Head Chef

Head Chef

Full-Time 45000 - 45000 € / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a talented kitchen team and create innovative menus celebrating local produce.
  • Company: Perle Hotels, known for exceptional dining experiences in stunning locations.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, subsidised accommodation, and staff discounts.
  • Other info: Enjoy a balanced lifestyle with outdoor adventures right at your doorstep.
  • Why this job: Join a vibrant culinary scene on the beautiful Isle of Skye and make your mark.
  • Qualifications: Proven experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef in high-quality kitchens.

The predicted salary is between 45000 - 45000 € per year.

Perle Hotels are seeking an accomplished, passionate, and inspiring Head Chef to lead the kitchen at Chargrill, our signature restaurant at Marmalade Hotel in Portree. This is a career-defining role for a chef who leads with intent and cooks with conviction. You’ll shape a refined yet bold culinary offering, championing Scotland’s finest produce, and guide a high-performing team to deliver seamless, assured service within a contemporary steakhouse environment. If you’re a chef who thrives on innovation, mentorship, and the rhythm of a busy pass, all set against the backdrop of the Isle of Skye, this is your moment.

Salary & Benefits

  • £45,000 per annum
  • Annual performance-based bonus of up to 5% of salary
  • Equal share of tips and 10% service charge
  • Subsidised accommodation available (T’s and C’s apply)
  • 28 days annual leave plus time off in lieu (T&Cs apply)
  • Company pension scheme
  • Complimentary 24-hour Skye Gym membership
  • Employee Assistance Programme & cycle to work scheme
  • Staff discounts across Perle Hotels’ rooms, dining, and spa
  • Clear opportunities for progression within Perle Hotels

About Chargrill

Perched above Portree, Chargrill is a contemporary Highland restaurant where simplicity meets drama. Our menus are bold yet refined, rooted in precise cooking, exceptional local produce, and flavours that speak for themselves. From expertly seared Highland beef and Skye-landed scallops to beautifully prepared vegetables and seasonal specials, every plate reflects a deep respect for provenance and craft. With panoramic views across the Cuillin Mountains, Chargrill offers an experience that is as visually striking as it is memorable, confident, considered, and unmistakably elevated.

The Role

As Head Chef, you’ll oversee every element of kitchen operations: from creative development to commercial performance. You’ll lead, recruit, and inspire your brigade; design menus that capture the spirit of the Highlands; and ensure every service runs smoothly, efficiently, and profitably.

Key Responsibilities

  • Team Leadership & Development: Recruit, train, and mentor a talented kitchen team, fostering a culture of pride, creativity, and accountability.
  • Rota & Resource Management: Create fair, efficient rotas that balance team welfare with business needs, ensuring full coverage across all services.
  • Menu Creation & Innovation: Design and evolve menus that celebrate local, seasonal produce with bold chargrill flavours: balancing creativity with commercial viability.
  • Cost Control & GP Management: Maintain accurate GP margins through smart menu engineering, supplier negotiation, and daily cost monitoring.
  • Stock & Ordering: Oversee stock control, deliveries, and ordering to ensure freshness, reduce waste, and manage costs effectively.
  • Supplier Relations: Build relationships with local producers and purveyors, championing sustainability and provenance.
  • Service Excellence: Lead from the pass during service, ensuring quality, consistency, and pace; every plate leaving the kitchen reflects the Chargrill standard.
  • Compliance & Standards: Uphold all food hygiene, safety, and allergen regulations to the highest standard. Oversee and maintain HACCP compliance, ensuring all food safety procedures and documentation are up to date and adhered to at all times. Hold a valid Level 3 (or higher) Food Hygiene and Safety Certificate, with a strong commitment to upholding the highest food safety and hygiene standards across the kitchen. Take full responsibility for food safety audits, allergen management, and temperature control records, ensuring compliance with current legislation.
  • Collaboration: Work closely with the GM and FOH team to align kitchen operations with guest experience and business objectives.

What We’re Looking For

  • Proven experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef in a high-quality, high-volume kitchen.
  • A creative, hands-on leader who balances artistry with commercial acumen.
  • Strong understanding of GP margins, menu pricing, and cost control.
  • Excellent organisational and communication skills; from rota management to team briefings.
  • A deep respect for Scottish produce and a passion for steakhouse-style cooking.
  • Calm, composed, and motivating; able to bring out the best in your team, even at peak times.
  • A genuine enthusiasm for living and working in one of Scotland’s most spectacular locations.

Why Skye, Why Now

For chefs and hospitality professionals, relocating to Portree offers a rare balance between career fulfilment and quality of life. Set on the Isle of Skye, life here places you at the heart of Scotland’s natural larder; with exceptional local beef, seafood landed daily, and seasonal produce shaping menus rather than chasing trends. Outside of service, the island rewards those who value the outdoors; early-morning swims, coastal walks, and world-class hiking in the Cuillin Mountains all sit minutes from your door. With a strong sense of community, a slower pace of life, and space to think creatively, Portree is an ideal place for hospitality professionals looking to settle, grow, and build something meaningful; both in and out of the kitchen.

Head Chef employer: Hollybank Trustees Ltd

Perle Hotels is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity for chefs to thrive in the stunning surroundings of Portree on the Isle of Skye. With a strong focus on employee growth, competitive salary, and benefits such as subsidised accommodation and a company pension scheme, we foster a supportive work culture that values creativity and mentorship. Join us at Chargrill, where you can lead a talented team, innovate with Scotland's finest produce, and enjoy a fulfilling lifestyle amidst breathtaking landscapes.

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Contact Detail:

Hollybank Trustees Ltd Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Head Chef

Tip Number 1

Get to know the restaurant! Before your interview, check out Chargrill's menu and vibe. This way, you can chat about how your culinary style aligns with their offerings and show that you're genuinely interested in what they do.

Tip Number 2

Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at Perle Hotels on LinkedIn. They might share insider tips or even put in a good word for you, which could give you an edge over other candidates.

Tip Number 3

Show off your creativity! Prepare a few unique dish ideas that celebrate local Scottish produce. Presenting these during your interview will demonstrate your passion for the role and your ability to innovate in the kitchen.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Chargrill and ready to take on this exciting opportunity.

We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef

Team Leadership
Mentorship
Menu Creation
Cost Control
GP Management
Stock Control
Supplier Relations

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for cooking and leading a kitchen shine through. Share your culinary journey and what drives you to create exceptional dishes that celebrate local produce.

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Head Chef role. Highlight your leadership experience, menu creation, and any achievements in cost control or team development that demonstrate your fit for the position.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why you're the perfect fit for Chargrill. Be specific about your vision for the kitchen and how you plan to inspire your team while delivering top-notch service.

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 this exciting opportunity at Perle Hotels.

How to prepare for a job interview at Hollybank Trustees Ltd

Know Your Ingredients

Familiarise yourself with Scotland's finest produce and be ready to discuss how you would incorporate them into your menus. Show your passion for local ingredients and how they inspire your culinary creations.

Showcase Your Leadership Style

Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a kitchen team in the past. Highlight your mentoring approach and how you foster creativity and accountability among your staff, especially during busy service times.

Demonstrate Menu Innovation

Be ready to present ideas for menu items that reflect the bold yet refined style of Chargrill. Discuss how you balance creativity with commercial viability, and share any previous experiences where you've successfully designed innovative menus.

Understand Cost Control

Brush up on your knowledge of GP margins and cost control strategies. Be prepared to discuss how you would manage stock, supplier relations, and menu pricing to ensure profitability while maintaining quality.