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- Tasks: Lead a talented kitchen team and create exceptional dining experiences.
- Company: Rockliffe Hall, a luxurious five-star resort in a stunning countryside setting.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension scheme, private medical insurance, and generous annual leave.
- Other info: Enjoy a supportive environment with opportunities for personal and professional development.
- Why this job: Join a prestigious kitchen team during an exciting transformation and growth phase.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in a senior kitchen role and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 52000 ÂŁ per year.
Location: Rockliffe Hall, Darlington
Salary: ÂŁ50,000 to ÂŁ52,000 per annum
Hours: Fulltime - 45 hours per week including weekends
Reporting to: Executive Head Chef, Operations Manager and Culinary Director
Responsible for: Sous Chef, Chef de Partie, Commis Chef and Kitchen Porter
Job Purpose: Responsible for the management of the kitchen operation with accountability for the food P & L profitability, for the safe running of all kitchen areas and ensuring Health & Safety guidelines are adhered to as per the hotel and company standards, and to ensure that hotel and company standards are maintained at all times.
Key responsibilities of the Head Chef role:
- To achieve gross profit targets set within the kitchen, through stock takes, portion control, product costing and wastage measures.
- Be able to liaise with recommended suppliers as required to ensure a good food product and price.
- Monitor the quality of goods delivered and ensure correct stock rotation is adhered to, and the correct procedures are followed.
- Write the department rota ensuring manning levels are consistent with business levels and within budgetary constraints.
- Manage team member sickness and holiday entitlement to ensure minimum disruption to guest service.
- To train and develop the kitchen team, including scheduling attendance to statutory training as required.
- Take part in the recruitment and selection process of new team members when appropriate, ensuring they receive an in-depth departmental induction.
- Conduct regular job chats and annual appraisals, ensuring objectives are set for all Kitchen team members.
- Interact and work well with the Front of House supervisors and other members of the management team.
- Be able to work as a team and communicate effectively at all levels.
- Manage performance of Kitchen team members by adhering to company procedures.
- Display a positive “can do attitude” to Senior Managers, team members and the Front of House team.
- Represent the Kitchen team at daily and weekly meetings as necessary.
- Able to develop new menu ideas and implement them with descriptions and recipes.
- Deliver cook offs, training and information specification sheets for new menu items for the Kitchen and Front of House team.
- To maintain the quality and presentation of all food served to ensure that it is up to Rockliffe standard.
- Plan and place orders to selected food suppliers on a daily and weekly basis to ensure stock availability.
- To be able to meet deadlines and work calmly under pressure and willingly undertake any tasks when requested by senior management.
About Us: Set within a 375-acre estate on the banks of the River Tees, Rockliffe Hall is a five-star resort that blends heritage, luxury and natural beauty. Located in the quiet village of Hurworth, in the heart of the Tees Valley and close to the borders of County Durham and North Yorkshire, it offers a peaceful countryside setting with exceptional facilities. Surrounded by sweeping views and beautifully kept gardens, the resort features elegant bedrooms and a sense of quiet luxury, shaped by a warm northern spirit. Guests can enjoy an award-winning spa, play on the longest golf course in the UK and experience both elevated and relaxed dining offerings, all within a restored eighteenth century estate designed for both relaxation and indulgence.
Why join? Be part of an exceptional Kitchen Team within a prestige hospitality environment during an exciting period of transformation and growth.
Benefits:
- A Day in the Life of a Guest Stay (Overnight Stay within the First 6 Months)
- Pension Scheme (Aegon)
- Hospitality Rewards Scheme
- Life Assurance (Legal & General)
- Private Medical Insurance (WPA)
- Selected Discounts Across the Resort
- Enhanced Annual Leave for Long Service
- Annual Leave – 20 Days plus Bank Holidays
- Employee Assistance Programme (Hospitality Action)
- Staff Meals
- Uniform Laundry Service
“Our success is dependent on every single individual in our team.”
Head Chef in Darlington employer: Rockliffe Hall Hotel, Golf & Spa Resort
Contact Detail:
Rockliffe Hall Hotel, Golf & Spa Resort Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef in Darlington
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get chatting with folks in the industry, whether it's at events or online. You never know who might have the inside scoop on that Head Chef position at Rockliffe Hall.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your culinary skills! If you can, whip up a signature dish and share it on social media or during an informal meet-up. It’s a great way to showcase your creativity and passion for food.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching Rockliffe Hall's menu and values. Tailor your answers to reflect how you can contribute to their kitchen team and uphold their high standards.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed and shows you’re serious about joining our fantastic team.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef in Darlington
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Cooking: When you're writing your application, let your love for food and cooking shine through. Share your culinary journey and what drives you to create amazing dishes. We want to see that spark!
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Head Chef role. Highlight your experience in managing kitchen operations, training teams, and maintaining high standards. We appreciate when applicants take the time to align their skills with our needs.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read. We love a well-structured application that gets straight to the heart of your qualifications.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team at Rockliffe Hall!
How to prepare for a job interview at Rockliffe Hall Hotel, Golf & Spa Resort
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with the types of cuisine and dishes that Rockliffe Hall is known for. Be ready to discuss your own ideas for new menu items and how you would implement them. This shows your passion and creativity in the kitchen!
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head Chef, you'll be managing a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a kitchen team in the past, including how you handle training, performance management, and conflict resolution. Highlighting your ability to inspire and develop others will set you apart.
✨Understand Profitability and Cost Control
Brush up on your knowledge of food P&L, portion control, and wastage measures. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve achieved gross profit targets in previous roles. This demonstrates your business acumen and understanding of the financial side of running a kitchen.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Communication
Rockliffe Hall values collaboration between the kitchen and front-of-house teams. Think of examples where you’ve effectively communicated with other departments to enhance guest experience. Showing that you can work well with others will resonate with the interviewers.