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) 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 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)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with other chefs, restaurant owners, and food enthusiasts. Attend local food events or workshops to meet 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 talents. This not only gives you a chance to impress potential employers but also helps you build a portfolio of your work.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply online; get personal! Reach out directly to the hiring manager or the General Manager at The Tempus. A friendly email expressing your enthusiasm for the role can make a big difference and show that you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 4
Keep learning and adapting! Stay updated on the latest culinary trends and techniques. Join online courses or workshops to enhance your skills. This shows potential employers that you're committed to growth and excellence in your craft.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef - The Tempus (Finalist Small Hotel of Year)
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!
Showcase Your Creativity:We love creativity in the kitchen! If you have unique menu ideas or concepts, mention them in your application. This is your chance to show us how you can bring something special to our dining experience.
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 Vision
Before the interview, think about your culinary philosophy and how it aligns with The Tempus's focus on local and seasonal produce. Be ready to discuss your vision for the menu and how you plan to elevate the dining experience.
✨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 staff, as well as how you maintain high standards under pressure.
✨Demonstrate Financial Acumen
Brush up on your knowledge of food GP, stock control, and supplier management. Be prepared to discuss how you've managed costs effectively in previous roles and how you plan to do so at The Tempus.
✨Bring Your Passion for Quality
Express your genuine passion for creating memorable dishes and maintaining high standards. Share specific examples of how you've achieved AA Rosette-level quality in your previous kitchens and how you intend to do the same at The Tempus.
