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Roots to Work is a project of Sustain: the alliance for better food and farming.

Head Chef - Catering & Café

Ruskin Mill Trust
Forest Row, East Sussex

Posted: 29 Oct 2026

Deadline: 8 Nov 2026

Compensation: £34,433 - £47,502 per annum

Paid Full-time Permanent

Job description

Head Chef - Catering & Café

Emerson College, East Sussex 40 Hours per Week | 52 Weeks per Year

Salary: £34,433 - £47,502 per annum (Starting salary dependent on qualifications and experience)

Lead a Unique Catering Operation Rooted in Sustainability, Community and Quality

Are you an experienced Head Chef looking for an opportunity to lead a diverse catering and hospitality operation with purpose?

Emerson College, part of Ruskin Mill Land Trust, is seeking a passionate and creative Head Chef to lead our catering, café and hospitality services. This is a unique opportunity to combine exceptional food with sustainable values, working within a thriving adult education college and learning community inspired by the work of Rudolf Steiner.

About the Role

You'll lead a busy year-round catering operation serving visitors, staff, residential groups, conference delegates, and venue hire guests. Working closely with our Hospitality Manager and Biodynamic Land Manager, you'll champion a true "seed to table" approach, making the best use of biodynamic, organic, seasonal and locally sourced ingredients wherever possible.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the kitchen, café and hospitality teams to deliver exceptional food and customer service.
• Developing creative seasonal menus using biodynamic, organic and locally sourced produce.
• Managing catering for conferences, residential programmes, events and venue hires.
• Overseeing stock control, purchasing, supplier relationships and budget management.
• Ensuring full compliance with Food Hygiene, HACCP and Health & Safety requirements.
• Mentoring and developing kitchen and café staff while fostering a positive team culture.

We're looking for someone who:

• Has experience as a Head Chef or in a senior kitchen leadership role.
• Has strong culinary skills, including vegetarian cooking and catering for large groups.
• Has experience creating seasonal menus using local, organic or biodynamic produce.
• Can lead, motivate and develop a high-performing team.
• Has experience managing budgets, procurement, stock control and food safety systems.
• Holds a Food Hygiene Level 3 qualification (or is willing to obtain one).
• Is passionate about sustainable, biodynamic and environmentally responsible food practices.

Why Join Emerson College?

• Lead a unique farm-to-fork catering operation.
• Work with high-quality biodynamic and organic produce.
• Be part of a vibrant educational and learning community.
• Influence menu development, hospitality services and future growth.
• Work in beautiful surroundings with a strong sustainability ethos.
• Access excellent training and professional development opportunities.

Please note: This role includes evening and weekend working on a rota basis to support conferences, events and residential programmes.

If you're a talented chef with a passion for quality food, sustainability and leading successful teams, we'd love to hear from you. For full details and to apply to the role, please visit https://rmt.org/careers/. A completed application is required for consideration of this role

Application information

For full details and to apply to the role, please visit https://rmt.org/careers/. A completed application is required for consideration of this role

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