At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our culinary team and create exquisite dishes in a luxury hotel setting.
- Company: Hastings Hotels, a family-owned luxury hotel group in Northern Ireland.
- Benefits: Enjoy free meals, employee discounts, 29 days holiday plus your birthday, and career progression.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a talented team and make a real impact on guest experiences.
- Qualifications: Experience in high-quality culinary environments and a passion for food.
The predicted salary is between 33000 - 33000 € per year.
Hastings Hotels is a family owned, luxury hotel group based in Northern Ireland. We value our people. It's our people who provide the excellent experience we offer to all our guests. When we work together we can do amazing things. We have an exciting opportunity for a reliable and talented Junior Sous Chef to join our culinary team within the 5-star Culloden Estate & Spa. Perched on the hill overlooking Belfast Lough, the Hotel is home to The Lough Bar, Vespers, and Zest Café, with each outlet offering a variety of dining experiences. We are especially proud of Vespers, winner of Good Food Irelands Food Lovers Choice Award 2024, and awarded a prestigious double Rosette from the AA in 2025. The Hotel's outlets source only the finest local and seasonal produce to create an exquisite array of contemporary dishes. Also on the Estate is the Cultra Inn, one of County Downs finest bars and restaurants, committed to providing the freshest and most mouth-watering menus. From breakfast to dinner, the popular gastro-pub uses only the finest locally sourced ingredients to create memorable dishes that showcase the best local, seasonal produce. We are also delighted to see the return of our Bollinger Champagne Garden for another sensational summer on the Estate, offering a selection of alfresco dining options. Wherever you are on the grounds of our beautifully landscaped Estate, you will have the opportunity to work with our friendly team, develop your skills, and enjoy the variety offered by a role in hospitality.
The successful candidate can expect to work 45 hours per week excluding breaks, five shifts out of seven including weekends. The salary for this full-time position is £33,000 per annum, depending on experience. We offer a range of benefits including free staff meals, employee discounts, credit card tips, 29 days holiday plus your birthday, and opportunities for career progression and development.
About The Role:
- To assist with the management of the Kitchen to ensure the Hastings standards of preparation and presentation are maintained.
- Assist the Executive Head Chef manage the smooth and efficient operation of the kitchens, ensuring the Hotels reputation for food quality is always maintained.
- Ensuring the planning, preparation, cooking and presentation of food is to the standard required by the Hotel and its guests.
- To assist the Executive Head Chef in creating new and innovative menus.
- Contributing to the development of the hotels business plan, projects and initiatives in order to develop the hotels business and market position.
- Support the Executive Head Chef to manage the culinary budget and kitchen expenditure.
- Ensuring Company policies relating to stock management and stock ordering are implemented and monitored, taking appropriate action to resolve problems.
- Ensuring the hotel complies with all matters relating to food hygiene regulations, environmental health laws and all other relevant legislation.
- Ensuring the Hotels 5* hygiene score is maintained.
- Ensuring the security of the kitchen and storage areas is maintained at all times.
- Ensuring all kitchen employees receive appropriate training, coaching and development to meet the Hastings standard.
- Ensuring Hastings quality standards and procedures are fully understood, implemented and regularly reviewed, and that formal and informal feedback is delivered to ensure continual improvement.
- Conducting team meetings on a regular basis to communicate standards required, targets and company information.
- Ensuring all kitchen areas, fixtures and equipment are properly maintained and presented to the Hastings standard.
- Working effectively with colleagues across departments to ensure a harmonious working environment where all employees are treated with respect and dignity.
- Any other duties as required by the senior management team.
Required Criteria:
- Right to Work in the United Kingdom
- Excellent communication skills
- Ability to work well under pressure and be a team player
- Superb attention to detail
- Previous experience gained in a high-quality culinary environment
- Hold an NVQ level 2 or the equivalent in Food Preparation and Cooking
- Hold a recognised Food Hygiene Certificate
Desired Criteria:
- Educated to Level 2 (GCSE grades A-C) or the equivalent in English and Mathematics
- Previous experience of fine-dining
Skills Needed:
- Menu/Product Knowledge
- Food Production
- Chefing Skills
- Food Costing Skills
About The Company:
Hastings Hotels owns and operates six hotels in Northern Ireland, with over 1,000 bedrooms, a stand-alone gastro-pub, and a luxury spa. From city centre buzz to seaside resort, each outlet has a distinctive personality and market positioning. For over 50 years this family owned business has successfully established its identity in the market because we place quality and service at the heart of everything we do. Quality in the design of our properties and their upkeep. Quality in the local sourcing of the food and drink we offer our guests... and quality in our people, people with personality, attention to detail, and a desire to develop their careers with us.
Company Culture:
Our guests remember the small details. The open fire in the lounge. The supremely comfy beds. The fabulous breakfast... and the interactions they had with our people. It is more important that you have the correct behaviours and attitude than every last qualification... we can help you attain that. We place great attention on recruitment, induction, and integrating you into your department, your hotel, and the Group. We want you to think about how you want to develop your career with us, and we promise to do what we can to help you on that journey...
Company Benefits:
- Free staff meals
- Cash and credit card tips
- Employee discounts
- 29 days holiday plus your birthday
- Opportunities for career progression and development
- Vacation
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan and/or pension
- Employee development programs
- Competitive salary
- Preferential room rates
Junior Sous Chef in Holywood employer: Hastings Hotels Group Limited
Hastings Hotels is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and development of its staff, offering a supportive work culture within the stunning surroundings of the 5-star Culloden Estate & Spa. Employees enjoy a range of benefits including free meals, generous holiday allowances, and opportunities for career progression, all while being part of a dedicated team that values quality and service. With a commitment to sourcing local produce and creating memorable dining experiences, working here means being part of a family-owned business that truly cares about its people and their growth.
Contact Detail:
Hastings Hotels Group Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Junior Sous Chef in Holywood
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Chat with chefs and hospitality folks at local events or online. 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, whip up a dish or two and share it on social media. Tagging Hastings Hotels could catch their eye and show them what you're made of!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the hotel’s culinary style and menu. Bring ideas for new dishes to discuss – it shows you're passionate and ready to contribute right away!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, you’ll find all the latest opportunities and updates about Hastings Hotels there.
We think you need these skills to ace Junior Sous Chef in Holywood
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Culinary Arts:When you're writing your application, let your love for cooking shine through! Share your experiences and what inspires you in the kitchen. We want to see that spark that makes you a great fit for our culinary team.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Junior Sous Chef role. Highlight relevant experience, especially in high-quality culinary environments, and mention any awards or recognitions you've received. This helps us see how you align with Hastings Hotels' standards.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to understand your skills and experiences.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Hastings Hotels!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hastings Hotels Group Limited
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with local and seasonal produce, as Hastings Hotels prides itself on sourcing the finest ingredients. Be ready to discuss how you can incorporate these into innovative dishes during your interview.
✨Show Off Your Skills
Prepare to demonstrate your culinary skills, whether through a practical test or by discussing your previous experiences. Highlight any fine-dining experience and be specific about the techniques you've mastered.
✨Team Player Attitude
Emphasise your ability to work well under pressure and collaborate with others. Share examples of how you've contributed to a harmonious kitchen environment in the past, as teamwork is crucial in a busy hotel setting.
✨Understand the Standards
Research Hastings Hotels' quality standards and be prepared to discuss how you would maintain them. Show that you understand the importance of food hygiene regulations and how they impact the guest experience.
