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 growth opportunities.
- 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 Wakefield 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 Wakefield
✨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 a lead on your dream job!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, create a portfolio of your best dishes or even host a pop-up event. This gives potential employers a taste of what you can do and shows your passion for cooking. Plus, it’s a great way to get noticed!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply – engage! When you find a job that excites you, reach out directly to the hiring manager or chef. Express your enthusiasm for the role and ask insightful questions about the kitchen culture at The Tempus. This personal touch can set you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 4
Keep learning and adapting! Stay updated on culinary trends and techniques. Consider taking short courses or workshops to enhance your skills. This not only boosts your CV but also shows your commitment to growth, which is super attractive to employers like The Tempus.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef - The Tempus (Finalist Small Hotel of Year) in Wakefield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food:When writing your application, let your love for cooking and high-quality ingredients shine through. Share your experiences with local produce and how you’ve used it to create memorable dishes.
Highlight Your Leadership Skills:We want to see how you’ve led a kitchen team in the past. Talk about your experience in recruiting, training, and motivating chefs, and how you’ve built a strong brigade that delivers consistent results.
Be Specific About Your Experience:Mention any previous roles where you’ve worked at AA Rosette standard or similar. We’re looking for concrete examples of how you’ve maintained high standards in food quality, presentation, and hygiene.
Keep It Concise and Engaging:Your CV and covering note should be clear and to the point. Make sure to explain why you’re the perfect fit for The Tempus without rambling on. Remember, we want to be excited about your application!
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
During the interview, convey your passion for cooking and your hands-on approach. Share stories that demonstrate your commitment to maintaining high standards and creating memorable dining experiences for guests.
✨Understand the Business Side
Familiarise yourself with key financial metrics like GP, stock control, and wastage management. Be prepared to discuss how you would manage these aspects effectively to ensure the kitchen operates smoothly and profitably.
