Head Chef

Perle Hotels Limited; Oban; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary £45,000 + up to 5% bonus

Tips & service charge

Subsidised accommodation

28 days holiday + TOIL

Pension & staff discounts

Career progression

Job summary

Perle Oban Hotel in Oban, Argyll, is seeking a hands-on Head Chef to lead the Oban Brasserie. You will drive menus that celebrate local Scotland produce, mentor a talented brigade, and partner with hotel leadership to deliver exceptional guest experiences.

The role offers a competitive £45,000 salary plus up to 5% performance bonus, tips, service charge, and subsidised accommodation. 28 days holiday, pension, and staff discounts complement the package.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• Creative, organised and commercially minded.
• Passionate about Scottish produce and contemporary cuisine.
• Calm and motivating under pressure.
• Level 3 Food Hygiene (or equivalent) is required.

Responsibilities

• Recruit, train, and inspire a high-performing kitchen team.
• Lead services with consistency, calmness, and high standards.
• Develop future culinary talent through coaching and mentoring.
• Create seasonal menus celebrating Scotland's local larder.
• Balance creativity with commercial awareness; lead specials and themed menus.
• Manage food costs, GP margins, stock, and supplier relationships.
• Maintain HACCP and allergen safety compliance.
• Collaborate with front‑of‑house to deliver seamless guest experience.

Skills

Head Chef experience

Leadership

Communication

Creativity

Commercial minded

Calm under pressure

Education

Level 3 Food Hygiene (or equivalent)

Job description

Perle Oban Hotel | Oban, Scotland

Head Chef - Oban Brasserie

Perle Oban Hotel | Oban, Scotland

Salary: £45,000 + performance bonus (up to 5%) + tips & service charge

Contract: Full-time, permanent

Accommodation: Subsidised accommodation available

Lead a Kitchen. Shape a Destination.

Perle Hotels are looking for an exceptional Head Chef to take the culinary helm at Oban Brasserie, located within the beautiful Perle Oban Hotel on Scotland's west coast.

This is a career-defining opportunity for a hands-on, inspirational chef who wants to lead from the front, champion local Scottish produce, and build a kitchen culture rooted in pride, creativity, and excellence.

You'll have the freedom to create menus that reflect Oban Brasserie's identity, the responsibility to lead and mentor a talented brigade, and the support of a collaborative hotel leadership team that values food as a core part of the guest experience.

What We Offer

• £45,000 salary + up to 5% bonus
• Share of tips & 10% service charge
• Subsidised accommodation
• 28 days holiday + time off in lieu (TOIL)
• Pension scheme & staff benefits such as hotel & F&B discounts
• Career progression opportunities within Perle Hotels

What You'll Be Doing

Kitchen Leadership

• Recruit, train, and inspire a high-performing kitchen team
• Lead services with consistency, calmness, and high standards
• Develop future culinary talent through coaching and mentoring

Menu & Creativity

• Create seasonal menus celebrating Scotland's local larder
• Balance creativity with commercial awareness
• Introduce specials, themed menus, and new dining experiences

Operations & Financial Control

• Manage food costs, GP margins, stock, and supplier relationships
• Reduce waste and ensure efficient kitchen operations
• Work closely with hotel management to meet financial targets

Standards & Compliance

• Maintain exceptional food safety, hygiene, and HACCP standards
• Ensure full compliance with allergen, health & safety regulations

Collaboration & Guest Experience

• Work closely with front-of-house to deliver seamless service
• Engage with guests and respond to feedback
• Support wider hotel initiatives and events

Essential

About You

• Proven experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef
• Strong leadership and communication skills
• Creative, organised, and commercially minded
• Passionate about Scottish produce and contemporary cuisine
• Calm and motivating under pressure
• Level 3 Food Hygiene (or equivalent)

Desirable

• Experience in boutique hotels or quality restaurants
• Knowledge of local suppliers and sustainable sourcing
• Confidence working closely with front-of-house teams

Perle Oban - Oban, Argyll

Located on Oban's seafront, Perle Oban Hotel & Spa is a striking Victorian building overlooking the harbour and islands beyond. This four-star hotel combines period features with contemporary design, offering guests stylish rooms and relaxed luxury. Dining is centred around the Oban Brasserie, serving Scottish classics and seasonal seafood, while the in-house Mara Spa provides a haven of relaxation in the heart of the "Gateway to the Isles."

Why Oban Brasserie

This is your chance to lead a kitchen that celebrates place, produce, and people - in one of Scotland's most beautiful coastal towns, within a hotel group that values individuality, quality, and ambition.

About Perle Hotels

Perle Hotels is a small luxury hotel group dedicated to modern Scottish hospitality in some of the country's most breathtaking locations. Each of our hotels has been lovingly restored and reimagined, blending contemporary design with authentic Highland character. We believe in creating memorable guest experiences through warm service, a focus on local produce, and a deep connection to our communities.