Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the kitchen team, ensuring top-notch food quality and service.
- Company: Hastings Hotels is a family-owned luxury hotel group in Northern Ireland.
- Benefits: Enjoy free meals, employee discounts, tip sharing, and career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team dedicated to creating exceptional guest experiences in a stunning location.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Senior Chef, strong leadership skills, and food safety certification required.
- Other info: Full-time role with a salary between £35,000 and £40,000 per year.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 32000 £ per year.
Join to apply for the Head Chef | Cultra Inn role at Hastings Hotels, Northern Ireland
1 day ago Be among the first 25 applicants
Join to apply for the Head Chef | Cultra Inn role at Hastings Hotels, Northern Ireland
Job Description
Location: Bangor Road
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.
Are you a motivated, proactive person who cares deeply about creating exceptional experiences for your guests? Do you take personal pride in delivering 5-star, luxury service? If so, we would welcome you to apply for the position of Head Chef at The Cultra Inn, on the grounds of the exclusive Culloden Estate & Spa.
As one of County Down’s finest bars and restaurants, The Cultra Inn provides the freshest and most mouth-watering menus. From breakfast to dinner, we use only the finest locally sourced ingredients to create memorable dishes that showcase the best local, seasonal produce.
Under the inspiring leadership of Mark Begley, Executive Head Chef for the Estate, you will take ownership of the Inn\’s Kitchen team, ensuring smooth day-to-day management, and the execution of Hastings Standards. We want to help you to develop your skills and offer an extensive range of learning and development opportunities.
The successful candidate will have experience running a busy Kitchen, and be able to lead, motivate and support team members to achieve success. You can expect to work 45 hours per week (excluding breaks), five shifts out of seven including weekends. Find out more about why our people love working for Hastings Hotels here.
The salary for this full-time position ranges from £35,000 to £40,000 per annum depending on your experience.
We offer a range of benefits including free staff meals, employee discounts, tip sharing, and opportunities for career progression and development. For further details about our employee benefits click here.
The company reserves the right to apply enhanced short-listing criteria.
To find out more about Hastings Hotels and what our company offers please visit https://www.hastingshotels.com/careers.html
Hastings Hotels is an Equal Opportunities Employer.
About The Role
To be responsible for the effective management of the Kitchen for the greatest enjoyment of the guests and maximum profit contribution to the hotel.
- Responsibility for managing the smooth and efficient operation of the Kitchen to ensure the Cultra Inn\’s reputation for quality is maintained.
- Ensuring the planning, preparation, cooking, and presentation of food is always to the standards required by the Hotel and its guests.
- Contributing to the development of the department\’s business plan, projects, and initiatives in order to develop the business and market position.
- Full accountability for managing the culinary budget and controlling all kitchen expenditure in the Cultra Inn.
- Ensuring Company policies relating to stock management and stock ordering are implemented and monitored, taking appropriate action to resolve problems.
- Ensuring both you, and the team complies with all matters relating to food hygiene regulations, environmental health laws and all other relevant legislation.
- 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.
- To manage and motivate employees through effective communication, training, and development in accordance with company policies and relevant employment legislation, ensuring HR procedures are followed.
- Conducting team meetings on a regular basis to communicate standards required, targets, and company information.
- Briefing Front of House teams daily on menus, ingredients, and any relevant changes.
- To assist with the recruitment, selection and utilisation of kitchen employees to achieve the optimum use of resources in line with business peaks and troughs.
- 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.
Skills Needed
Financial, Hospitality
About The Company
Hastings Hotels owns and operates six hotels in Northern Ireland, with over 1,000 bedrooms, one stand-alone grill bar/restaurant and a luxury spa. From city centre buzz to seaside resort, each outlet has a distinctive personality and market positioning. Over 50 years this family owned business has successfully earned its identity and in a crowded market place because we place quality at the heart of what 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 small details. The open fires in the front hall. The supremely comfy beds. The fabulous breakfast… and the interactions they had with our staff. 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. As a result, we are proud to have some of the best staff retention levels in the hospitality industry.
Required Criteria
- Proven experience as a Senior Chef in a high-quality establishment
- Right to Work in the United Kingdom
- Excellent communication skills including good command of the English Language
- Experience with menu planning, recipe development, and food presentation.
