At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the kitchen team, prepare high-quality meals, and ensure hygiene standards.
- Company: Castlewellan Castle Christian Conference Centre, a serene retreat venue in beautiful surroundings.
- Benefits: Monthly salary, accommodation options, flexible hours, and potential for full-time management role.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth with additional responsibilities in Relief Duty Management.
- Why this job: Join a ministry-focused team and create memorable experiences for guests seeking spiritual growth.
- Qualifications: Catering Level 2 qualification or 2 years’ experience in a commercial kitchen.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
Castlewellan Castle Christian Conference Centre is a residential ministry set within the beautiful surroundings of Castlewellan Forest Park, County Down. As a dedicated Christian retreat venue, we host church groups, youth organisations, schools, and conferences, providing accommodation for up to 180 guests. Our purpose is to serve Christian organisations by offering a peaceful environment where groups can step away from routine, build community, and focus on spiritual growth. Every member of our team plays a part in creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere that supports teaching, fellowship, discipleship, and rest.
About the Role
The Cook / Head of Catering is a key member of our hospitality team. Your leadership in the kitchen directly shapes the experience of every guest who stays with us. From preparing high quality meals to ensuring excellent hygiene standards, your work helps create a memorable and enjoyable stay that encourages guests to return year after year. This role is ideal for someone who loves cooking for groups, enjoys variety, and values being part of a ministry focused team. There is also an option to expand the role into Relief Duty Management for those seeking broader leadership experience.
Optional additional role: Relief Duty Management
For candidates seeking additional responsibility, there is an opportunity to include Relief Duty Management to the role. This would bring the role up to full time hours. This additional role involves overseeing residential groups during the Centre Manager’s absence, typically from Friday evening to Sunday afternoon.
Success Qualities
- Availability – being accessible to guests
- Ability – resolving issues effectively
- Affability – doing it all with warmth and a smile
Specific Duties – Relief Duty Management
- Deputise for the manager in their absence, in the hosting of groups.
- Assist group leaders in the delivery of their residential, helping to solve problems and enhance their ministry.
- Assist guests in the enjoyment of their stay, being available to answer questions and guide them on their way.
- Help staff members to deal with any emerging problems or change of plans.
- Be able to respond to emergencies, such as fire alarm activations.
Candidate Attributes
- Be a mature Christian with a stable personality and stable personal circumstances – someone with a daily relationship with Jesus who can cope with the practicalities and stresses and strains involved in the day-to-day life of a centre and work within the constraints of a team of fellow travellers.
- Have the employment basics to a high standard – reliability in detail, honesty, conscientiousness, good time-keeping, etc.
- Demonstrate the maturity and responsibility required to deputise for the manager in their absence.
- Have strong people skills, able to find resolutions to problems and to calm troubled waters.
- Above all he/she must have a strong commitment and calling to the vision outlined above.
Qualifications / Requirements
- Catering Level 2 qualification or 2 years’ experience in a commercial kitchen
- Minimum availability of 24 hours per week
- Willingness to work flexible hours, including weekends
Ability to:
- Prepare and cook food to a high standard
- Receive and check food orders
- Maintain excellent hygiene and safety standards
- Comply with all relevant legislation and regulations
Head of Catering in Castlewellan employer: Crnet
Castlewellan Castle Christian Conference Centre is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to work in a serene environment that fosters spiritual growth and community. With a strong emphasis on teamwork and a welcoming atmosphere, employees can expect to develop their skills in hospitality while contributing to meaningful experiences for guests. The role of Head of Catering not only allows for culinary creativity but also offers potential for leadership development through Relief Duty Management, making it an ideal position for those passionate about service and ministry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Catering in Castlewellan
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the catering and hospitality industry. Let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities, and who knows? They might just have the perfect lead for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, whip up a signature dish and share it with potential employers or during interviews. It’s a great way to demonstrate your passion for cooking and your ability to create memorable experiences.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to pop up. Reach out directly to places you’d love to work at, like Castlewellan Castle Christian Conference Centre. Express your interest and ask if they have any upcoming opportunities.
✨Tip Number 4
Keep your online presence sharp! Update your LinkedIn profile and any relevant social media with your latest experiences and skills. This way, when employers search for candidates, they'll find you ready to shine!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Catering in Castlewellan
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Cooking:When you're writing your application, let us know why you love cooking for groups! Share any experiences you've had that highlight your passion for creating memorable meals and how it contributes to a warm atmosphere.
Highlight Your People Skills:Since this role involves working closely with guests and staff, make sure to showcase your strong people skills. Talk about times you've resolved issues or helped others feel welcome – we want to see your affability in action!
Be Clear About Your Availability:We need someone who can commit to at least 24 hours a week and is flexible with their hours. Be upfront about your availability in your application so we can see if you fit our needs.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and get the ball rolling on your journey with us at Castlewellan Castle.
How to prepare for a job interview at Crnet
✨Know Your Menu
Familiarise yourself with the types of meals you’ll be preparing and serving. Research any dietary requirements that might be common among guests, especially in a Christian retreat setting. This shows your commitment to providing a welcoming experience.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Be ready to discuss your previous experiences in leading a kitchen team or managing catering events. Highlight specific examples where you resolved issues or improved service quality, as this role requires strong leadership and problem-solving abilities.
✨Emphasise Your People Skills
Since this role involves interacting with guests and staff, prepare to share examples of how you've successfully communicated and built relationships in past roles. Being affable and approachable is key to creating a warm atmosphere.
✨Align with Their Values
Understand the mission of Castlewellan Castle Christian Conference Centre and express your passion for their vision. Share how your personal faith and values align with their purpose, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
