Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a vibrant kitchen team and create exciting menus with Scottish flair.
- Company: Join the Cairngorm Hotel, the heart of Aviemore, full of life and energy.
- Benefits: Starting salary of £40,000, tips, staff discounts, and two days off weekly.
- Why this job: Make your mark in a dynamic kitchen while enjoying stunning mountain views.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in a senior kitchen role with strong leadership skills.
- Other info: Embrace a creative culinary journey in a beautiful Highland setting.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 42000 £ per year.
Head Chef – Aviemore, Scottish Highlands
Live-In
Salary: starting at £40,000.00 per annum, depending on experience Contract: Full-time, permanent Perks: Tips, staff discounts, be part of Turas Hotels
The Mission
This isn\’t your average Head Chef role. We\’re searching for a Cairngorm Commander-in-Chef
A culinary leader who can tame the pass during a packed Saturday night, reinvent a fish pie with Highland flair, and rally the brigade with the charm of a ceilidh caller.
The Cairngorm Hotel is the beating heart of Aviemore: bustling, warm, slightly unpredictable, and always full of life. Your kitchen will serve everything from full Scottish breakfasts and post-hike comfort food to themed buffets, family lunches, and celebratory dinners with whisky flowing and pipers playing.
We need someone who can honour the classics think venison, salmon, haggis but isn\’t afraid to riff, tweak, twist, and modernise.
The Role
You\’ll be in charge of the entire kitchen operation:
- Leading a well-established team with humour, clarity, and focus
- Designing, updating and refining menus across breakfast, lunch, dinner and events
- Running functions, themed nights, and buffets with flair
- Managing stock, suppliers, GP, and food safety with a level head
- Keeping the dining experience consistent, joyful, and deeply satisfying
What We\’re Looking For
- 3+ years in a senior kitchen role, ideally in a hotel or high-volume setting
- Proven leadership that grows teams and standards in equal measure
- A deep love of Scottish ingredients and the imagination to bring them to life
- Cool under pressure, no nonsense on the pass
- An appetite for events, themed nights, and putting your stamp on the place
- Respect for tradition, but no fear of fusion
What We Offer
- Starting at £40,000.00 depending on experience
- Bonus tip
- Staff discount on food and drink
- Two proper days off per week
- A kitchen and team you can make your own
- A location that\’s all mountains, forests, and fresh air when you\’re off the clock
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: £40,000.00-£42,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
Head Chef employer: Cairngorm Hotel
Contact Detail:
Cairngorm Hotel Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the venue! Before your interview, pop into the Cairngorm Hotel for a meal or a drink. This way, you can experience the vibe and get a feel for the kitchen's style. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the role!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your creativity! Prepare a unique dish that reflects your culinary style and Scottish ingredients. Bring it along to your interview to impress the hiring team with your flair and passion for food.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Connect with other chefs and industry professionals on social media or at local events. You never know who might have insider info about the Cairngorm Hotel or could put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Culinary Passion: When you're writing your application, let your love for food and cooking shine through. Share your experiences with Scottish ingredients and how you’ve put your own twist on classic dishes. We want to see your personality and creativity!
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head Chef role. Highlight your leadership experience and any high-volume kitchen settings you've worked in. We’re looking for someone who can manage a team with humour and clarity, so show us how you’ve done that before!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why you’re the perfect fit for our kitchen. Talk about your vision for the menu and how you’d bring a bit of Highland flair to our offerings. Keep it engaging and personal – we want to get to know you!
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 the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen to be part of the Turas Hotels family right from the start!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cairngorm Hotel
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with Scottish ingredients and traditional dishes. Be ready to discuss how you would honour classics like haggis or venison while adding your own modern twist. This shows your passion for the local cuisine and your creativity.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a kitchen team in the past. Highlight your ability to manage stress during busy service times and how you keep morale high. The interviewers will want to see that you can rally the brigade with charm and clarity.
✨Menu Mastery
Think about how you would design and refine menus for different occasions. Bring ideas to the table that reflect your culinary vision, especially for themed nights and events. This demonstrates your proactive approach and understanding of the role's creative demands.
✨Stay Cool Under Pressure
Be prepared to discuss scenarios where you've had to maintain composure during peak service times. Share specific strategies you use to keep the kitchen running smoothly, as this is crucial for a Head Chef in a bustling environment like the Cairngorm Hotel.