Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic kitchen team, ensuring quality and creativity in every dish.
- Company: Join the City Hotel Derry, soon to be a DoubleTree by Hilton.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, staff discounts, and access to leisure facilities.
- Why this job: Make your mark in a vibrant setting with stunning views and a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Must have relevant culinary qualifications and at least 3 years of kitchen management experience.
- Other info: Opportunities for career growth and continuous training in a supportive environment.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
The City Hotel Derry is poised to become a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel. Situated in a beautiful setting in Derry City with panoramic views of the river Foyle and only steps away from the famous city walls, shops, bars, and restaurants. Facilities include 158 bedrooms, extensive conference banqueting facilities for up to 450 guests, a leisure centre with swimming pool, jacuzzi, steam room and gym, Thompson's on the River Restaurant, Coppin's Bar and secure car parking.
What is in it for you?
- Staff Rates across Hilton Brand hotels
- Accommodation / Rooms
- Food Beverage Discounts
- Leisure Centre / Spa Discounts
- Complementary use of Hotel Leisure facilities
- Employee of the Month / Employee of the Year
- Staff Training
- AXA Insurance Discounts
- Company Group Pension
- Reward Recognition incentives from Head of Department
- Free staff meals while on shift
A day in the life of
As Head Chef you will be responsible for overseeing and developing smooth operations of a busy kitchen, with emphasis on quality and presentation and maximising every opportunity to ensure profit and cost margins are met and consistently kept in line with budget. You will be Menu planning, cost, and budget controlling to ensure food cost is achieved. Finally, recruitment, training, and development of the team is important to ensure we deliver exceptional service whilst maintaining strict controls of food safety/health safety to ensure statutory compliance.
What do we need from you?
To be successful in this role, the ideal candidate will hold City Guilds 706/1 | 706/2 Catering, NVQ Level 3 or equivalent as well as Food safety level 2 or 3. You will also have a minimum of 3 years experience at this level and a successful track record of managing a kitchen team within a hotel, restaurant, or hospitality venue. You should also be able to display strong interpersonal skills, with a proven track record developing high performing teams and experience preparing and managing departmental budgets.
We have over 190 members of staff at the City Hotel Derry, and with that comes a wide variety of different career and employment opportunities ranging from student placements, to full time/part time permanent positions to holiday or seasonal jobs. Whether you are just starting out in your career or have previous skills and experience, regardless of your background, we want to hear from enthusiastic people with a positive can do attitude who want to ensure our guests enjoy their stay at the City Hotel Derry. It's our policy to invest in people and as such we are constantly training and developing our staff to help promote within and increase effectiveness. We have numerous different departments in the hotel, with a wealth of exciting employment opportunities in a number of different disciplines. This includes food beverage; sales marketing; reception; administration; maintenance and housekeeping.
Head Chef in Derry employer: Focus Hotels Management Limited
Contact Detail:
Focus Hotels Management Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef in Derry
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the hospitality industry. Attend local events, join culinary groups, or even pop into the City Hotel Derry for a chat. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, whip up a dish or two and share it on social media. Tag the City Hotel Derry and use relevant hashtags. This not only showcases your talent but also gets you noticed by potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the hotel and its culinary style. Familiarise yourself with their menu and think about how you can contribute to their vision. Bring fresh ideas to the table – they’ll love your enthusiasm!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate individuals who want to be part of our team at the City Hotel Derry.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef in Derry
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Cooking: When writing your application, let your love for food and cooking shine through. Share your culinary journey and what inspires you in the kitchen. We want to see that you're not just a chef, but someone who truly enjoys creating memorable dining experiences.
Tailor Your CV to the Role: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience that aligns with the Head Chef position. Focus on your management skills, budget control, and team development. We’re looking for someone who can lead a kitchen, so showcase your achievements in previous roles!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and experience at a glance.
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 shows you’re keen on joining our team at the City Hotel Derry!
How to prepare for a job interview at Focus Hotels Management Limited
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
As a Head Chef, you’ll need to showcase your culinary expertise. Familiarise yourself with the menu items you’d be responsible for and be ready to discuss your approach to menu planning, cost control, and presentation. Bring examples of dishes you've created that align with the hotel's style.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
The role requires strong interpersonal skills and team management. Prepare to share specific examples of how you've successfully led a kitchen team, handled conflicts, or trained new staff. Highlight your ability to develop high-performing teams and maintain a positive work environment.
✨Understand Budgeting and Cost Control
Since managing budgets is key, brush up on your knowledge of food cost management. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve previously met budgetary goals and maximised profit margins. You might even want to bring a sample budget plan to demonstrate your skills.
✨Emphasise Food Safety Knowledge
Food safety is crucial in any kitchen. Make sure you can talk about your qualifications, like Food Safety Level 2 or 3, and provide examples of how you’ve implemented safety protocols in past roles. This will show your commitment to maintaining high standards in the kitchen.