Head Chef

Head Chef

Dartford Full-Time 52000 - 78000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a talented kitchen team to create exceptional dishes and manage all food production.
  • Company: Join The Alexander Hotel Collection, a prestigious group of quality hotels near London.
  • Benefits: Enjoy up to £65,000 salary, bonuses, medical cover, and discounts on hotel stays and spa treatments.
  • Why this job: Be part of an award-winning hotel, inspire creativity, and make a real impact on guest experiences.
  • Qualifications: Experience in high-quality restaurant management and a passion for culinary excellence required.
  • Other info: Work in a beautiful setting with opportunities for career growth and development.

The predicted salary is between 52000 - 78000 £ per year.

Head Chef

Rowhill Grange Hotel & Utopia Spa, Top Dartford Road, Wilington, Dartford, Kent, DA2 7QH

Salary: up to £65,000 + monthly service charge payment + quarterly bonus potential of £850 based on GP% results.

Rowhill Grange Hotel & Utopia Spa is part of Alexander Hotels, a private group of quality hotels located just outside London. The 4‑Star, award‑winning Utopia Spa sits within 15 acres of gardens and offers a 38‑bedroom hotel, Elements Brasserie and RG’s Fine Dining Restaurant (2 Rosette). Additional facilities include the Clockhouse Banqueting Suite and the Pavilion Conference Venue.

Responsibilities

  • Recruit, train and coach a team of 12 chefs and 4 kitchen porters; collaborate with local colleges and the Group Resourcer to attract quality talent and manage apprentice progress.
  • Plan, source, order, store, prepare, cook and serve food across all hotel areas.
  • Develop menu concepts to raise the restaurant, banqueting, afternoon tea and corporate function offerings to rosette standards.
  • Ensure compliance with HACCP, food hygiene and health & safety legislation.
  • Achieve gross profit targets on dishes to enable investment in facilities and staffing.
  • Cultivate passion, flair and teamwork within the kitchen and across departments.

Qualifications

  • Experience developing a hotel restaurant to 2‑rosette standard.
  • Proven record of team selection and retention that fosters excellent standards.
  • Demonstrated practical ability and flair through a cooking trial.
  • Ideas for improving food offerings and standards during interviews.
  • Ability to manage multi‑menu requirements and a busy banqueting operation.
  • Local residency or willingness to relocate with personal transport.

Benefits

  • 4 weeks holiday, increasing to 5 weeks with service.
  • 8 bank holidays.
  • Single private medical cover.
  • Free car parking.
  • Employee uniform.

Additional company perks include discounted accommodation and hair treatments at all Alexander Hotels, discounts on food & beverage, spa treatments and retail products, and staff referral schemes. Long‑term staff are rewarded with birthday off pay, complimentary overnight stays, lunch/afternoon tea, and service‑related holidays at anniversary milestones.

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Head Chef employer: The Alexander Hotel Collection

The Alexander Hotel Collection is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises employee growth and development. As the Head Chef at Rowhill Grange Hotel & Utopia Spa, you will enjoy competitive benefits including generous holiday allowances, private medical cover, and discounts across our hotels and spas, all while working in a stunning location just outside London. Join a passionate team dedicated to culinary excellence and create memorable dining experiences in a supportive environment that values your contributions.
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Contact Detail:

The Alexander Hotel Collection Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head Chef

✨Tip Number 1

Research the Alexander Hotel Collection thoroughly. Familiarise yourself with their dining concepts, menus, and overall ethos. This knowledge will help you tailor your approach during interviews and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.

✨Tip Number 2

Network within the hospitality industry, especially with professionals who have experience in high-end dining or hotel management. Attend culinary events or workshops to meet potential contacts who might provide insights or referrals for the Head Chef position.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare for a cooking trial by practising dishes that reflect the standards expected at a 2 rosette restaurant. Showcase your creativity and ability to manage multiple menu requirements, as this will be crucial in impressing the hiring team.

✨Tip Number 4

Highlight your leadership skills and experience in team development during interviews. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully trained and motivated kitchen staff in previous roles, as this is key for the Head Chef position.

We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef

Culinary Expertise
Menu Development
Team Leadership
Food Safety Compliance (HACCP)
Budget Management
Supplier Sourcing
Training and Coaching
Creativity in Food Presentation
Time Management
Customer Service Excellence
Problem-Solving Skills
Communication Skills
Adaptability to Changing Menus
Knowledge of Dietary Restrictions

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Head Chef position. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experience in menu planning, team management, and achieving culinary standards.

Showcase Your Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your experience in developing quality hotel restaurants, particularly those that have achieved 2 rosette standards. Include specific examples of your achievements in previous roles.

Demonstrate Your Culinary Skills: Prepare to discuss your culinary philosophy and how you would approach menu development during the interview process. Consider including a brief overview of innovative ideas you have for enhancing the food offering at The Alexander Hotel Collection.

Highlight Team Leadership: Illustrate your ability to recruit, train, and retain a high-performing kitchen team. Provide examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past and fostered a collaborative work environment.

How to prepare for a job interview at The Alexander Hotel Collection

✨Showcase Your Culinary Flair

During the interview, be prepared to demonstrate your cooking skills. A cooking trial is a key part of the selection process, so bring your best recipes and showcase your creativity and flair in the kitchen.

✨Discuss Menu Development Ideas

Come equipped with ideas on how to elevate the food offerings at The Alexander Hotel Collection. Discuss potential menu items that could inspire local patrons and enhance the dining experience, particularly for the 2 Rosette RG’s Fine Dining Restaurant.

✨Highlight Team Leadership Experience

Emphasise your experience in recruiting, training, and retaining a high-performing kitchen team. Share specific examples of how you've motivated your team to achieve excellence and maintain high standards in food production.

✨Understand HACCP and Food Safety

Be ready to discuss your knowledge of HACCP compliance and food hygiene regulations. Demonstrating a strong understanding of health and safety legislation will show that you prioritise the well-being of both your team and guests.

Head Chef
The Alexander Hotel Collection
Location: Dartford
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