At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the catering and events team to create unforgettable dining experiences.
- Company: Join Loch Insh Outdoor Centre, an award-winning destination in the stunning Cairngorms National Park.
- Benefits: Enjoy a full-time role with competitive pay and the chance to work in a beautiful setting.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a dynamic and supportive team.
- Why this job: Shape memorable events and inspire guests while working in a vibrant outdoor environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in catering management and a passion for delivering exceptional guest experiences.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Loch Insh Outdoor Centre is an award-winning holiday destination in the Cairngorms National Park. Set in 15 acres of mature woodland on the shores of Loch Insh, the business encompasses a 20-room main lodge, 13 chalets, two apartments, an events venue, and The Boathouse Restaurant, alongside a thriving watersports and ski sports activity centre.
As Head of Catering & Events, you are the face, voice, and operational backbone of all dining and events experience at The Boathouse Restaurant. You are responsible for everything the customer sees, hears, tastes and smells from the moment they arrive to the moment they leave — in a venue that is open 365 days of the year, adjusting its offering with the seasons.
You are tasked with designing menus, leading your team, and delivering excellent service and profitability across:
- A core offering of a breakfast and lunch café that transitions into evening table service, operating year-round but accommodating a midweek school group canteen service for breakfast and dinner for seven months of the year.
- Catering for groups, from family gatherings to corporate and academic retreats, where healthy and active lifestyles demand nutritious, filling menus to match.
- Statement events such as weddings, where your culinary background and operational experience combine to deliver a flawless guest experience.
The exceptional guest experience is built around the four pillars of the Loch Insh vision: Inspire, Nurture, Master, Sustain. Your role is pivotal in shaping a positive culture in the Catering and Events team that is legally compliant, commercially profitable, and consistently excellent.
You report directly to the Managing Director and attend Head of Department meetings as the senior Catering & Events representative. You line-manage the Head Chef directly; they carry day-to-day kitchen leadership and are accountable to you for food production, kitchen compliance, and food cost performance.
Person Specification
Essential
- Proven track record as Head Chef or Senior Chef who has progressed into front-of-house or General Management responsibility OR Events & Guest Experience Management.
- Demonstrable experience delivering multiple service formats: café, à la carte, group catering, and large-scale events including weddings.
- Strong financial acumen: food cost management, GP accountability, Pay-to-Sales monitoring, and budget participation.
- Comprehensive allergen and nutritional knowledge, including group and school catering requirements.
- Thorough working knowledge of CookSafe, HACCP, COSHH, EHO requirements, and Licencing (Scotland) Act 2005.
- Proven ability to lead, develop, and performance-manage a mixed kitchen and FOH team.
- Comfortable communicating at all levels: kitchen team, floor staff, senior management, wedding clients, and group coordinators.
- Rigorous administrative discipline: compliance records, ordering, documentation, and reporting completed to deadline without prompting.
- Full driving license and access to own transport.
Desirable
- Experience in a destination leisure, outdoor activity, or rural hospitality setting.
- Hold or willing to obtain a Personal Licence under the Licencing (Scotland) Act 2005.
- Formal culinary qualification (HND, SVQ Level 3 or equivalent). Applied intelligence and proven track record are valued equally.
- Familiarity with EPOS systems, reservation platforms, and property management software.
Head of Catering and Events in Inverness employer: ASVA: Association of Scottish Visitor Attractions
Loch Insh Outdoor Centre is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture in the stunning Cairngorms National Park. As Head of Catering and Events, you will thrive in a supportive environment that values creativity and excellence, with opportunities for professional growth and development. Enjoy the unique advantage of working in a picturesque location while being part of a dedicated team committed to delivering unforgettable experiences for guests year-round.
Contact Details:
ASVA: Association of Scottish Visitor Attractions Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Catering and Events in Inverness
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the catering and events industry. Attend local events, join relevant groups on social media, and don’t be shy to reach out to folks on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your skills! If you’ve got a portfolio of past events or menus you’ve designed, make sure to have it ready to share. A visual representation of your work can really set you apart from other candidates. Plus, it gives potential employers a taste of what you can bring to the table!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching Loch Insh and its unique offerings. Understand their vision and values, and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. This will help you stand out as someone who’s genuinely interested in the role and the company.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Loch Insh. So, get that application in and let’s make some magic happen!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Catering and Events in Inverness
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When you're writing your application, let your passion for catering and events shine through! We want to see how excited you are about creating unforgettable experiences for our guests at The Boathouse Restaurant.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Head of Catering & Events. Highlight your relevant experience in managing teams, delivering exceptional service, and your culinary background. We love seeing how your skills match what we're looking for!
Be Specific:In your application, be specific about your achievements. Instead of just saying you managed a team, tell us how you improved service efficiency or increased guest satisfaction. Numbers and examples really help us understand your impact!
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at ASVA: Association of Scottish Visitor Attractions
✨Know Your Venue Inside Out
Before the interview, take some time to research Loch Insh Outdoor Centre. Familiarise yourself with their offerings, especially The Boathouse Restaurant and the types of events they host. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Culinary and Management Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience as a Head Chef or in a similar role. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully managed a team, designed menus, or delivered exceptional guest experiences. Use metrics to demonstrate your financial acumen, like food cost management and profitability.
✨Understand the Four Pillars
Loch Insh has a vision built around Inspire, Nurture, Master, and Sustain. Think about how your values align with these pillars and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to creating a positive culture within the Catering and Events team.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, seasonal menu changes, or how they measure success in the Catering and Events department. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you gauge if the role is the right fit for you.
