Waiter​/Waitress Garden Cafe Bruton tronc

Production Kitchen at The Newt in Somerset

Full time

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.

• 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

• 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

• 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…