Head Chef

Focus Hotels Management Limited; Derry/Londonderry; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A hospitality management company in Derry/Londonderry is seeking a Head Chef to oversee kitchen operations at a new DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel. The role entails menu planning, budget control, and recruitment of kitchen staff. The ideal candidate should have a minimum of 3 years experience and relevant qualifications in catering and food safety, alongside strong interpersonal skills to develop a high-performing team while ensuring quality and cost-effectiveness.

Benefits

Staff Rates across Hilton Brand hotels

Complementary use of Hotel Leisure facilities

Employee of the Month / Year incentives

AXA Insurance Discounts

Company Group Pension

Free staff meals while on shift

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years experience managing a kitchen team in hospitality.
• Proven track record in managing departmental budgets and controlling costs.
• Strong emphasis on quality and presentation in kitchen operations.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and develop smooth kitchen operations.
• Menu planning, cost, and budget controlling.
• Recruitment, training, and development of kitchen staff.

Skills

Strong interpersonal skills

Experience in developing high performing teams

Budget management

Education

City & Guilds 706/1 | 706/2 Catering or NVQ Level 3

Food safety level 2 or 3

Job description

Who are we?

The City Hotel Derry is poised to become a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel. Situated in a beautiful setting in Derry City with panoramic views of the river Foyle and only steps away from the famous city walls, shops, bars, and restaurants. Facilities include 158 bedrooms, extensive conference banqueting facilities for up to 450 guests, a leisure centre with swimming pool, jacuzzi, steam room and gym, Thompson's on the River Restaurant, Coppin's Bar and secure car parking.

What is in it for you?

• Staff Rates across Hilton Brand hotels– Accommodation / Rooms – Food & Beverage Discounts – Leisure Centre / Spa Discounts
• Complementary use of Hotel Leisure facilities
• Employee of the Month / Employee of the Year
• Staff Training
• AXA Insurance Discounts
• Company Group Pension
• Reward & Recognition incentives from Head of Department
• Free staff meals while on shift

A day in the life of…

As Head Chef you will be responsible for overseeing and developing smooth operations of a busy kitchen, with emphasis on quality and presentation and maximising every opportunity to ensure profit and cost margins are met and consistently kept in line with budget. You will be Menu planning, cost, and budget controlling to ensure food cost is achieved. Finally, recruitment, training, and development of the team is important to ensure we deliver exceptional service whilst maintaining strict controls of food safety/health & safety to ensure statutory compliance.

What do we need from you?

To be successful in this role, the ideal candidate will hold City & Guilds 706/1 | 706/2 Catering, NVQ Level 3 or equivalent as well as Food safety level 2 or 3. You will also have a minimum of 3 years experience at this level and a successful track record of managing a kitchen team within a hotel, restaurant, or hospitality venue. You should also be able to display the following strong interpersonal skills, with a proven track record developing high performing teams and experience preparing and managing departmental budgets.