At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the kitchen, prepare high-quality meals, and ensure excellent 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 additional leadership experience.
- Other info: Opportunity to expand into Relief Duty Management for broader leadership experience.
- Why this job: Join a ministry-focused team and create memorable experiences for guests while cooking delicious meals.
- 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 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 commitment to creating memorable experiences for guests, employees benefit from a supportive work culture, opportunities for personal and professional development, and the chance to take on additional responsibilities such as Relief Duty Management. The beautiful surroundings of Castlewellan Forest Park enhance the overall experience, making it a truly rewarding place to work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Catering
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the venue! Before your interview, take a stroll around Castlewellan Forest Park and familiarise yourself with the Christian Conference Centre. This will not only help you feel more comfortable but also give you some great talking points about how you can contribute to creating that warm, welcoming atmosphere.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your cooking skills! If you get the chance, bring a sample of your culinary creations to the interview. It’s a fantastic way to demonstrate your passion for cooking and give them a taste of what you can bring to the table—literally!
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to chat about teamwork! Since this role is all about collaboration, think of examples from your past experiences where you’ve worked well in a team. Highlight how you’ve helped resolve issues and supported others, showing that you’re the perfect fit for their ministry-focused team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to express your commitment! Make sure to convey your passion for the mission of the Castle Christian Conference Centre. Share your personal journey and how it aligns with their vision, as they’re looking for someone who truly believes in their purpose.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Catering
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Cooking:When you're writing your application, let your love for cooking shine through! Share your experiences in the kitchen and how they relate to creating memorable meals for guests. We want to see that you’re not just about the food, but about the joy it brings to others.
Highlight Your Team Spirit:Since we’re all about community here at Castlewellan Castle, make sure to mention your ability to work well with others. Talk about times you've collaborated with a team or helped resolve issues, as this shows you’re a great fit for our ministry-focused environment.
Be Clear About Your Availability:We need someone who can be flexible with their hours, especially on weekends. In your application, clearly state your availability and any willingness to take on additional responsibilities, like Relief Duty Management. This helps us understand how you can fit into our schedule.
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 ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about what we do and how you can be part of our mission.
How to prepare for a job interview at Crnet
✨Know Your Menu
Familiarise yourself with the types of meals you might be preparing at Castlewellan Castle. Think about how you can cater to different dietary needs and preferences, as this will show your understanding of the role and your commitment to guest satisfaction.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a potential Head of Catering, it's crucial to demonstrate your leadership abilities. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed a kitchen or team in the past, especially in high-pressure situations. This will highlight your capability to oversee operations and support your colleagues.
✨Emphasise Your People Skills
Since this role involves interacting with guests and staff, be ready to discuss your approach to customer service. Share specific instances where you've resolved conflicts or enhanced someone's experience, showcasing your affability and problem-solving skills.
✨Align with the Mission
Understand the Christian values and mission of Castlewellan Castle. Be prepared to express how your personal beliefs align with their vision and how you can contribute to creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere for guests. This connection is key to demonstrating your fit for the role.
