At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a talented kitchen team to create exceptional culinary experiences for guests.
- Company: Join Hand Picked Hotels, a family-owned luxury hotel group with a focus on individuality.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, career development, and fantastic colleague perks.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team culture that values diversity and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a beautiful setting while crafting unforgettable dining experiences.
- Qualifications: Significant experience in high-performing kitchens and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 55000 £ per year.
We are currently seeking an enthusiastic Head Chef at Brandshatch Place Hotel & Spa, part of Hand Picked Hotels. Tucked away in the scenic Kent countryside, yet just moments from London, Brandshatch Place Hotel & Spa offers a workplace where heritage and genuine hospitality come together. Joining our team means being part of a venue known for delivering exceptional conferences, executive retreats, and unforgettable occasions. As a member of our team, you’ll help create unforgettable moments for guests as they explore our tranquil grounds, celebrate special events, and enjoy our personalised service, with an emphasis on service, excellence & consistency. If you’re passionate about hospitality, thrive in a supportive environment, and enjoy making a real difference to someone’s stay, Brandshatch Place Hotel & Spa offers an inspiring place to grow your career.
What will the role involve?
The role of Head Chef at Brandshatch Place Hotel & Spa involves leading the delivery of an exceptional culinary experience for guests, ensuring that all menus reflect creativity, quality, and seasonal diversity. The Head Chef will design and oversee dishes that complement the hotel’s luxury offering, providing expert leadership in the kitchen and maintaining outstanding standards of presentation and flavour.
As Head Chef your role will focus on supporting and developing the culinary team through training, guidance, and inspirational leadership. Responsibilities also include managing kitchen operations, maintaining strong relationships with suppliers, monitoring stock and costs, and creating bespoke menus across the hotels outlets that enhance the overall guest experience and uphold the hotel’s reputation for excellence in luxury hospitality.
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.
What’s in it for you?
- A competitive salary of £55,000 plus a share of service charge.
- A welcoming, inclusive culture where long-term friendships and diversity are celebrated.
- Ongoing career development with in‑house and external training, including apprenticeships and industry‑recognised courses.
- 28 days holiday per year including bank holidays, increasing to 33 days including bank holidays with length of service.
- Uniform and meals on shift provided.
- Complimentary spa and gym access (where available, restrictions apply at some venues).
- Free onsite parking (where applicable).
- Access to wellbeing support through our Employee Assistance Programme.
- Company pension, enhanced sick pay & Life assurance scheme.
- Online retail discount platform offering thousands of savings with high‑street retailers and restaurants as well as a health and well‑being platform.
- Discounted stays in our hotels and on food, drink, spa treatments & products.
- Annual loyalty awards (like afternoon teas and overnight stays).
- Introduction bonus for new colleague recommendations.
- Colleague of the Month awards, which leads to our annual awards ceremony.
- Regular team gatherings and appreciation events.
Are you Hand Picked?
We are looking for active and enthusiastic candidates that have a willing attitude and a welcoming and friendly nature. We work as a team to ensure our hotel operates smoothly and our guests are receiving a high-quality, personalised, and magical experience that they remember, recommend and return to time and time again.
You will have significant experience leading high‑performing professional kitchens, ideally supported by advanced culinary or hospitality qualifications. As an Executive Head Chef, you will demonstrate exceptional leadership, strategic kitchen management, and a strong commitment to culinary excellence and innovation.
You will bring outstanding organisational and operational skills, meticulous attention to detail, and a genuine passion for delivering exceptional food and hospitality experiences while mentoring and developing your team. We want people that are passionate, showing the ability to go above and beyond naturally, that take pride in delivering consistently high standards and pay attention to all the details, with a focus on service, excellence and consistency as the everyday.
Who we are…
Hand Picked Hotels was founded in 2001 by owner and Chairman, Julia Hands MBE, and today still remains a family‑owned group which has 21 unique 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 and lush woodlands. Dedicated to creating unique and enchanting stays, curated personalised service runs through the heart of every hotel. Whilst each hotel is individual, each property fulfils the company values of family, individuality, community and care, with a team commitment to aiming higher and delight their guests with magical experiences that offer a true escape from the everyday. Hand Picked Hotels are committed to protecting the environment for a sustainable future, and all of our hotels have received the ‘Green Tourism’ accreditation – a recognition of our progress in reducing energy use and waste, supporting biodiversity, and sourcing responsibly from local and ethical partners.
Apply Today
If you’re an experienced Head Chef looking to work in a luxury hotel, take the next step in your career with Brandshatch Place Hotel & Spa and apply now. Hand Picked Hotels is an Equal Opportunities employer. Candidates must be eligible to live and work in the UK.
Head Chef in Longfield employer: Hand Picked Hotels Ltd
Brandshatch Place Hotel & Spa, nestled in the picturesque Kent countryside, offers an exceptional work environment where heritage and genuine hospitality thrive. As a Head Chef, you will benefit from a competitive salary, extensive career development opportunities, and a supportive culture that celebrates diversity and teamwork. With access to unique perks such as complimentary spa facilities, discounted stays, and regular appreciation events, this is a place where your culinary passion can flourish while making a meaningful impact on guests' experiences.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef in Longfield
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the hospitality industry. Attend events, join culinary groups, or even hit up local food festivals. You never know who might have a lead on that perfect Head Chef position!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, create a portfolio of your best dishes or even host a pop-up event. This gives potential employers a taste of what you can bring to their kitchen and sets you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply – engage! When you find a job listing that excites you, reach out directly to the hiring manager or team. A quick email expressing your enthusiasm can make a huge difference and show that you’re genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 4
Keep it real! During interviews, be yourself and let your passion for food and hospitality shine through. Share your experiences and how you’ve led teams to success. Remember, they want someone who fits into their culture as much as they want a skilled chef!
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef in Longfield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Hospitality:When writing your application, let your love for hospitality shine through! Share specific experiences that highlight your enthusiasm and commitment to creating unforgettable moments for guests.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the skills and experiences that align with the Head Chef role. Mention your leadership style and how you’ve successfully managed kitchen operations in the past.
Highlight Your Culinary Creativity:Don’t hold back on showcasing your culinary creativity! Include examples of unique dishes or menus you've designed that demonstrate your ability to deliver exceptional dining experiences.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get to know you better!
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 creativity. Familiarise yourself with the current menu and be ready to discuss your inspirations behind each dish. Think about how you can elevate the dining experience at Brandshatch Place Hotel & Spa.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role requires strong leadership in the kitchen. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a team, mentored junior chefs, and maintained high standards. Be ready to discuss your approach to fostering a positive kitchen culture.
✨Understand the Business Side
It's not just about cooking; managing costs and supplier relationships is key. Brush up on your knowledge of kitchen operations, stock management, and budgeting. Be prepared to share how you've effectively managed these aspects in previous roles.
✨Emphasise Your Passion for Hospitality
Brandshatch Place Hotel & Spa values genuine hospitality. Share your passion for creating memorable guest experiences and how you plan to contribute to the hotel's reputation for excellence. Show that you understand the importance of service, excellence, and consistency.
