Head Chef

Rudding Park; Harrogate; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A renowned luxury hotel in Harrogate is searching for a Clocktower Head Chef to lead their culinary team and manage kitchen operations. This role demands exceptional culinary expertise and strong leadership skills to maintain high standards across the resort's dining experiences. You'll design seasonal menus, ensure compliance with food safety regulations, and oversee team development. If you have a passion for delivering extraordinary guest experiences in a vibrant culinary environment, this position offers a fantastic opportunity along with competitive benefits.

Benefits

Enhanced pay

Service Charge earnings

Company sick pay

Discounts on spa days and dining

Annual leave up to 30 days

Complimentary overnight stay after probation

Free food and drink

Investment in personal growth

Wage Stream availability

Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• Strong culinary knowledge and leadership experience.
• Commitment to high standards and guest satisfaction.
• Ability to manage kitchen operations efficiently.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the kitchen team.
• Design seasonal menus reflecting current trends.
• Ensure compliance with food safety regulations.
• Manage kitchen budgets and monitor performance.

Skills

Culinary leadership

Team management

Menu planning

Food safety compliance

Budget management

Education

Relevant culinary qualifications

Job description

We are not just hiring - we are looking for personalities that light up a room!

• How big is your smile?
• Do your eyes light up a room?
• Can you turn challenges into opportunities and guests into lifelong ambassadors

We believe that the best part of our team is the energy, positivity, and genuine smiles we share with every guest and team members.

If you've got any of the above, we want to hear from you.

We are on the hunt for enthusiastic, positive, and energetic people who thrive on creating moments that guests will remember long after they leave.

About the Role

As Clocktower Head Chef, you will lead the culinary direction of the Clocktower food, overseeing all kitchen operations, including restaurant, terrace, private dining & functions. You will ensure the delivery of exceptional food quality, presentation, and consistency, while driving innovation, maintaining cost control, and developing a motivated, high‑performing kitchen team.

This role requires a strong leader with excellent culinary knowledge, team management experience, and a commitment to maintaining the highest standards in line with the resort's brand and values.

Key Responsibilities

Culinary Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, train, and supervise all of the Clocktower kitchen team to ensure consistent execution of dishes to the highest standard.
• Carry out regular performance reviews, provide clear feedback, and support staff development through structured training and mentorship.
• Foster a positive and professional working environment, focused on teamwork, respect, and continuous improvement.
• Develop and maintain effective rotas and staffing plans to ensure efficient kitchen operations at all times.

Menu Planning & Execution

• Design and implement innovative, seasonal menus for the restaurant, special events, aligning with guest expectations and current food trends.
• Oversee all aspects of menu costing, dish standardisation, portion control, and allergen management.
• Ensure all dishes are delivered with consistent quality, taste, and presentation across all service periods.
• Work closely with the Front of House and Events teams to ensure coordinated service delivery.

Compliance & Food Safety

• Ensure full compliance with all UK food safety regulations, including HACCP, Natasha's Law (for allergen labelling), and Environmental Health guidelines.
• Maintain the highest standards of kitchen hygiene, cleanliness, and organisation at all times.
• Lead by example in promoting a safety‑first culture throughout all areas of food preparation and storage.

Financial & Operational Accountability

• Manage kitchen budgets, including food cost, labour cost, waste control, and procurement.
• Monitor and analyse sales, costs, and stock levels to optimise kitchen performance and profitability.
• Maintain strong relationships with suppliers, ensuring quality produce is sourced sustainably and cost‑effectively.
• Support the resort's sustainability objectives by promoting the use of seasonal, locally sourced ingredients wherever possible.

Guest Experience & Service Excellence

• Consistently deliver a high‑quality dining experience that reflects the resort's brand standards.
• Respond to guest feedback promptly and constructively, using it to inform improvements.
• Collaborate with other department heads to plan and execute successful culinary events, themed nights, and promotions.

What we offer in return for your hard work and commitment

• Enhanced pay (up to an additional £3 per hour for working week days after 7pm and weekends).
• Service Charge (Tronc) earn up to an additional £3,000 per year.
• Company sick pay for up to 4 weeks.
• A range of discounts including 50% off spa days and dining, not to mention preferential room rates for employees and family (subject to availability of course).
• Annual party, family fun days, award dinners – we love to celebrate!
• Up to 30 days annual leave, increasing with length of service.
• Complimentary overnight stay for you and a guest (including dinner, bed and breakfast with spa) when you complete a three month probation.
• FREE food and drink; The Green Room is our team's dedicated space to chill out, when not 'on stage' looking after our guests. You'll find a range of hot and cold food options with different areas to relax, catch up with your 'co‑stars' or watch TV.
• Investment in personal growth through Apprenticeship, Training Courses and Development Programmes.
• Can't wait until pay day? Wage Stream allows you to pay yourself when you need it!
• Hospitality Rewards include FREE Employee Assistance Programme from Day 1.
• Local discounts on gym memberships.
• Complimentary counselling sessions to support mental health.
• Wellbeing App with a range of support such as podcasts, fitness videos, recipes.
• AND MUCH MORE…

About Rudding Park

A privately‑owned luxury hotel, Rudding Park has 90 bedrooms and suites, a destination spa, three restaurants and a kitchen garden, private cinema, two golf courses and meetings and events venue. Set in 300 acres of landscaped gardens and woodland, Rudding Park is one of the most beautiful Harrogate hotels.

Rudding Park features the first Roof Top Spa in the UK and offers an extensive range hydrotherapy and thermal experiences. We offer an extensive range of treatments and guests can discover the Escape Zone – a peaceful and serene space to relax following a treatment. The Spa also offers an indoor swimming pool using natural waters from the grounds of Rudding Park, a Juniper Log Sauna, Rasul for traditional Moorish mud treatments, Retail Therapy, Hair Studio, Nail and Beauty Studio.