Heritage is for everybody, and we are here for heritage.

Heritage lives in places and people, memories and stories, artefacts and traditions. It can connect us all to the past, and to each other. It can make us happier, strengthen every community, and help shape society for the better. Everybody should be able to enjoy the benefits it brings.

That's why, as a charity, we care for over a million objects and hundreds of historic sites in every part of England, from international icons to local treasures. And it's why we open them up, share their stories and find new ways for everybody to enjoy, learn, play and create.

We are looking for a Head Chef to join our team. The role is full time and Permanent contract, working 36 hours per week.

The Benefits

- Salary from £32,165, depending on skills, experience and location

- 25 days' holiday plus bank holidays, pro rata, rising to 28 days after 3 years

- Matched pension contributions up to 10%

- Flexible hours

- The opportunity to progress your career within the heritage sector

- Apprenticeship opportunities

- Subscriptions to professional bodies

- Free access to all English Heritage sites for you and up to six friends and family members

- 25% discount in our shops and cafes

- Enhanced maternity, paternity or shared parental leave

- Options to buy additional leave

- An inclusive working atmosphere everybody is supported from all backgrounds, religions and with different needs

- Opportunities to go to some of our great live music and history events

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to an inspirational visit to Audley End House and gardens by delivering a food experience of the highest quality and consistency. As our Head Chef, you will be responsible for all aspects of the day to day running of the kitchen, ensuring that our food and beverage standards are achieved and maintained, and that all legal requirements are met.

As our Head Chef, you will implement the English Heritage food and beverage strategy of in-house food production, maximising income and profit from all food and beverage activities to achieve the annual food and beverage budget and KPIs. You will be preparing scones, brunch, any daily specials, homemade soup, toasties, baguettes, salads and any seasonal dishes.

To be considered for this role, you'll need:

- Level 2 or higher food safety certificate

- Allergen Training

- HACCP training

- HND/NVQ in Food preparation and Cookery

If you are looking for a fresh challenge, would like to work within our friendly team in the beautiful grounds of Audley End House and Gardens we would love to hear from you.

If you would like to talk to us about this role please contact Elizabeth Clarke, Catering Manager, on Elizabeth.Clarke@english-heritage.org.uk or 01799 522842 No agencies please.

Find out more about us and what we do: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/about/ You can also meet some of our people and hear about why they enjoy working with us: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/about/our-people/careers-with-us/

Everybody's welcome at English Heritage

Forget the stereotypes. It takes thousands of people from every background to care for England's heritage and open it up for everybody to enjoy. We're looking for every type of person with every kind of skill and experience, and we're committed to making sure that English Heritage is an equitable, diverse and inclusive place to work. You can connect with others through our EDI networks as a member or ally. These include Ethnic Diversity, Faith & Belief, Social Equity, LGBTQ+, Neurodivergence, Age, Disability and Gender Health and Wellbeing.

We take wellbeing seriously. We are committed to ensuring everyone feels safe at work and can carry out their role. To support this, we have a network of Mental Health First aiders, regular information and awareness events, unlimited access to an Employee Assistance Programme and work with our people to implement reasonable adjustments.

Closing date: 06/05/2026 23:59:59

You will need to refer to the following documents when completing your application.

Job Description