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 chance to shape culinary identity.
- Other info: Supportive management and a stunning location await your culinary creativity.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and elevate the food experience at one of Northumberland's top destinations.
- Qualifications: Proven Head Chef or strong Senior Sous Chef with Rosette-standard experience.
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 Leeds 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) in Leeds
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with other chefs, restaurant owners, and industry professionals. Attend local food events or culinary workshops to meet people who can help you land that Head Chef role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, organise a tasting event or pop-up dinner to showcase your culinary creations. This is a great way to demonstrate your talent and passion for food, plus it gives potential employers a taste of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply – engage! When you find a job you love, reach out directly to the hiring manager or team. A quick message expressing your enthusiasm can set you apart from the crowd and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
✨Tip Number 4
Keep your online presence sharp! Update your social media profiles and portfolio with your latest dishes and achievements. Potential employers often check out candidates online, so make sure they see the best version of you!
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef - The Tempus (Finalist Small Hotel of Year) in Leeds
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 time spent in Rosette-standard kitchens. We’re looking for specific examples of how you've led teams and maintained high standards, so don’t hold back!
Craft a Compelling Cover Note:Your cover note is your chance to stand out! Keep it concise but impactful, explaining why you’re the perfect fit for The Tempus. We want to know what makes you tick and how you plan to elevate our culinary offerings.
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. Plus, it 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 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 Your Attention to Detail
Since the role requires a strong focus on consistency and presentation, be prepared to discuss specific instances where your attention to detail made a difference in the quality of dishes or service.
✨Understand the Business Side
Brush up on your knowledge of food GP, stock control, and supplier management. Be ready to discuss how you’ve managed costs effectively in previous roles and how you plan to do so at The Tempus.
