Head Chef

HF Holidays Limited; Earl Sterndale; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

HF Holidays Limited is seeking a Head Chef to run a well-organised kitchen for breakfast, lunch and dinner services at our Lee Wood Hotel. You will manage stock, portions and ensure the central menu is followed, while upholding food safety standards and training the kitchen team.

The role requires strong leadership and experience in high-volume, hospitality-focused kitchens, with flexibility for varied hours and weekend work.

Qualifications

• Demonstrable commercial background as Head Chef with team leadership.
• HACCP and compliance with The Food Safety Act 1990 and allergen regulations.
• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends.
• Experience in country house or country hotel preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a kitchen team to deliver breakfast, lunch and dinner.
• Ensure menus are followed and meals are prepared to high standards.
• Manage stock, portions and food safety compliance.
• Maintain a great kitchen atmosphere and train chefs.

Skills

Head Chef

Leadership

Stock management

Food safety

Allergen awareness

Job description

Working in our Lee Wood Hotel we provide a retreat for guests who stay with us for guided or self-guided walking tour holidays. We always know when and where our guests need serving. We know the number of guests we will be hosting each week, and our mealtimes are fixed. We plan our menus in advance and get pre orders for lunch and dinner. Our 3-course dinner service is served banqueting style and our kitchens closed by 9pm. In your role as Head Chef, you will be responsible for running a well organised kitchen ensuring breakfast, lunch and dinner prep and service are done to our high standards. You will effectively manage stock, portion controls, ensure our centralised menu is adhered to, monitor food safety, oversee health & safety and compliance across the kitchen. You will manage your kitchen team and create a great atmosphere in the kitchen to train and guide your chefs to success., With 112 years of history, we bring like-minded people together through more than 260 carefully crafted walking and activity holidays in the UK, Europe, and beyond. We also own and manage16 characterful country houses in the heart of the UK's best-loved national parks landscapes. Supported by our 500 strong team who are based both remotely and at our Head Office in Hertfordshire as well as our Houses.

• A demonstrable commercial background as Head Chef - Managing and developing teams
• HACCP, The Food Safety Act 1990 (including Allergen Legislation), The Food and Hygiene Regulations and The Fire Regulations
• Given the nature of our industry, flexibility is key. The role necessitates adaptability to varied working hours, particularly during evenings (9pm finish) and weekends
• Past experience of managing a team with strong leadership skills.

Desirable skills we look for:

• Experience as a Head Chef in a Country House / Country Hotel
• Experience of cooking and delivering traditional British cuisine