- Strong leadership and team-building skills
- Certification in food handling and safety (e.g., HACCP, Level 2/3 Food Safety)
- A solid understanding of stock control and budgeting
- Ability to work well under pressure and be a team player
Desired Criteria
- A Degree or diploma in Culinary Arts or Hospitality Management.
Closing DateSunday 14th September, 2025
Contract Typefulltime
SalaryFrom £35,000.00 Yearly to £40,000.00 Yearly
Seniority level
-
Seniority level
Not Applicable
Employment type
-
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
-
Job function
Management and Manufacturing
-
Industries
Hospitality
Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Hastings Hotels, Northern Ireland by 2x
Sign in to set job alerts for “Head Chef” roles.
Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom 1 week ago
Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom 1 week ago
Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom 2 weeks ago
Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom 1 week ago
Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom 2 days ago
Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom 1 day ago
Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom 1 week ago
Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom 5 days ago
Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom 5 days ago
Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom 1 week ago
Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom 2 weeks ago
Templepatrick, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom 1 week ago
Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom 2 days ago
Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom 3 weeks ago
Lisburn, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom 2 days ago
Moneyrea, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom 2 weeks ago
Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom 1 day ago
Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom 2 days ago
Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom 1 day ago
Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom 1 day ago
Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom 4 days ago
Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom 1 day ago
Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom 6 days ago
Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom 1 week ago
Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom 1 day ago
Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom 1 day ago
Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom 5 days ago
Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom 5 days ago
Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom 6 days ago
We’re unlocking community knowledge in a new way. Experts add insights directly into each article, started with the help of AI.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Head Chef | Cultra Inn employer: Hastings Hotels, Northern Ireland
Contact Detail:
Hastings Hotels, Northern Ireland Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef | Cultra Inn
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the local produce and suppliers in Northern Ireland. Being knowledgeable about the ingredients you’ll be using can set you apart, showing your commitment to quality and local sourcing, which is highly valued at Hastings Hotels.
✨Tip Number 2
Network within the local hospitality community. Attend culinary events or workshops in Northern Ireland to meet other chefs and industry professionals. This can help you gain insights into the role and potentially get a referral.
✨Tip Number 3
Demonstrate your leadership skills by sharing examples of how you've successfully managed kitchen teams in the past. Prepare anecdotes that highlight your ability to motivate and develop staff, as this is crucial for the Head Chef position.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Hastings Hotels' values and culture. Understanding their commitment to quality service and employee development will allow you to align your responses during interviews, showcasing that you’re a perfect fit for their team.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef | Cultra Inn
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in high-quality establishments, particularly in kitchen management and team leadership. Emphasise any specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to deliver exceptional culinary experiences.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for hospitality and your commitment to delivering 5-star service. Mention your experience with menu planning and food presentation, and how you can contribute to the Cultra Inn's reputation for quality.
Highlight Relevant Certifications: Include any certifications related to food handling and safety, such as HACCP or Level 2/3 Food Safety. This will demonstrate your commitment to maintaining high standards in the kitchen.
Showcase Leadership Skills: In your application, provide examples of how you've successfully led and motivated kitchen teams in the past. Highlight your communication skills and ability to work under pressure, as these are crucial for the Head Chef role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hastings Hotels, Northern Ireland
✨Showcase Your Culinary Passion
During the interview, express your genuine love for cooking and creating exceptional dishes. Share specific examples of how you've used local ingredients in your previous roles, as this aligns with the Cultra Inn's focus on fresh, locally sourced produce.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a Head Chef, you'll need to lead and motivate your team effectively. Be prepared to discuss your leadership style and provide examples of how you've successfully managed a kitchen team, resolved conflicts, or improved team performance in past positions.
✨Understand the Business Side
Familiarise yourself with key financial concepts related to running a kitchen, such as budgeting and stock control. Be ready to discuss how you've managed kitchen expenses and contributed to profitability in your previous roles.
✨Prepare for Menu Planning Questions
Expect questions about menu planning and recipe development. Think about how you would create a seasonal menu that reflects the local area and showcases your culinary creativity. Bring along ideas or examples of menus you've developed in the past.
