Head Chef

Sun, Inc.; Hastings; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading holiday park provider in the UK is seeking an experienced Head Chef to lead kitchen operations. In this role, you'll manage staff, ensure high standards of food and hygiene, and collaborate on menu development. The ideal candidate has extensive kitchen management experience and a genuine passion for food. Join a supportive environment that values employee development with opportunities for professional growth.

Benefits

Generous discount on holidays across parks

Discount on food and beverage items

Free premium eye test voucher

Access to health and wellbeing discounts

Comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme

Discounted gym memberships

Employee referral scheme

Free expert mortgage advice

Company pension scheme

Qualifications

• Proven experience in fast-paced kitchen environments.
• Collaborative working with kitchen and front-of-house staff.
• Adaptability and flexibility in working hours.

Responsibilities

• Oversee kitchen operations and staff performance.
• Monitor stock levels and manage kitchen budgets.
• Ensure food safety and hygiene are consistently met.

Skills

Cooking and kitchen management experience

Strong communication skills

Ability to work under pressure

Flexibility to work varied hours

Passion for high-quality food

Job description

At Park Holidays UK, we recognise that our people are our most valuable asset. Our commitment to investing in employee training and development is reflected in our prestigious Gold Investors in People Award. If you are driven and have a passion for helping people realise their dreams, we want you on our team! Join us today!

Job Summary

Park Holidays UK is seeking an experienced Head Chef to lead the kitchen team and ensure smooth and effective kitchen operations. If you have a passion for food, enjoy working in a dynamic environment, and are looking to advance your career, this is a fantastic opportunity to join one of the largest providers of holiday parks in England, Scotland, and Wales. You will play a key role in delivering high-quality food while maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness, presentation, and service.

Job Duties

• Oversee the opening and closing of the kitchen, ensuring all kitchen operations run smoothly and efficiently.
• Monitor stock levels and requisition supplies as needed, working closely with the Complex Manager and In-House Buyer to maintain optimal inventory.
• Ensure that all food preparation, cooking, and presentation meet the standards outlined in the company’s operating manuals.
• Implement and uphold all back‑of‑house (BOH) procedures according to standard operating manuals, ensuring that food safety and hygiene standards are consistently met.
• Direct and maintain hygiene standards to meet company food safety and cook‑chill requirements, ensuring proper administration of all related procedures.
• Collaborate with the Food and Beverage Director to propose new menu ideas, incorporating feedback and staying in line with seasonal and budgetary considerations.
• Manage the kitchen’s budget, ensuring effective control of resources and costs to meet financial targets.
• Lead, motivate, and train kitchen staff to maintain high performance and adherence to company standards.

Requirements

• Proven cooking and kitchen management experience in a fast‑paced environment.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to work collaboratively with kitchen and front‑of‑house staff.
• Ability to make sound decisions under pressure, ensuring smooth kitchen operations even during busy periods.
• Willingness to adapt to the needs of the business and work flexible hours, including weekends and holidays.
• A genuine passion for delivering high‑quality food and driving continuous improvement in kitchen operations.

We believe that our people are our greatest asset, and we are committed to investing in their training and development. We offer comprehensive training and support to help you succeed in your role and grow your career with us.

Benefits

At Park Holidays UK, you'll be part of an industry-leading organisation where you'll be challenged, inspired, rewarded, and empowered to grow. We pride ourselves on placing a high value on our team members — it’s one of the key things that sets us apart.

We’ll encourage you to bring your best every day, offering exciting opportunities, meaningful work, a supportive and collaborative environment, and plenty of room for professional development.

Employee Benefits at Park Holidays UK include:

• Generous discount on holidays across our parks
• Discount on all food and beverage items on park
• Free premium eye test voucher
• Access to the Help@hand app offering health, wellbeing, and retail discounts
• Comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme
• Discounted gym memberships
• Employee referral scheme
• Sales referral scheme
• Free expert mortgage advice
• Company pension scheme