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- 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.
- 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 a supportive work environment.
The predicted salary is between 34952 - 37132 £ per year.
Location: Derwent Bank, Portinscale, Nr Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5TY
Contract: Permanent, Full Time
Salary: £34,952 - £37,132 per year
Reporting to: House Manager
Live in: Live in accommodation available inclusive of all bills, 3 meals per day, Laundry & Free Wifi
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 Derwent Bank Country House we provide a retreat for up to 66 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 16 country houses located in some of the UK’s best-loved national parks and National Landscapes.
Head Chef in Keswick 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 Keswick
✨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 the place you're applying to. It’s a great way to demonstrate your cooking prowess and get a feel for the kitchen vibe. Plus, it gives us a chance to see how you fit into our team!
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared for the interview! Brush up on your knowledge of HACCP and food safety regulations, as well as your experience managing a kitchen team. We want to see that you’re not just a great cook but also a strong leader.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the details about the role and our amazing benefits right there!
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef in Keswick
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Cooking: When you're writing your application, let your love for food and cooking shine through! Share your experiences and what drives you in the kitchen. We want to see that spark that makes you a great Head Chef.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for this role. Highlight your experience managing teams and adhering to food safety regulations. We’re looking for someone who fits right into our kitchen culture!
Be Clear About Your Experience: Don’t hold back on detailing your previous roles as a Head Chef. Mention specific achievements, like menu planning or team management. We want to know how you've made kitchens run smoothly in the past!
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 don’t miss out on any important updates from us. Let’s get started on this journey together!
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 the types of dishes and ingredients that are typically used in traditional British cuisine. Be ready to discuss how you would plan menus for different dietary needs and preferences, as well as how you manage food safety and compliance.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head Chef, managing your kitchen team is crucial. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a team in the past, focusing on training, motivating, and creating a positive atmosphere. Highlight any specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them.
✨Demonstrate Flexibility and Adaptability
Given the nature of the role, it’s important to show that you can adapt to varied working hours and busy periods. Share experiences where you had to be flexible in your approach, whether it was adjusting menus last minute or managing staff schedules.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street! Think of insightful questions to ask about their kitchen culture, team dynamics, and how they support their chefs' development. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
