At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic kitchen team and create innovative menus using fresh, local produce.
- Company: Join the Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways, a top heritage railway in stunning Snowdonia.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous holiday, pension scheme, and staff discounts.
- Other info: Flexible shifts with opportunities for career growth in a thriving tourism setting.
- Why this job: Make your mark in a busy, vibrant kitchen while inspiring a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Proven experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef in a fast-paced environment.
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.
- We can offer you:
- Starting salary in the region of £34,000 – £35,000 negotiable dependent on relevant experience
- 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.
- Core Skills:
- 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
- Strong ability to remain calm, organised, and decisive under pressure
- Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to motivate and inspire a diverse team
- Excellent organizational and multitasking abilities, with a keen attention to detail
- 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
Pay: £34,000.00-£35,000.00 per year
- Benefits:
- Company events
- Company pension
- Discounted or free food
- Employee discount
- Sick pay
Work authorisation: United Kingdom (required)
Head Chef - Porthmadog employer: Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways
The Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways offer a vibrant work environment at Spooner's restaurant in Porthmadog, where you can thrive in a bustling hospitality setting surrounded by the stunning landscapes of Snowdonia. As an employer, we prioritise employee well-being with competitive salaries, generous holiday allowances, and opportunities for professional growth, all while fostering a supportive team culture that values creativity and culinary excellence. Join us to be part of a dynamic team that not only serves delicious food but also contributes to the rich heritage of one of the UK's most beloved tourist destinations.
Contact Details:
Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef - Porthmadog
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the venue! Before your interview, pop into Spooner's and soak up the atmosphere. Chat with the staff if you can; it’ll give you a feel for the team dynamics and help you tailor your approach.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your culinary creativity! Prepare a few innovative menu ideas that incorporate local produce. This will not only impress them but also demonstrate your passion for the role and the area.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership skills! Think of examples from your past experiences where you’ve successfully led a team under pressure. Be ready to share these stories during your interview to showcase your ability to inspire and motivate.
✨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 take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef - Porthmadog
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for culinary arts shine through! We want to see your enthusiasm for food and how you can bring that energy to Spooner's kitchen.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head Chef role. Highlight your experience in high-volume kitchens and any leadership roles you've had. We love seeing how your skills match what we're looking for!
Be Specific About Your Experience:In your application, be specific about your culinary achievements and experiences. Share examples of how you've led a team or created innovative menus using local produce. This helps us understand your unique contributions!
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply 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
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a kitchen team in high-pressure situations. Share specific instances where you motivated your team or resolved conflicts. This will highlight your ability to maintain composure and inspire others, which is crucial for the Head Chef role.
✨Showcase Your Culinary Knowledge
Brush up on various cuisines and cooking techniques that are relevant to the role. Be prepared to discuss food safety regulations and best practices, as well as how you manage inventory and cost control. This will demonstrate your extensive culinary knowledge and organisational skills.
✨Be Ready for Practical Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess how you would handle peak service pressures. Think about how you would manage workflow during busy times and keep standards high. Practising these responses will help you feel more confident and prepared during the interview.
