At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a passionate kitchen team to create exceptional dining experiences in a luxury brasserie.
- Company: Join Hand Picked Hotels, a collection of stunning luxury retreats across the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous holiday, and discounts on stays and dining.
- Other info: Opportunities for career growth and training in a supportive, inclusive environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a creative culinary team and make your mark in a prestigious hotel.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing busy restaurants and a passion for outstanding food and service.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 € 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.
We are currently recruiting for a Head Chef of our Brasserie, The Conservatory at Rhinefield House Hotel, part of Hand Picked Hotels. This fantastic new role for 2026, reporting into our new Executive Head Chef, has a focus on really driving service, excellence and consistency across our Brasserie, the busy Summer Terrace, our award-winning afternoon tea and room service.
About the Role
- The role of a Head Chef is to be responsible for ensuring that the Kitchen Brigade consistently delivers exceptional food & service in our Brasserie offering - The Conservatory, putting the guest at the heart of all activities.
- Reporting in to our new Executive Chef, you will be leading The Conservatory 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 alongside our decorated Executive Chef, 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.
About you:
- Previous experience of running a busy restaurant or brasserie offering 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 highly 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.
Hand Picked Hotels is an Equal Opportunities employer. Candidates must be eligible to live and work in the UK.
Head Chef – Luxury Brasserie & Service Leader employer: Hand Picked Hotels Ltd
Hand Picked Hotels is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises individuality, community, and care. As the Head Chef at the stunning Rhinefield House Hotel, you will enjoy a competitive salary, generous benefits including a company pension scheme and extensive training opportunities, all while working in a breathtaking location within the New Forest National Park. Join a passionate team dedicated to delivering outstanding service and creating memorable experiences for guests, where your culinary creativity can truly shine.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef – Luxury Brasserie & Service Leader
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend culinary events, join local chef associations, or even hit up social media groups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, create a portfolio showcasing your best dishes and menu ideas. A well-presented portfolio can really set you apart from the competition and give potential employers a taste of what you can bring to their kitchen.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to pop up. Reach out directly to restaurants or hotels you admire, like Hand Picked Hotels. Express your interest and ask if they have any upcoming opportunities. Sometimes, the best jobs aren’t advertised!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing applications come through directly. It shows you're genuinely interested in being part of our team. Plus, it makes it easier for us to keep track of your application and get back to you quickly.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef – Luxury Brasserie & Service Leader
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food:When writing your application, let your love for food and service 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 Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the values of Hand Picked Hotels. Highlight your experience in running busy restaurants and how you've built strong teams. We appreciate individuality, so don’t be afraid to show us what makes you unique!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your skills and experiences. We’re looking for someone who can communicate effectively, so make sure your written application reflects that.
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 the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our passionate team at Hand Picked Hotels!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hand Picked Hotels Ltd
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
As a Head Chef, you'll need to showcase your culinary expertise. Familiarise yourself with the latest food trends and be ready to discuss how you would innovate the menu at The Conservatory. Bring examples of dishes you've created that align with the luxury experience Hand Picked Hotels offers.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role requires strong team management. Be prepared to share specific examples of how you've successfully led a kitchen brigade in the past. Highlight your coaching techniques and how you've motivated your team to deliver outstanding service and food quality.
✨Emphasise Emotional Intelligence
Emotional intelligence is key for this position. During the interview, demonstrate your ability to build rapport with both colleagues and guests. Share instances where you've resolved conflicts or improved team dynamics, showing that you can create a positive learning environment.
✨Understand the Business Side
Being a Head Chef isn't just about cooking; it's also about managing costs and budgets. Brush up on your knowledge of labour costs and forecasting. Be ready to discuss how you would balance creativity with financial responsibility to ensure the success of the Brasserie.
