At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic kitchen team and create delicious meals for our guests.
- Company: Join HF Holidays, a B Corp Certified brand with over 110 years of experience.
- Benefits: Enjoy 33 days holiday, pension contributions, and exclusive discounts on holidays.
- Why this job: Make an impact in a beautiful country house while sharing your culinary passion.
- Qualifications: Proven experience as a Head Chef and knowledge of food safety regulations.
- Other info: Live-in accommodation available with all bills covered and training provided.
The predicted salary is between 28100 - 40100 £ per year.
Location: Dolserau Hall, Dolgellau, Gwynedd, LL40 2AG
Contract: Permanent, Full Time
Salary: £33,100 per year
Reporting to: House Manager
Live in: Live in accommodation available inclusive of all bills, 3 meals per day, Laundry & Free wifi
Other: Our Dolserau Hall House is due to Open in March 2026 - We are looking for someone to start late January / Early February. Before the opening of the house we will provide training and accommodation at another location at one of our other Country Houses.
Job Benefits:
- 33 Days Holiday pro rata inclusive of bank holidays
- Pension Contributions
- Volunteer Day
- Group Life Assurance
- Cinema Discounts
- Online Shopping Discounts
- Cycle to work Scheme
- Discounted Gym Membership
- Virtual GP
- Health & Wellbeing Support 24/7 Helplines with access to trained counsellors for support
- Exclusive discounts on our holidays for you, your friends and family
- Annual familiarization visit at any of our country houses for you and your family
About the role:
Working in our Dolserau Hall Country House we provide a retreat for up to 40 guests who stay with us for guided or self‑guided walking tour holidays. We always know when and where our guests need serving. We know the number of guests we will be hosting each week, and our mealtimes are fixed. We plan our menus in advance and get pre orders for lunch and dinner. Our 3‑course dinner service is served banqueting style and our kitchens closed by 9pm.
In your role as Head Chef, you will be responsible for running a well organised kitchen ensuring breakfast, lunch and dinner prep and service are done to our high standards. You will effectively manage stock, portion controls, ensure our centralised menu is adhered to, monitor food safety, oversee health & safety and compliance across the kitchen. You will manage your kitchen team and create a great atmosphere in the kitchen to train and guide your chefs to success.
What are we looking for?
We would love to hear from you if you have these essential skills:
- A demonstrable commercial background as Head Chef – Managing and developing teams
- HACCP, The Food Safety Act 1990 (including Allergen Legislation), The Food and Hygiene Regulations and The Fire Regulations
- Given the nature of our industry, flexibility is key. The role necessitates adaptability to varied working hours, particularly during evenings (9pm finish) and weekends
Desirable skills we look for:
- Experience as a Head Chef in a Country House / Country Hotel
- Experience of cooking and delivering traditional British cuisine
About HF Holidays:
HF Holidays are a B Corp Certified British heritage brand with over 110 years of experience organising walking holidays in the UK, Europe, and beyond. We’ve been leading the way since 1913 and offer over 260 carefully curated guided and self‑guided walking tours on six continents and in 40 destinations worldwide. Run as a co‑operative, we put people at the heart of everything we do and are proud to be part of a community with a shared passion for the great outdoors. Friendship, fun, fresh air, and the feelgood factor have always been our guiding principles. Our 500‑strong team are based remotely, at our Head Office in Hertfordshire and across our 15 country houses located in some of the UK’s best‑loved national parks and National Landscapes.
Head Chef in Dolgellau employer: HF Holidays Limited
Contact Detail:
HF Holidays Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef in Dolgellau
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow chefs, join culinary groups, and connect with people in the industry. 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! Consider doing a trial shift at Dolserau Hall or similar venues. It’s a great way to demonstrate your cooking prowess and get a feel for the kitchen vibe before committing.
✨Tip Number 3
Be flexible and adaptable! The hospitality industry is all about being ready for anything. Highlight your ability to manage varied working hours and your experience with traditional British cuisine when chatting with potential employers.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing applications directly from passionate candidates. Make sure to tailor your application to showcase how your experience aligns with the Head Chef role at Dolserau Hall.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef in Dolgellau
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Cooking: When you're writing your application, let your love for cooking shine through! Share your experiences and what drives you in the kitchen. We want to see that you're not just a chef, but someone who truly enjoys creating delicious meals.
Tailor Your CV to Us: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience as a Head Chef, especially in managing teams and adhering to food safety regulations. We’re looking for specific examples that show how you've successfully run a kitchen before, so don’t hold back!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid fluff and focus on what makes you the perfect fit for our team at Dolserau Hall. Remember, we want to know about your skills and experiences without wading through unnecessary details.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our HF Holidays family!
How to prepare for a job interview at HF Holidays Limited
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with traditional British cuisine and can discuss how you would plan menus for a retreat setting. Think about how you can cater to different dietary needs and preferences, as this will show your understanding of the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head Chef, managing a team is crucial. Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully led a kitchen team in the past. Discuss your approach to training and motivating staff, as well as how you handle conflicts or challenges in the kitchen.
✨Demonstrate Your Knowledge of Food Safety
Brush up on HACCP, The Food Safety Act, and other relevant regulations. Be prepared to discuss how you ensure compliance in your kitchen. This will highlight your professionalism and commitment to maintaining high standards.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical situations, like handling a busy service or dealing with a food safety issue. Think through your responses ahead of time so you can demonstrate your problem-solving skills and adaptability under pressure.