgeview is a family business built on a strong sense of teamwork. We believe in passion, a sense of purpose and a commitment to excellence. Ridgeview lives and breathes a family ethos, valuing all our staff as individuals, with a unique story and an important role to play. We are a vibrant and diverse team who make great things happen, together.

ABOUT YOU

You thrive in a team environment, are eager to learn and develop and are excited to bring your own skills and experience to Ridgeview. 

You will also ideally have the following experience: 

• 3+ years previous experience as a head chef/sous chef in a restaurant
• The ability to consistently perform well in a high pressure fast paced environment
• Excellent organisational skills to ensure the cleanliness and hygiene of the kitchen and all equipment used are left to a 5 stars hygiene standard pre & post service whilst keeping completion and sign-off of records
• Strong leadership skills to effectively manage and lead a kitchen team
• Ensuring the management of supplies and stock required for the kitchen are maintained to a level that meets business needs.
• Managing food and product ordering, keeping detailed records to minimise waste 
• Supervision of all food preparation and presentation to ensure quality and restaurant standards
• Verification of all food storage units meet standards and are consistently well-managed
• Coordinate with head of hospitality on supply ordering, budget, and kitchen efficiency / staffing
• Gross profit management
• Experience working with a similar offering of small plates/British tapas
• Creativity and superior culinary skills to create exceptional dishes
• Commitment to maintaining and continually improving quality in all aspects of the kitchen
• Have your own transport due to location
• Be able to work daytimes, evenings & weekends
• Opening/locking up in line with procedure/insurance standards
• Providing training and guidance to junior kitchen staff members, including, but not limited to line cooking, food preparation and dish plating.
• Your own right to work in the UK 

What you will need to be a successful applicant:

• IT skills including Microsoft Office an advantage
• Personal characteristics
• Very strong attention to detail with internal motivation for accuracy, efficiency and cleanliness
• Thrives in a compliant, hygienic, quality and process driven environment
• Ability to build trusting working relationships across the wider business
• Problem solver with good use of initiative
• Self-motivated and able to work within a team and independently
• Looks to proactively develop skills and expertise and apply in every detail

BENEFITS

• The opportunity to work within an award-winning wine business as part of a pioneering, proactive, dynamic and friendly team.
• Opportunities for your own continuous development with a focus on being the best you want to be
• Higher than statutory annual leave
• Access to our Employee Assistance Program.
• Cycle to work scheme ( after qualifying period )
• Tax free charity giving opportunities via payroll
• Varied and well attended social events throughout the year
• Staff discounts while on contract
• To be part of something amazing for the future of English winemaking

Ridgeview Wine Estate has a fundamental and passionately held commitment to ensuring that our workforce truly represents society, encouraging everyone to be best that they can be through celebrating and encouraging the uniqueness that every individual can bring through diversity. We welcome all to join us on this inclusive journey. We are proud to be Disability Confident (Committed)

Ridgeview has committed to the decision-making strategies of B-Corporation and are currently underway in our accreditation process.  The high standards of B-Corp include transparent governance, promoting sustainable and profitable working practices, supporting our local and industry community along with providing our staff, customers, suppliers and stakeholders with a purpose as a force for good.  Ridgeview measure our performance against these standards and work to continuously improve the ethics of our business