Head Chef

Tongue Hotel; Lairg; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading hotel in the Scottish Highlands is seeking a Head Chef to inspire and lead the kitchen team. You will ensure high-quality food delivery and manage all kitchen operations, including budgeting and menu planning. The role offers a great work/life balance in a stunning location.

Benefits

Discounts on accommodation, food, and beverages

Opportunities for professional development

EyeMed

Cycle Scheme

Employee discount platform

Employee Assistance Programme

Refer a Friend incentive scheme

Qualifications

• Experience in a similar role, ideally within a hotel environment.
• Ability to manage costs within kitchen budgets.

Responsibilities

• Lead and motivate the kitchen team to deliver high-quality food.
• Manage menu planning, stock control, and budget management.
• Ensure food hygiene and safety compliance.

Skills

Communication

Leadership

Organizational Skills

Financial Knowledge

Education

Food Safety Qualifications

Job description

The Place

Located in a sleepy Highlands village in one of the most remote areas on the renowned North Coast 500, Tongue Hotel is situated towards the most northerly point of Scotland, in northern Sutherland. Built in the 1800s, Tongue Hotel is a former sporting lodge that retains its historic charm today. Overlooking the beautiful sea loch of Kyle, with the rugged Ben Loyal and gentle Ben Hope rising above the land.

Originally owned by the Duke of Sutherland, the hotel boasts 19 unique bedrooms and many original features steeped in history. It has a romantic, enchanting atmosphere that delights all who enter. The hotel has recently reopened after an £800k refurbishment.

Your working day can be very busy, especially during the summer months, but a great work/life balance is encouraged. With the great outdoors at your feet, there are numerous activities to enjoy during your downtime, such as hiking local mountains for breathtaking views across northern Sutherland and Caithness, or leisurely walks along the quiet shoreline. For more experiences, you can visit nearby Durness or Thurso (famed for its surfing waves), and even the Isle of Orkney.

The Position

As Head Chef, you will lead, inspire, and motivate your kitchen team to deliver a high-quality food offering in our Crenshaw's Brasserie.

You will take ownership of the kitchen and brigade, ensuring consistent delivery of high-quality dishes while monitoring guest feedback to foster a culture of continuous improvement.

You will be responsible for all aspects of menu planning, rota management, stock control, budget management, as well as food hygiene and safety compliance.

You will liaise with our central Chef Committee regarding menu ideas, procurement, and supplier performance.

The Person

Beyond the physical modelling of our hotels, we’re investing in our people. Our vision is built on four pillars: our people, our guests, our communities, and our environment. Delivering an authentic Highland experience to our guests relies on a strong team that shares our vision.

You will be self-disciplined, organised, and an effective communicator with the confidence and leadership to inspire and motivate a team. You should be able to coach and give feedback to improve team performance.

Understanding different communication styles and being able to communicate effectively at all levels is essential.

You will be passionate about delivering high-quality, seasonal food and willing to challenge standards when they are not met.

Good financial knowledge with the ability to manage costs within kitchen budgets is required.

Experience in a similar role, ideally within a hotel environment, and relevant Food Safety qualifications are necessary.

The Package

Salary up to £45K depending on experience, plus service charge and company benefits including:

• Discounts for you and your family and friends on accommodation, food, and beverages
• Opportunities for professional development and growth within the company
• EyeMed
• Cycle Scheme
• Employee discount platform offering savings at 130,000 retail and entertainment outlets, including supermarkets, holidays, shopping, and restaurants
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Refer a Friend incentive scheme

About Highland Coast Hotels

We are a collection of unique hotels along the North Coast 500, with our people at the heart of what we do. Spirit, warmth, and authenticity define us. We encourage curiosity, energy, passion, and fun, creating memorable experiences that showcase Highland Hospitality. We are committed to nurturing and developing our staff through training, career opportunities, great locations, competitive pay, flexible hours, and other perks. Find out more at highlandcoasthotels.com.