Head Chef

Head Chef

Full-Time 30000 - 33500 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
The Celtic Collection

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a talented kitchen team and create innovative menus using local produce.
  • Company: Dulse Restaurant, a vibrant dining destination in Pembrokeshire.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, discounts, career development, and wellbeing support.
  • Other info: Join a supportive environment with opportunities for career growth.
  • Why this job: Make your mark in a stylish restaurant while celebrating fresh, local seafood.
  • Qualifications: Experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef with strong leadership skills.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 33500 £ per year.

Lead the Kitchen at One of Pembrokeshire's Most Exciting Dining Destinations. We're looking for an inspiring Head Chef to lead the team at Dulse, our vibrant waterfront restaurant at Milford Waterfront. Inspired by the Pembrokeshire coastline and the incredible produce on our doorstep, Dulse celebrates fresh seafood, locally sourced ingredients and modern dishes with a strong sense of place. It's a relaxed yet stylish dining experience where quality, creativity and genuine hospitality are at the heart of everything we do.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a passionate chef to make their mark, lead a talented team and help shape the next chapter of a growing and ambitious restaurant.

What You'll Be Doing

  • Take ownership of the day-to-day running of the kitchen, ensuring consistently exceptional food, a motivated team and a culture that encourages creativity and development.
  • Leading, coaching and inspiring the kitchen team.
  • Creating and developing menus that showcase seasonal and local produce.
  • Managing food costing, stock control and kitchen profitability.
  • Maintaining exceptional food quality and presentation standards.
  • Ensuring all food safety, HACCP and hygiene procedures are followed.
  • Recruiting, training and developing future culinary talent.
  • Driving innovation and continually looking for ways to enhance the guest experience.
  • Working closely with senior culinary and operational leaders to achieve business goals.

What We're Looking For

  • Strong leadership skills with a genuine passion for great food and hospitality.
  • Professional culinary qualifications (NVQ Level 3, AAA Level 3 or equivalent).
  • Previous experience as a Head Chef, Senior Sous Chef or similar leadership role.
  • Strong knowledge of menu planning, food costing and kitchen management.
  • A thorough understanding of HACCP and food safety standards.
  • Experience leading and developing high-performing kitchen teams.
  • Food Hygiene Level 3 qualification.
  • Experience within quality restaurants, hotels or rosette-standard operations.
  • A positive, hands-on leadership style and a passion for delivering memorable dining experiences.

Why Join Dulse?

At Dulse, you'll be part of a restaurant that's proud of its Pembrokeshire roots, passionate about great food and committed to creating unforgettable experiences for our guests. As part of The Celtic Collection, you'll also enjoy:

  • Career development and training opportunities from day one.
  • Discounts on hotel stays, restaurants and bars across the collection.
  • Discounted leisure club membership.
  • Free virtual GP appointments.
  • 24/7 wellbeing support.
  • NEST pension scheme.
  • Staff social events and recognition programmes.
  • Monthly and annual employee awards.
  • Opportunities to grow your career across our collection of hotels, resorts and hospitality businesses.

Be Part of Something Special

We're proud to create an environment where people feel supported, valued and empowered to succeed. If you're an ambitious chef looking for an exciting leadership opportunity in one of Wales' most beautiful coastal locations, we'd love to hear from you.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications. In accordance with UK immigration legislation, all applicants must have the legal right to live and work in the United Kingdom. Successful candidates will be required to provide original documentation to verify their eligibility to work in the UK prior to employment, in line with Home Office guidance. The Celtic Collection is committed to being an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all individuals regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. We strive to ensure a fair and inclusive recruitment process for all candidates.

Head Chef employer: The Celtic Collection

As a Sales Executive at ICC Wales, you will be part of a dynamic team that thrives on collaboration and innovation in a vibrant location. We offer competitive pay, a supportive work culture, and ample opportunities for professional growth, making it an ideal environment for those seeking a rewarding career in sales.

The Celtic Collection

Contact Details:

The Celtic Collection Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Head Chef

Get a Taste of the Scene

Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!

Network at Food Festivals

Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!

Show Off Your Skills

Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like The Celtic Collection. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!

Reach Out Directly to The Celtic Collection

Don't be shy about reaching out to The Celtic Collection directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!

We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef

Leadership Skills
Menu Planning
Food Costing
Kitchen Management
HACCP Knowledge
Food Safety Standards
Team Development

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.

Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!

Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about The Celtic Collection and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!

Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!

How to prepare for a job interview at The Celtic Collection

Show Your People Skills

In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!

Know Your Menu Inside Out

Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!

Demonstrate Your Team Spirit

Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'

Get Ready for a Practical Test

In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!