At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the kitchen at The Tempus, creating unforgettable dishes and mentoring a passionate team.
- Company: Join The Tempus, a finalist for Small Hotel of the Year in beautiful Northumberland.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, KPI bonus, and a healthy service charge.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team in a stunning location with great career growth.
- Why this job: Shape the culinary identity of a top hospitality venue and elevate dining experiences.
- Qualifications: Must have Rosette-standard experience and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 50000 £ per year.
The Tempus at Charlton Hall - Northumberland
Salary: £45,000 + £5,000 KPI bonus + very healthy service charge
The Doxford Group is looking for an exceptional Head Chef to lead the food operation at The Tempus and help take its culinary offering to another level. The Tempus is one of Northumberland's most distinctive hotel and dining destinations, and a finalist in VisitBritain Small Hotel of the Year.
This is a hands-on role for a chef who wants to cook, lead from the front, raise standards, build a stronger team and create food that guests remember. The role focuses on The Tempus, while working as part of the wider estate food operation alongside Charlton Hall and Doxford Barns. You will report to the General Manager and Group Executive Head Chef.
Previous Rosette-standard experience is essential. We want someone who understands the consistency, flavour, presentation, discipline and attention to detail needed to achieve and maintain that level.
Key Responsibilities- Lead the day-to-day kitchen operation at The Tempus.
- Be hands-on in service and set the standard from the front.
- Recruit, train, coach and develop a stronger kitchen brigade.
- Create seasonal menus built around quality local and regional produce.
- Drive The Tempus towards AA Rosette-level standards.
- Maintain consistency across hotel dining, breakfasts, private dining, events and functions.
- Control food GP, stock, wastage, ordering, supplier costs and labour awareness.
- Work closely with the General Manager and Group Executive Head Chef on standards, performance and guest experience.
- Maintain excellent hygiene, food safety, compliance and kitchen systems.
- A proven Head Chef, strong Senior Sous Chef, or chef from a quality hotel, restaurant or destination hospitality background.
- Must have previous experience working at AA Rosette standard, or within a kitchen operating at a similar recognised quality level.
- Strong leadership skills with the ability to recruit, train and motivate chefs.
- A genuine passion for local, seasonal and high-quality produce.
- Commercially aware, with strong understanding of GP, stock, wastage and supplier control.
- Creative, organised, calm under pressure and able to maintain high standards without ego.
- Ambitious to improve food reputation and help take The Tempus culinary offer to another level.
- £45,000 salary.
- £5,000 KPI bonus.
- Very healthy service charge.
- Senior leadership role within The Tempus.
- Opportunity to shape the food identity of one of Northumberland's most exciting hospitality venues.
- Supportive ownership, senior management and beautiful Northumberland setting.
This is a role for a chef who wants more than just a title. It is for someone who wants to cook, lead, recruit, train, develop a team, protect standards and help build the future food identity of The Tempus.
To apply, please send your CV and a short covering note explaining why you are the right person for this role.
Head Chef - The Tempus (Finalist Small Hotel of Year) in Bournemouth employer: R J Shell Ltd t/a The Doxford Group
The Tempus at Charlton Hall offers an exceptional opportunity for a Head Chef to lead a talented kitchen team in one of Northumberland's most distinguished hotel and dining destinations. With a competitive salary, KPI bonus, and a healthy service charge, the company fosters a supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth and creativity, allowing you to shape the culinary identity of a finalist for VisitBritain Small Hotel of the Year. Join us in a beautiful setting where your passion for local produce and high standards can truly shine.
Contact Details:
R J Shell Ltd t/a The Doxford Group Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef - The Tempus (Finalist Small Hotel of Year) in Bournemouth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with other chefs, restaurant owners, and food enthusiasts. Attend local culinary events or join online forums to make those valuable connections that could lead to your next big opportunity.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio of your best dishes and culinary creations. Share it on social media or even better, invite potential employers to a tasting session. Let them experience your passion for food firsthand!
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job openings to pop up. Reach out directly to restaurants or hotels you admire, like The Tempus. Express your interest and share how you can elevate their culinary offerings. You never know what might come from a simple conversation!
✨Tip Number 4
Keep learning and adapting! Stay updated on the latest culinary trends and techniques. Consider taking short courses or workshops to enhance your skills. This not only boosts your confidence but also makes you a more attractive candidate for top positions.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef - The Tempus (Finalist Small Hotel of Year) in Bournemouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your love for cooking and local produce shine through. We want to see that you’re not just a chef, but someone who genuinely cares about the food you create and the experience you provide.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience, especially any work at AA Rosette standard or similar. We’re looking for specific examples of how you've led a kitchen and improved standards, so don’t hold back!
Craft a Compelling Cover Note:Your cover note is your chance to tell us why you’re the perfect fit for The Tempus. Be concise but impactful—share your vision for the culinary direction you’d take and how you plan to elevate our dining experience.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you’re serious about joining our team at The Tempus!
How to prepare for a job interview at R J Shell Ltd t/a The Doxford Group
✨Know Your Culinary Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of AA Rosette standards and the specific culinary trends that are popular in Northumberland. Be ready to discuss how you can elevate The Tempus's menu with local, seasonal produce.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a kitchen team in the past. Highlight your experience in recruiting, training, and motivating chefs, as this role is all about building a strong brigade.
✨Be Hands-On and Passionate
Since this is a hands-on role, be prepared to talk about your cooking style and how you set standards during service. Share your passion for creating memorable dishes and how you maintain high standards under pressure.
✨Understand the Business Side
Familiarise yourself with food GP, stock control, and supplier management. Be ready to discuss how you’ve managed costs in previous roles and how you plan to ensure profitability while maintaining quality at The Tempus.
