At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a busy kitchen, create innovative menus, and inspire your team.
- Company: Join the Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways, a top heritage railway in Snowdonia.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days holiday, pension scheme, travel perks, and staff discounts.
- Other info: Flexible shifts required; knowledge of Welsh and local tourism is a plus.
- Why this job: Make your mark in a vibrant culinary scene while serving thousands of visitors.
- Qualifications: Proven experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef in a fast-paced kitchen.
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 - Permanent/full Time in Porthmadog employer: Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways
The Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways offer a vibrant and dynamic work environment at Spooner's restaurant, where the stunning backdrop of Snowdonia enhances the experience of both employees and guests. As an employer, we prioritise employee well-being with generous holiday allowances, enhanced sick pay, and opportunities for professional growth in a bustling hospitality setting. Join us to lead a passionate team dedicated to culinary excellence while enjoying unique travel benefits and discounts in a thriving tourism hub.
Contact Details:
Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef - Permanent/full Time in Porthmadog
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the venue! Before your interview, take a trip to Spooner's and soak in the atmosphere. This will help you understand the vibe and give you some great talking points when you're discussing how you can contribute to their culinary excellence.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your creativity! Prepare a few innovative menu ideas that incorporate local produce. This not only demonstrates your culinary skills but also shows that you’re aligned with their focus on fresh, local ingredients.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership pitch! Since they’re looking for someone to inspire and lead the team, think about examples from your past where you've successfully managed a kitchen under pressure. Be ready to share these stories during your chat.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Spooner’s and ready to dive into this exciting role.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef - Permanent/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, as we want to see how you can bring your expertise to Spooner's.
Read the Job Description Carefully:Take a moment to really digest the job description. We’re looking for someone who can thrive in a busy kitchen, so make sure you understand what we're after and tailor your application accordingly.
Show Off Your Passion:In your application, let us know why you're passionate about cooking and leading a team. We love candidates who can inspire others and bring creativity to the table, so don’t hold back!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Spooner’s!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with the types of dishes Spooner's serves. Think about how you can innovate their menu using local produce and be ready to discuss your ideas. This shows your passion for culinary excellence and your understanding of the restaurant's ethos.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a Head Chef, you'll need to lead by example. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed a team under pressure. Highlight how you motivate your staff and maintain composure during peak times, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Showcase Your Culinary Knowledge
Brush up on various cuisines, cooking techniques, and food presentation styles. Be prepared to discuss your experience in menu planning, cost control, and inventory management. This will demonstrate your extensive culinary knowledge and proficiency, which are key for this position.
✨Understand the Local Context
Familiarise yourself with the Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways and the tourism environment in Snowdonia. If you can, mention any insights you have about the local hospitality scene or how you would cater to the diverse customer base. This shows your commitment to the role and the community.
