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 unique properties.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, service charge, and fantastic colleague perks including spa access.
- Other info: Ongoing training, career development, and a supportive, inclusive culture await you.
- Why this job: Shape unforgettable dining moments in a stunning 19th-century manor setting.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in high-performing kitchens and a passion for culinary excellence.
The predicted salary is between 35005 - 35005 £ per year.
Come and join our Team! We are currently seeking a knowledgeable and enthusiastic Executive Head Chef at Nutfield Priory Hotel & Spa, part of Hand Picked Hotels. Perched high above the Surrey Hills, Nutfield Priory Hotel & Spa offers an extraordinary setting to develop your hospitality career. The 19th century Neo Gothic manor blends architectural drama with the calm sophistication of a modern spa retreat, creating a workplace that is both inspiring and deeply rewarding.
As part of our team, you'll help shape the serene, luxurious experiences that define the hotel. Whether supporting the award winning spa or helping deliver refined dining in the Cloisters Restaurant, modern British cuisine is served with graceful precision, your contribution will be central to creating unforgettable moments. At Nutfield Priory Hotel & Spa every detail is curated for comfort, pleasure and genuine connection and our team embodies those same values.
If you're passionate about thoughtful, high quality hospitality and want to grow in a setting rich with character, beauty and calm, Nutfield Priory Hotel & Spa offers a truly exceptional place to thrive. As a member of our team you will help create unforgettable moments for guests as they explore our tranquil parkland, celebrate special events and enjoy our personalized service, with an emphasis on service excellence and consistency.
What will the role involve? The role of an Executive Head Chef at Nutfield Priory involves leading the delivery of an exceptional culinary experience for guests, ensuring that all menus reflect creativity, quality and seasonal diversity. The Executive 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. Responsibilities also include managing kitchen operations, maintaining strong relationships with suppliers, monitoring stock and costs and creating bespoke menus across the hotel's 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 highly competitive salary 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 (restrictions apply at some venues)
- Free onsite parking (where applicable)
- Access to wellbeing support through our Employee Assistance Programme
- Company pension, enhanced sick pay and life assurance scheme
- Online retail discount platform offering 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 (such as 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
Qualifications and experience: 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, excellent and consistency as the everyday.
About the company: 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 exceptional location from Scotland to the Channel Islands, offering breathtaking views from vast countryside to expansive beaches, to lush woodlands. Dedicated to creating unique and enchanting stays, curated personalised service runs through the heart of every hotel.
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 Executive Head Chef looking to work in a luxury hotel, take the next step in your career with Nutfield Priory Hotel & Spa and apply now. Hand Picked Hotels is an Equal Opportunities employer. Candidates must be eligible to live and work in the UK.
Executive Head Chef in Redhill employer: Hand Picked Hotels Ltd
Hand Picked Hotels is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead spa operations across stunning luxury hotels in the UK. With a strong commitment to employee growth through extensive training programmes and a supportive work culture that values individuality and community, you will thrive in an environment that encourages creativity and excellence. Enjoy competitive benefits, including a generous holiday allowance and a focus on well-being, all while being part of a family-owned group dedicated to delivering magical experiences for guests.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive Head Chef in Redhill
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Hand Picked Hotels Ltd. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Hand Picked Hotels Ltd
Don't be shy about reaching out to Hand Picked Hotels Ltd directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Executive Head Chef in Redhill
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Hand Picked Hotels Ltd and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hand Picked Hotels Ltd
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
