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- Tasks: Lead a passionate kitchen team to create exceptional dishes and unforgettable guest experiences.
- Company: Join Hand Picked Hotels, a collection of stunning luxury retreats across the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, generous holidays, and discounts on stays and dining.
- Why this job: Unleash your culinary creativity and inspire a team in a vibrant environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in luxury hotels and a passion for outstanding food and service.
- Other info: Opportunities for career growth and lifelong friendships in a diverse team.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Hand Picked Hotels is a beautiful collection of 21 privately owned, luxury country houses and coastal retreats, each hand picked for their individuality. Architecturally distinctive and quintessentially British, every hotel boasts an extraordinary location, from Scotland to the Channel Islands, offering breathtaking views, from vast countryside to expansive beaches, to lush woodlands. With every need taken care of, the team at each hotel ensures every guest has a magical experience, encouraging them to return time and time again.
About the Role
The role of a Head Chef is to be responsible for ensuring that the Kitchen Brigade consistently delivers exceptional food & service, putting the guest at the heart of all activities. You will be leading the team in the effective delivery of department goals, planning and organising work activities, seeking to continuously improve ways of working and engaging the team to do the same. Our Head Chefs have the opportunity to innovate and develop their menus with their own distinctive style, inspiring your team and our guests alike. Maintaining a safe, healthy and secure workplace environment, following all work protocols and engaging the team with training initiatives. Building effective relationships to create a positive learning environment will be a key requirement to ensure the success of the department. Making clear, confident decisions will be second nature to you, consulting with others where needed. Leading menu development and having a good understanding of business financials including labour costs, forecasting and budgets. Most of all we will want you to be inspired, have fun and enjoy being part of our Passionate Hand Picked Team.
About you
Previous experience in a similar luxury, meetings and events led, multi-outlet hotel is essential. Proven experience of managing, coaching and developing teams, and you will enjoy motivating others to be their best, achieve their goals and fulfil their potential. Delivering outstanding food & service will be your passion and motivation. You will be excellent at building a rapport with colleagues and guests. Most of all, you will have a professional, organised and friendly approach. Your knowledge of food will be vast, and your finger will be on the culinary pulse of the latest food trends. Emotional Intelligence is an important part of being a Head Chef within Hand Picked Hotels, so you will display this at all times and constantly practice self-improvement.
Company Benefits
- A competitive salary package plus a share of service charge.
- This is a Full-Time role working 5 days out of 7 including weekends on a rota basis, 45 hours per week, which may vary depending on business needs.
- Company pension scheme with a generous employer contribution.
- Life assurance scheme.
- Employee Assistance Program to support you with whatever life throws at you.
- Company Sickness Scheme Benefit.
- 28 days holiday per year including bank holidays, increasing to 33 days including bank holidays with length of service.
- Forward career progression, with access to our In House and external training programs, including apprenticeships up to level 7, which are all supported by our learning and development team.
- £30 staff stays with Hand Picked Hotels per room Bed & Breakfast & 25% discount on all food & drink.
- Annual loyalty awards (like afternoon teas and overnight stays).
- Online retail discount platform offering thousands of savings with high street retailers and restaurants as well as a health and well-being platform.
- Opportunity to make lifelong friendships and be part of a team that celebrates Diversity and Inclusion.
Please note this role will be subject to enhanced referencing. Hand Picked Hotels is an Equal Opportunities employer. Candidates must be eligible to live and work in the UK.
Head Chef employer: Hand Picked Hotels Ltd
Contact Detail:
Hand Picked Hotels Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the hospitality industry, especially those who have worked at Hand Picked Hotels or similar establishments. A friendly chat can lead to insider tips and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your culinary flair! When you get the chance to meet with the hiring team, bring along a portfolio of your best dishes or even a sample menu. This is your moment to shine and demonstrate your unique style!
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to talk numbers! Brush up on your knowledge of food costs, budgeting, and forecasting. Being able to discuss how you can manage these aspects effectively will show that you're not just a creative chef but also a savvy leader.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply 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 Hand Picked team. Let’s make it happen together!
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food: When writing your application, let your love for food and cooking shine through. Share your culinary journey and what inspires you to create exceptional dishes. We want to see that spark!
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your previous experience in luxury hotels or similar environments. We’re looking for specific examples of how you've led teams and delivered outstanding service, so don’t hold back!
Be Authentic: We value authenticity, so be yourself in your application. Share your unique style and approach to cooking, and how you engage with your team and guests. This is your chance to stand out!
Apply Through Our Website: To make sure your application gets the attention it deserves, apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to see your application and get to know you better!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hand Picked Hotels Ltd
✨Know Your Culinary Trends
Brush up on the latest food trends and be ready to discuss how you can incorporate them into your menu. Show that you’re not just a chef, but a culinary innovator who keeps up with what’s hot in the food world.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed and motivated your team in previous roles. Highlight your coaching techniques and how you’ve fostered a positive kitchen environment, as this is crucial for the Head Chef position.
✨Understand the Business Side
Familiarise yourself with key financial concepts like labour costs, forecasting, and budgeting. Be ready to discuss how you’ve managed these aspects in the past and how you plan to ensure profitability while maintaining quality.
✨Engage with Emotional Intelligence
Demonstrate your emotional intelligence by discussing how you handle stress and conflict in the kitchen. Share specific instances where you’ve built rapport with both guests and colleagues, showing that you can create a harmonious work environment.
