At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a busy kitchen, create innovative menus, and ensure top-notch service.
- Company: Join the Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways, a popular heritage railway in Snowdonia.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days holiday, pension scheme, travel perks, and staff discounts.
- Other info: Flexibility to work shifts, including evenings and weekends, is essential.
- Why this job: Be part of a vibrant team in a fast-paced environment, making culinary magic happen.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef in high-volume kitchens required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
The Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways are two of the UK's most popular heritage railways, located in the heart of picturesque Snowdonia. Spooner's, our restaurant and bar situated on Harbour Station in Porthmadog, is an exceptionally busy hospitality venue within a major tourism environment, delivering the highest levels of service throughout the day.
We are looking for an experienced Head Chef to oversee all culinary operations within Spooner's. This will be a hands-on role, the successful candidate will lead by example, demonstrating professionalism, passion, and dedication to culinary excellence and maintaining composure and effective leadership during peak service pressures to ensure that the kitchen operates efficiently at all times. We are looking for an inspirational motivator to lead the team whilst developing an innovative and appealing menu using fresh, local produce wherever possible to appeal to a wide customer base.
- Permanent, full time position
- A minimum of 28 days paid holiday, inclusive of all bank and public holidays
- Enrolment into the company pension scheme after a qualifying period
- Company enhanced sick pay
- Travel benefits on the Ff&WHR and on national rail according to the Rail Staff Travel rules in place at the time of employment
- Staff discounts in shops and catering outlets
This role will operate within an extremely busy, high-volume, fast-paced kitchen environment, particularly during peak railway and tourism seasons. Candidates must be capable of leading a high-output kitchen while maintaining exceptional standards under pressure. The successful candidate will be able to manage high customer volumes, tight service windows, and rapid workflow.
- Extensive culinary knowledge and proficiency in various cuisines, cooking techniques, and food presentation
- Experience working as a Head Chef (or Senior Sous Chef) in a high-volume, fast-paced kitchen environment
- Proficiency in menu planning, cost control, and inventory management
- Creative and innovative mindset, with a passion for culinary arts and continuous improvement
- A thorough knowledge and understanding of food safety regulations, and best practice
The ability to speak Welsh would be an advantage as would knowledge of the railways, their passengers and/or the local hospitality and tourism industry. The successful candidate will be flexible, able to work any shifts as required, including evenings and weekends, to maintain maximum efficiency of the kitchen.
Applicants for this position must have the existing right to work in the UK, the Festiniog Railway Company is not able to offer sponsorship of Visa applications.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
- Company events
- Company pension
- Discounted or free food
- Employee discount
Head Chef - Hospitality - Full Time. in Porthmadog employer: Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways
The Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways offer a vibrant and dynamic work environment for the Head Chef role at Spooner's, located in the stunning Snowdonia region. With a strong focus on culinary excellence, employees benefit from a supportive culture that encourages creativity and innovation, alongside competitive perks such as generous holiday allowances, pension schemes, and travel benefits. This is an exceptional opportunity to thrive in a bustling hospitality venue while contributing to a beloved heritage experience.
Contact Details:
Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef - Hospitality - Full Time. in Porthmadog
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the hospitality industry, especially those who know the Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to insider info or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your culinary flair! If you get the chance for an interview, bring along a sample menu or even a dish that showcases your skills. It’s a great way to demonstrate your creativity and passion for food.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the pressure! Since this role is all about managing a busy kitchen, think of examples from your past where you’ve thrived under pressure. Share these stories during interviews to highlight your leadership and composure.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our brand.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef - Hospitality - Full Time. in Porthmadog
Some tips for your application 🫡
Check Your CV:Before you hit that apply button, give your CV a good once-over. Make sure it highlights your culinary experience and leadership skills, especially in high-pressure environments like ours!
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send the same old application everywhere! Tailor your cover letter to show us why you're the perfect fit for the Head Chef role at Spooner’s. Mention your passion for local produce and innovative menu ideas.
Show Off Your Experience:We want to see your culinary journey! Share specific examples of how you've led a kitchen team, managed high customer volumes, and maintained exceptional standards under pressure. We love a good story!
Apply Through Our Website:Make it easy for us to find you! Apply directly through our website to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s super straightforward and quick!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways
✨Know Your Culinary Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your culinary knowledge and techniques. Be ready to discuss your experience with various cuisines and cooking methods, as well as how you've handled high-pressure situations in the kitchen.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head Chef, you'll need to lead by example. Prepare examples of how you've motivated your team and maintained composure during busy service times. Highlight any innovative menu ideas you've implemented that have improved customer satisfaction.
✨Understand the Business Side
Familiarise yourself with menu planning, cost control, and inventory management. Be prepared to discuss how you've managed these aspects in previous roles, as this will show your potential employer that you can handle the operational side of the kitchen.
✨Connect with the Local Scene
If you have knowledge of the local hospitality and tourism industry, or even the railways, make sure to mention it. This could set you apart from other candidates and show your commitment to the community and its customers.
