At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the kitchen at The Tempus, creating unforgettable dishes and mentoring a passionate team.
- Company: The Tempus, a finalist for VisitBritain Small Hotel of the Year, in beautiful Northumberland.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, KPI bonus, healthy service charge, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team in a stunning location with opportunities for growth.
- Why this job: Shape the culinary identity of a top hospitality venue and elevate your career.
- Qualifications: Proven experience at AA Rosette standard and strong leadership skills required.
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.
Who We're Looking For
- 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.
Package
- £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.
The Opportunity
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 Bristol 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 strong service charge, the company fosters a supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth and culinary excellence, allowing you to shape the food 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 will be celebrated and rewarded.
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 Bristol
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with other chefs and hospitality professionals. Attend local food events, join culinary groups on social media, and don’t be shy about reaching out to people in the industry. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, organise a tasting event or pop-up dinner to showcase your culinary creations. This not only demonstrates your talent but also gives potential employers a taste of what you can bring to their kitchen. Plus, it’s a great way to get noticed!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply – engage! When you find a role that excites you, reach out directly to the hiring manager or chef. Express your enthusiasm for the position and share how your experience aligns with their needs. A personal touch can make all the difference!
✨Tip Number 4
Keep learning and evolving! Stay updated on culinary trends and techniques. Consider taking short courses or workshops to enhance your skills. This shows potential employers that you’re committed to your craft and ready to take The Tempus to new heights!
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef - The Tempus (Finalist Small Hotel of Year) in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Standout CV:Your CV is your first impression, so make it count! Highlight your Rosette-standard experience and any leadership roles you've held. We want to see your culinary journey and how you've contributed to previous kitchens.
Personalise Your Covering Note:Don't just send a generic note! Tell us why you're the perfect fit for The Tempus. Share your passion for local produce and how you plan to elevate our culinary offerings. Make it personal and engaging!
Show Off Your Creativity:We love creativity in the kitchen, so let that shine through in your application. Mention any unique dishes or seasonal menus you've created before. Show us how you can bring fresh ideas to The Tempus!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity 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 lead by example during service. Share your passion for creating memorable dishes and how you maintain high standards under pressure.
✨Understand the Business Side
Familiarise yourself with key financial metrics like GP, stock control, and supplier management. Be ready to discuss how you’ve managed these aspects in previous roles to ensure profitability while maintaining quality.
