At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a talented kitchen team and create inspiring seasonal menus.
- Company: The Castle of Brecon Hotel, a historic venue with a warm Welsh hospitality.
- Benefits: Flexible work-life balance, performance bonuses, private healthcare, and generous holiday.
- Other info: Join a passionate team and access award-winning career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make your mark in a unique hotel while showcasing local Welsh produce.
- Qualifications: Proven experience as a Head Chef in a busy hotel environment.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Location: The Castle of Brecon Hotel, Castle Square, Brecon, Powys, LD3 9DB
About Us
Nestled within the ancient ruins of an 11th-century Norman fortress, The Castle of Brecon Hotel is the oldest hotel in Wales and a proud member of the Coaching Inn Group. With 42 individually designed bedrooms, breathtaking views across the Brecon Beacons National Park and the River Usk, and a reputation for warm Welsh hospitality, we offer guests an unforgettable dining and hospitality experience. Our menus celebrate the very best of Modern British and Welsh cuisine, using locally sourced ingredients wherever possible.
The Role
As Head Chef, you will take full ownership of the kitchen, leading a brigade of 9 chefs in a fast-paced hotel environment. You'll be responsible for developing inspiring seasonal menus, maintaining exceptional food quality, and creating a positive, high-performing kitchen culture. This is a hands-on leadership role for a creative chef with a passion for fresh, locally sourced food and proven experience managing busy hotel kitchens.
What We're Looking For
- Proven experience as a Head Chef within a busy hotel or high-volume hospitality environment.
- A strong background in creating and leading your own menus, with a flair for Modern British cuisine and seasonal ingredients.
- Experience leading, motivating and developing a brigade of 9 chefs or more.
- A passion for coaching, mentoring and training kitchen teams to achieve consistently high standards.
- Strong commercial awareness, including food cost control, stock management and labour planning.
- Excellent knowledge of food safety, HACCP and health & safety legislation.
- Calm under pressure with exceptional organisational and leadership skills.
- A full UK driving licence and access to transport is preferred, as the hotel's location requires reliable travel.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead, inspire and manage a brigade of 9 chefs.
- Create, develop and implement seasonal menus that showcase local Welsh produce.
- Train, mentor and develop the kitchen team, encouraging progression and excellence.
- Maintain exceptional food quality, consistency and presentation across all services.
- Manage kitchen operations including ordering, stock control, GP, food costs and labour budgets.
- Ensure full compliance with food hygiene, HACCP and health & safety standards.
- Work closely with the senior management team to deliver an outstanding guest experience.
- Foster a positive, supportive and collaborative kitchen culture.
What We Offer
- Work-life balance – We genuinely believe in creating a healthy work-life balance and work together as a team to promote flexibility wherever possible.
- Weekly tips – 100% of gratuities are distributed to our teams every week through our TipJar Tronc scheme.
- Performance bonus – Opportunity to earn up to 20% of your annual salary through our Head Chef bonus scheme.
- Private Healthcare – Helping you take care of your health and wellbeing.
- Life Insurance – Providing additional peace of mind for you and your family.
- Annual Health & Wellbeing Grant – Supporting your physical and mental wellbeing.
- 6 weeks' holiday – Giving you plenty of time to rest and recharge.
- Food & Accommodation Discounts – Enjoy up to 50% off food across all Coaching Inn Group hotels and 50% off accommodation.
- £1 Annual Stay – Experience one of our hotels with our exclusive annual £1 stay benefit.
- Award-winning Career Development – Access industry-leading training and development programmes to help you grow your career.
- Employee Assistance Programme – Confidential support and wellbeing resources whenever you need them.
Join us at The Castle of Brecon Hotel and become part of a passionate, family-oriented team where you'll have the opportunity to lead, inspire, and make your mark in one of Wales' most historic hotels.
Head Chef in Brecon employer: Castle of Brecon Hotel, Brecon
The Castle of Brecon Hotel is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead a talented kitchen team in a historic setting. With a strong focus on work-life balance, generous benefits including performance bonuses and private healthcare, and a commitment to employee development, you will thrive in a supportive and collaborative environment that values your contributions. Join us to create memorable dining experiences while enjoying the breathtaking views of the Brecon Beacons National Park.
Contact Details:
Castle of Brecon Hotel, Brecon Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef in Brecon
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Castle of Brecon Hotel, Brecon. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Castle of Brecon Hotel, Brecon
Don't be shy about reaching out to Castle of Brecon Hotel, Brecon directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef in Brecon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Castle of Brecon Hotel, Brecon and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Castle of Brecon Hotel, Brecon
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
