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- Tasks: Lead a vibrant kitchen team and create unforgettable dining experiences.
- Company: Join Rudding Park, a luxury hotel with a focus on positivity and teamwork.
- Benefits: Enhanced pay, service charge, discounts, and up to 30 days annual leave.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic environment where your culinary creativity shines.
- Qualifications: Strong culinary leadership and team management skills required.
- Other info: Enjoy personal growth opportunities and a supportive work culture.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are looking for personalities that light up a room! If you’ve got energy, positivity, and genuine smiles, we want to hear from you. We are on the hunt for enthusiastic, positive, and energetic people who thrive on creating memorable moments for guests.
About the Role
As Clocktower Head Chef, you will lead the culinary direction of the Clocktower food, overseeing all kitchen operations, including restaurant, terrace, private dining & functions. You will ensure the delivery of exceptional food quality, presentation, and consistency, while driving innovation, maintaining cost control, and developing a motivated, high‑performing kitchen team. This role requires a strong leader with excellent culinary knowledge, team management experience, and a commitment to maintaining the highest standards in line with the resort's brand and values.
Key Responsibilities
- Culinary Leadership & Team Development: Lead, train, and supervise all of the Clocktower kitchen team to ensure consistent execution of dishes to the highest standard. Carry out regular performance reviews, provide clear feedback, and support staff development through structured training and mentorship. Foster a positive and professional working environment, focused on teamwork, respect, and continuous improvement. Develop and maintain effective rotas and staffing plans to ensure efficient kitchen operations at all times.
- Menu Planning & Execution: Design and implement innovative, seasonal menus for the restaurant and special events, aligning with guest expectations and current food trends. Oversee all aspects of menu costing, dish standardisation, portion control, and allergen management. Ensure all dishes are delivered with consistent quality, taste, and presentation across all service periods. Work closely with the Front of House and Events teams to ensure coordinated service delivery.
- Compliance & Food Safety: Ensure full compliance with all UK food safety regulations, including HACCP, Natasha's Law (for allergen labelling), and Environmental Health guidelines. Maintain the highest standards of kitchen hygiene, cleanliness, and organisation at all times. Lead by example in promoting a safety‑first culture throughout all areas of food preparation and storage.
- Financial & Operational Accountability: Manage kitchen budgets, including food cost, labour cost, waste control, and procurement. Monitor and analyse sales, costs, and stock levels to optimise kitchen performance and profitability. Maintain strong relationships with suppliers, ensuring quality produce is sourced sustainably and cost‑effectively. Support the resort's sustainability objectives by promoting the use of seasonal, locally sourced ingredients wherever possible.
- Guest Experience & Service Excellence: Consistently deliver a high‑quality dining experience that reflects the resort's brand standards. Respond to guest feedback promptly and constructively, using it to inform improvements. Collaborate with other department heads to plan and execute successful culinary events, themed nights, and promotions.
What we offer in return for your hard work and commitment:
- Enhanced pay (up to an additional £3 per hour for working weekdays after 7pm and weekends).
- Service Charge (Tronc) earn up to an additional £3,000 per year.
- Company sick pay for up to 4 weeks.
- A range of discounts including 50% off spa days and dining, and preferential room rates for employees and family (subject to availability).
- Annual party, family fun days, award dinners – we love to celebrate!
- Up to 30 days annual leave, increasing with length of service.
- Complimentary overnight stay for you and a guest (including dinner, bed and breakfast with spa) when you complete a three month probation.
- FREE food and drink; The Green Room is our team’s dedicated space to relax, with a range of hot and cold food options.
- Investment in personal growth through Apprenticeship, Training Courses and Development Programmes.
- Wage Stream allows you to pay yourself when you need it!
- Hospitality Rewards include FREE Employee Assistance Programme from Day 1.
- Local discounts on gym memberships.
- Complimentary counselling sessions to support mental health.
- Wellbeing App with a range of support such as podcasts, fitness videos, recipes.
- AND MUCH MORE…
About Rudding Park:
A privately‑owned luxury hotel, Rudding Park has 90 bedrooms and suites, a destination spa, three restaurants and a kitchen garden, private cinema, two golf courses and meetings and events venue. Set in 300 acres of landscaped gardens and woodland, Rudding Park is one of the most beautiful Harrogate hotels.
Head Chef in Harrogate employer: Rudding Park
Contact Detail:
Rudding Park Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef in Harrogate
✨Tip Number 1
Get your personality shining! When you walk into that interview, let your enthusiasm and energy light up the room. Remember, they’re looking for someone who can create memorable moments for guests, so show them how you can bring that vibe!
✨Tip Number 2
Do your homework on the place! Familiarise yourself with their menu and culinary style. Bring some fresh ideas to the table during your chat – they’ll love to see your passion for innovation and how you can contribute to their kitchen.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your leadership skills! Talk about how you’ve developed teams in the past and how you foster a positive working environment. They want a Head Chef who can inspire and motivate, so share your experiences and successes!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to ask questions! This shows you’re genuinely interested in the role and the team. Ask about their approach to guest experience or how they handle challenges in the kitchen. It’s a great way to demonstrate your commitment to excellence!
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef in Harrogate
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Personality: We want to see the real you! Let your personality shine through in your application. Use a friendly tone and share what makes you unique – after all, we’re looking for someone who can light up a room!
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to fit the Head Chef role. Highlight your culinary leadership experience and any innovative menu ideas you’ve implemented. We love creativity, so don’t hold back!
Be Specific About Your Experience: When detailing your past roles, be specific about your achievements. Talk about how you’ve developed teams, managed budgets, or improved guest experiences. Numbers and examples can really make your application stand out!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Rudding Park
✨Show Your Passion for Culinary Arts
When you walk into the interview, let your enthusiasm for cooking shine through! Share stories about your culinary journey, your favourite dishes to create, and how you keep up with food trends. This role is all about energy and positivity, so make sure they feel your passion!
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a Head Chef, you'll be leading a team, so it's crucial to showcase your leadership experience. Prepare examples of how you've trained and developed kitchen staff in the past. Talk about how you foster a positive working environment and handle challenges, turning them into opportunities for growth.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Menu Innovation
Expect questions about menu planning and execution. Come prepared with ideas for seasonal menus that align with current food trends. Show them you can think creatively while also considering cost control and allergen management. They want to see your culinary vision!
✨Highlight Your Commitment to Food Safety
Food safety is non-negotiable in this role. Brush up on UK food safety regulations and be ready to discuss how you ensure compliance in the kitchen. Share your approach to maintaining hygiene and promoting a safety-first culture, as this will demonstrate your professionalism and attention to detail.
