At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a busy kitchen, create exciting menus, and manage a dynamic team.
- Company: Join Parkdean Resorts, the UK's largest holiday park organisation with stunning locations.
- Benefits: Enjoy 50% off holidays, 30% discounts on food and activities, plus exclusive brand deals.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fun, supportive environment while developing your culinary skills.
- Qualifications: Food Hygiene Level 3 and experience in a fast-paced kitchen are essential.
- Other info: On-site accommodation available and a commitment to employee wellbeing.
The predicted salary is between 32000 - 44000 £ per year.
Join our kitchen team as Head Chef for a career with a little more sizzle! Are you a passionate chef with a flair for management? At Parkdean Resorts, we’re looking for a Head Chef who’s ready to roll up their sleeves and make a real impact. You’ll be running a busy kitchen, crafting delicious dishes, and motivating a team to exceed guest expectations every time. You won’t just be cooking – you’ll be shaping the entire kitchen experience. From managing stock and budgets to developing exciting menus, you’ll lead by example, ensuring everything runs smoothly and profitably.
You’ll need to hold a Food Hygiene Level 3 qualification and have experience in a fast-paced kitchen.
So, why Parkdean Resorts? Well, besides the one-of-a-kind team culture, stunning locations across the UK, and the chance to work with the UK's largest holiday park organisation, we can offer:
- The chance to develop your skills and boost your career across our 66 parks – as one of the best in the biz when it comes to apprenticeships, we’ve got your back when it comes to training!
- You’re never on your own with our Employee Assistance Programme! It comes with a 24/7 confidential helpline for counselling and support - because your wellbeing is our top priority.
- A 50% discount for you and a 25% discount for friends and family when booking your holiday with us.
- A team member discount of 30%, available on everything from fabulous food to delicious drinks and even our fun leisure activities.
- Score awesome discounts! From tasty meal kits like Hello Fresh to your favourite local gyms, we’ve got deals on lots of brands just for you.
We want to be a force for good and caring for our parks, people, and planet is a natural component of the way we do business. We celebrate our people, communities and natural environment, enabling us to enhance the amazing memories we create for many years to come.
What you will be doing...
- Taking on a ‘hands on’ role in the production of menu items during service, cooking to spec, adhering to all menus and portion control, and recording wastage.
- Work on the ‘front line’ and managing the prep production.
- Ensuring the quality of the food production and presentation is maintained to company standard.
- Participating in and developing owners’ activities and events.
- Working in a safe manner, with due diligence towards yourself, colleagues and guests.
- Training and developing the kitchen team to ensure a consistent standard is maintained.
Are we the right fit for you? At Parkdean Resorts we don’t leave unforgettable moments to chance. We pitch in, we have fun, and we grow, inspiring each other to make great things happen every, single, day. We’re Parkdean people, and we do everything we can to ensure our guests and owners can holiday like they mean it!
Parkdean Resorts is committed to Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults. Background checks including DBS (or equivalent) will be carried out if appropriate.
We want to do all we can to create an environment and recruitment process where people feel safe and comfortable to talk about disability. For any reasonable adjustment requests, please contact Stephanie at stephanie.wood@parkdean-resorts.com
Contact Detail:
Parkdean Resorts Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Showcase your leadership skills during the interview. As a Head Chef, you'll be managing a team, so be prepared to discuss how you've successfully led kitchen staff in the past and how you motivate them to achieve high standards.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the Parkdean Resorts brand and their culinary offerings. Understanding their menu and values will help you align your vision for the kitchen with theirs, making you a more attractive candidate.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with food hygiene and safety regulations. Since a Food Hygiene Level 3 qualification is required, be ready to share specific examples of how you've maintained high standards in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Think about how you can contribute to the overall guest experience beyond just food. Be ready to share ideas on how you would enhance events and activities at the park, showcasing your creativity and passion for hospitality.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in kitchen management and food preparation. Emphasise any leadership roles you've held and specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to run a busy kitchen.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for cooking and management. Mention why you want to work at Parkdean Resorts specifically, and how your skills align with their values and the job requirements.
Showcase Your Qualifications: Clearly state your Food Hygiene Level 3 qualification and any other relevant certifications. If you have experience in fast-paced kitchens, provide examples of how you've thrived in such environments.
Highlight Team Development Skills: Since the role involves training and developing a kitchen team, include examples of how you've successfully mentored or trained others in previous positions. This will show your capability to lead and inspire a team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Parkdean Resorts
✨Showcase Your Culinary Passion
During the interview, express your love for cooking and how it drives your creativity in the kitchen. Share specific examples of dishes you've crafted and how they were received by guests.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a Head Chef, you'll be leading a team. Highlight your experience in managing kitchen staff, training new chefs, and creating a positive work environment. Be ready to discuss how you motivate your team to achieve high standards.
✨Discuss Menu Development
Prepare to talk about your approach to menu creation. Share ideas on how you would develop exciting and seasonal menus that cater to diverse guest preferences while maintaining cost efficiency.
✨Emphasise Food Safety Knowledge
Since a Food Hygiene Level 3 qualification is required, be prepared to discuss your knowledge of food safety practices. Mention any relevant experiences where you ensured compliance with health regulations in a busy kitchen.