At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic kitchen team and create mouth-watering dishes for diverse events.
- Company: Join Surya Hotels, a leading niche hotel group with stunning properties.
- Benefits: Enjoy tips, discounts, life assurance, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive family that values creativity and excellence.
- Why this job: Shape menus, mentor your team, and make a real impact in hospitality.
- Qualifications: Proven cooking skills and experience managing a busy kitchen.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
The stunningly refurbished and relaunched Great Hallingbury Manor, near Bishop's Stortford now seeks an experienced Kitchen Manager or Head Chef to take the site to its next stage in evolution. A Kitchen Manager/Head Chef who thrives in a changing environment to bring a wealth of knowledge, skills and experience to our team. You should have demonstrable flair; inventive and creative but cost effective and time efficient, but most importantly your dishes are enticing to the guests!
Whether it's Sunday roasts or Afternoon Tea by the lake, a work event in the Oak Room, or steak night and pie in the restaurant - there's something for all palates at Great Hallingbury Manor.
Kitchen Manager duties:
- Responsible for all operational aspects of the Kitchen and its success - fantastic tasting dishes - cooked to spec - on time, every time.
- Ensure all cleaning in the designated areas is carried out to the Company Standards.
- Lead management of the Kitchen Division including controlling budget, cost of goods, rota planning and performance management.
- Monitoring portion and waste control to maintain COGs and profit margins.
- Manage the day-to-day food administration ensuring systems compliance.
- Ordering stocks, taking deliveries of produce and stock rotation of foodstuffs, auditing equipment and standards.
- Delegate, lead, coach and manage your Team appropriately.
Key Requirements for the Kitchen Manager/Head Chef Role:
- Outstanding cooking skills.
- Proven skills efficiently running the pass with a high volume of covers on busy shifts.
- Excellent communication skills both written and orally.
- Evidence of managing a Team within a Catering/Hotel environment.
- A cooking qualification such as Level 3 Food Hygiene and catering Diploma, NVQ or SVQ, or equivalent.
- Experience preparing menus of a variety of cuisines is highly desirable.
- Strong networker to engage with a variety of suppliers, sourcing best quality produce to meet exacting standards.
- Experience as a Kitchen Manager or Head Chef with a minimum of 2 years’ evidence of running a successful Kitchen.
Along with a great environment where you get to influence and shape the menus you're delivering, you guide and mentor your team and are a key part of your site's success, we offer you:
- Inclusion in Tips
- Increasing Annual Leave
- Bonus potential
- Discounts of dining and stays across the group - up to 50% off!
- Life Assurance, with Virtual GP support
- Employee Assistance Programme - free & confidential support for you and your family 24/7
- Recognised training and qualifications and certification to further your career, including apprenticeships
- Career pathways and opportunities for development across a large Hospitality Group
Surya Hotels is one of the UK’s leading niche hotel groups, with a rapidly expanding portfolio of outstanding properties, situated in some of the UK’s most idyllic settings, from historic Suffolk and Norfolk towns, Essex City or coastal resorts to picturesque Surrey villages. Our hospitality family has a ‘best in class’ ethos to exceed our guest expectations; creating experiences that embrace our heritage locations, our people and the communities we work within. We aim to consistently deliver best in class experiences with personality and warmth. From our warm welcome, to our ‘See-you-again-soon’ Goodbye.
Stay. Explore. Discover.
Head Chef employer: Great Hallingbury Manor
At Great Hallingbury Manor, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and inclusive work culture. As a Head Chef, you will not only have the opportunity to showcase your culinary creativity but also benefit from a range of perks including generous discounts, career development opportunities, and a supportive environment that values your contributions. Join our dedicated team in a stunning location where your passion for food can flourish and make a lasting impact on our guests' experiences.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with other chefs, suppliers, and industry folks. Attend local food events or workshops to meet people who can help you land that Head Chef role at Great Hallingbury Manor.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your creativity! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share your unique dish ideas and how you can elevate their menu. Remember, they want someone who can bring flair and entice guests!
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready for a practical test! Many places will want to see your cooking skills in action. Prepare a signature dish that showcases your style and efficiency, and be ready to talk through your process while you cook.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Great Hallingbury Manor team. Let’s make it happen!
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Culinary Flair:When you're writing your application, let your personality shine through! Share your unique cooking style and any creative dishes you've crafted. We want to see how you can bring something special to Great Hallingbury Manor.
Be Specific About Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your previous roles and responsibilities in the kitchen. Talk about your experience managing a team and running a busy kitchen. We love details that show us how you've thrived in fast-paced environments!
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific requirements of the Head Chef role. Mention how your skills align with our vision for the kitchen at Great Hallingbury Manor.
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. Plus, it shows us you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Great Hallingbury Manor
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with a variety of cuisines and can discuss how you would create enticing dishes for different occasions. Be ready to share your ideas on menu innovation that aligns with the venue's style.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head Chef, you'll be leading a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed a kitchen team in the past, including how you handle training, delegation, and performance management. Highlight your communication skills and how they contribute to a positive kitchen environment.
✨Demonstrate Cost Management Knowledge
Be prepared to discuss your experience with budget control, portion management, and waste reduction. Share specific strategies you've implemented to maintain profit margins while ensuring high-quality dishes are served.
✨Engage with Your Passion for Cooking
Let your enthusiasm for cooking shine through during the interview. Talk about what inspires you in the kitchen and how you keep up with culinary trends. This will show your potential employer that you’re not just skilled, but also genuinely passionate about your craft.
