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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a passionate kitchen team and create delicious traditional pub fare.
- Company: Join the vibrant New Forest Hotels, known for its charming atmosphere.
- Benefits: Full-time role with competitive pay and a chance to shape the menu.
- Why this job: Make your culinary mark in a beautiful setting while leading a talented team.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Head Chef or strong Sous Chef ready to step up.
- Other info: Enjoy a positive kitchen culture and opportunities for growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Join to apply for the Head Chef role at New Forest Hotels. We are looking for an experienced and passionate Head Chef to lead the kitchen team at our charming New Forest hotel and pub. Serving traditional pub fare alongside weddings, events, afternoon teas, and hotel breakfasts, this is a fantastic opportunity for a talented chef who can combine quality cooking with strong leadership and operational control.
The Role
As Head Chef, you’ll take full responsibility for the day-to-day running of the kitchen, ensuring that every dish leaving the pass is of the highest standard. You’ll plan and deliver menus for our busy pub restaurant, hotel guests, and event catering, adapting to the seasonal needs of the business.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead, motivate, and inspire the kitchen team to deliver consistently high-quality food.
- Maintain full control of food cost, portion control, and wastage to achieve GP targets.
- Oversee kitchen cleanliness, hygiene, and safety standards at all times.
- Manage staff rotas and wage costs in line with business levels.
- Work closely with management to support weddings, conferences, and special events.
- Ensure smooth delivery of breakfast, lunch, and afternoon service for hotel guests and visitors.
- Be adaptable to changes in service or production demands.
- Use (or be willing to learn) Procure Wizard and Alert 65 systems.
About You
- Proven experience as a Head Chef or strong Sous Chef ready to step up.
- A natural leader with excellent communication and organisational skills.
- Passionate about great-quality, traditional food with a modern touch.
- Financially astute with a good understanding of food margins and kitchen KPIs.
- Committed to maintaining a positive, motivated, and professional kitchen culture.
The Package
Full-time, permanent position – 40 hours per week, 5 days out of 7. Opportunity to make your mark in a growing business within the beautiful New Forest.
Head Chef in Beaulieu employer: New Forest Hotels
Contact Detail:
New Forest Hotels Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef in Beaulieu
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow chefs, restaurant owners, or even suppliers in the New Forest area. You never know who might have a lead on the perfect Head Chef role or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your culinary skills! If you can, organise a tasting event or pop-up dinner to showcase your cooking style. This not only gets your name out there but also gives potential employers a taste of what you can bring to their kitchen.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive and follow up! After applying through our website, don’t hesitate to reach out to the hiring manager. A friendly email expressing your enthusiasm can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay adaptable! The hospitality industry is always changing, so being open to new ideas and techniques can make you a more attractive candidate. Plus, it shows that you're ready to take on the challenges of a busy kitchen!
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef in Beaulieu
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your love for cooking and leading a kitchen shine through. Share your experiences that highlight your passion for traditional food with a modern twist, just like we do at New Forest Hotels.
Be Specific About Your Experience: We want to know what makes you the perfect fit for the Head Chef role. Detail your previous roles, especially if you've led a team or managed kitchen operations. Use examples that demonstrate your leadership and organisational skills.
Highlight Your Financial Savvy: Since managing food costs and achieving GP targets is key, make sure to mention any relevant experience you have in controlling food margins and understanding kitchen KPIs. This will show us you're not just a great cook but also a savvy manager.
Apply Through Our Website: To make sure your application gets to us directly, apply through our website. It’s the best way for us to see your application and get you one step closer to joining our fantastic team in the beautiful New Forest!
How to prepare for a job interview at New Forest Hotels
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with the types of dishes the hotel serves. Be ready to discuss how you would adapt menus for seasonal changes and special events. This shows your passion for quality cooking and your ability to lead a kitchen team effectively.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've motivated and inspired your previous kitchen teams. Discuss specific situations where you’ve successfully managed staff rotas or improved kitchen culture. This will demonstrate your natural leadership abilities and organisational skills.
✨Understand Food Costs and Margins
Brush up on your knowledge of food cost control and portion management. Be prepared to talk about how you’ve achieved GP targets in past roles. This will highlight your financial acumen and understanding of kitchen KPIs, which are crucial for the Head Chef position.
✨Be Ready for Practical Questions
Expect to face practical questions or scenarios during the interview. Think about how you would handle busy service times or unexpected changes in production demands. Showing that you can think on your feet will impress the interviewers and prove you’re adaptable.
