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- Tasks: Lead a passionate kitchen team to create exceptional dining experiences.
- Company: Join Hand Picked Hotels, a collection of unique luxury retreats across the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, discounted accommodation, and generous holiday allowances.
- Why this job: Be part of a creative culinary team in a stunning location with growth opportunities.
- Qualifications: Experience in luxury hotels and a passion for outstanding food and service are essential.
- Other info: Live-in accommodation available and a supportive work environment focused on diversity.
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.
Hand Picked Hotels was founded in 2001 by owner and Chairman, Julia Hands MBE. Whilst each hotel is individual, every property fulfils the company values of family, individuality, community and care, ensuring a hand picked experience for every guest and employee.
We are currently recruiting for a Head Chef at Fermain Valley Hotel, part of Hand Picked Hotels. Fermain Valley is a 4 star luxury hotel in Guernsey, with a beautiful cliff top position offering breathtaking views of the Channel Islands. All 49 rooms in this luxury hotel in Guernsey are individually designed to create an air of calm, allowing guests to completely unwind. Our award-winning chefs have created mouth-watering menus for the Rock Garden Steakhouse, Bho and the Terrace. The carefully crafted menus offer something for all tastes. Three of Guernsey's best restaurants are located at the Fermain Valley Hotel and we are extremely proud of their popularity with both locals and visitors.
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, 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 an Executive 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, with Live-in accommodation at a highly discounted rate.
- This is a Full-Time role working 5 days out of 7 including weekends on a rota basis.
- Life assurance scheme.
- Employee Assistance Program to support you with whatever life throws at you.
- Company Sickness Scheme Benefit.
- 29 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.
- £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 - Relocate to Guernsey employer: HandPicked Hotels
Contact Detail:
HandPicked Hotels Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef - Relocate to Guernsey
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the unique culinary offerings of Hand Picked Hotels. Research their menus and understand the local ingredients used in Guernsey to showcase your knowledge during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of Hand Picked Hotels. Engaging with them can provide insights into the company culture and expectations, which can be invaluable when discussing your fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you motivate a kitchen team. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully developed menus and improved service in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your understanding of food trends and how they can be incorporated into the hotel's dining experience. Being able to articulate your vision for menu innovation will set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef - Relocate to Guernsey
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in luxury hotels and showcases your culinary skills. Emphasise any previous roles where you managed a kitchen team or developed menus.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your passion for food and service. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your leadership abilities and how you can contribute to the Hand Picked Hotels' values of family, individuality, community, and care.
Showcase Your Culinary Knowledge: In your application, include examples of how you stay updated with the latest food trends and how you've implemented innovative ideas in your previous roles. This will show your potential employer that you are proactive and passionate about your craft.
Highlight Emotional Intelligence: Discuss instances where you've successfully built rapport with colleagues and guests. Highlight your ability to motivate and develop your team, as emotional intelligence is key for the Head Chef role at Hand Picked Hotels.
How to prepare for a job interview at HandPicked Hotels
✨Showcase Your Culinary Passion
During the interview, express your love for food and cooking. Share specific examples of dishes you've created or menus you've developed that reflect your unique style and creativity. This will demonstrate your enthusiasm for the role and align with Hand Picked Hotels' values.
✨Highlight Team Leadership Skills
Emphasise your experience in managing and developing kitchen teams. Discuss how you've motivated staff, resolved conflicts, and fostered a positive working environment. This is crucial for the Head Chef role, as building effective relationships is key to success.
✨Demonstrate Financial Acumen
Be prepared to discuss your understanding of kitchen financials, including budgeting, forecasting, and managing labour costs. Providing examples of how you've successfully managed these aspects in previous roles will show that you can handle the business side of the kitchen effectively.
✨Stay Updated on Food Trends
Show your knowledge of current culinary trends and how they can be incorporated into the menu at Fermain Valley Hotel. Discuss any recent trends you've experimented with in your cooking, which will illustrate your commitment to innovation and keeping the dining experience fresh and exciting.
