Head Chef

Apex Hotels; Shoreham-by-Sea; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A reputable hotel chain in the Scottish Highlands is seeking a Head Chef to lead their kitchen operations. The ideal candidate will have previous experience at Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef level, with a passion for high-quality food and team development. This role includes managing budgets, menu creation, and ensuring exceptional guest experiences. The position offers competitive benefits, including 35 days holiday and development programs.

Benefits

35 days holiday

Training and development from day one

Employee events and celebrations

Healthy meals at work

Cycle to Work Scheme

Discounted room rates for employees

Life Assurance cover

Qualifications

• Previous experience at Head Chef level or Senior Sous Chef level.
• Managerial experience in a similar role.
• Experience of working in a 4- or 5-star hotel.

Responsibilities

• Lead a brigade of chefs and manage kitchen operations.
• Ensure high standards of food preparation and presentation.
• Maximise sales and ensure customer satisfaction.
• Coach and train chefs and apprentices.

Skills

Leadership

Menu creation

Financial awareness

Team development

Cooking presentation

Job description

Why Join Pine Trees Hotel?

Experience a warm welcome in the Scottish Highlands. Join us at Pine Trees Hotel as our new Head Chef and embrace the very best of Scottish culture. Nestled in the heart of Pitlochry, we invite everyone who joins our team to help us create a traditional Coorie lifestyle that reflects the natural beauty and serenity of our surroundings. At Pine Trees, we want our team and our guests to step away from the hustle and bustle and take in the breath‑taking scenery within our 10‑acre woodland estate.

You will work with a fantastic team with a strong focus on delivering exceptional guest experiences. We will help you to develop your skills and passions whilst offering boundless warmth and hospitality. Bringing your own ideas and creativity to the Head Chef role, you will assist us to guide the guest experience beyond the expectation.

Your role:

To excel within this role, you'll display the ability to work to a budget whilst leading the way in menu creation and dish development. You'll be able to combine financial awareness with a flair and passion for food. You will be passionate to deliver the highest standards in menu offerings. As you are joining Pine Trees Hotel at this time of company growth, you will have high involvement in new menu design, working with local suppliers to ensure the best produce for our menu's, working closely with the General Manager to run the kitchen budget in relation to occupancy, kitchen expenses and kitchen rota.

Main Responsibilities:

• Leading a brigade of chefs catering for the Restaurant
• Taking responsibility and accountability for all aspects of the management of the kitchen including operating within company standards and in compliance with all Health and Safety legislation.
• You will be responsible for ensuring the preparation, cooking and presentation of food consistently meets high standards and that the required profit objectives are achieved through efficient food costing and effective staff management and training.
• Maximising sales and profit while always ensuring customer satisfaction
• Coaching, training, and supporting all Chefs and apprentices to provide consistently high standards, while continually looking to improve. You'll have the talent to build, develop and motivate a team to deliver excellent levels of customer care.
• Work with the General Manager during on site audits to develop and build the offering.

About you:

We will support you by giving you the platform to develop, learn & shine!

We ask of you:

• Ensure our guests experience and the food is presented to a high spec.
• You'll be passionate about nurturing and developing your team through development programs and mentoring.
• Great organiser and who can prioritise your workload.
• Previous experience at Head Chef level or Senior Sous Chef Level
• You will have previous managerial experience within a similar role.
• Experience of working in a 4- or 5-star hotel

Benefits:

• 35 days holiday
• Training and development from day one
• Employee events and celebrations
• Inhouse company interactive employee communication APP
• Healthy meals to enjoy while you're working.
• Access to an external Employee Assistance Programme
• Financial Wellbeing App, allowing you the flexibility to get paid earlier than your normal monthly pay date.
• £200 referral bonus when your friends or family join the team.

Following your first successful 3 months, you’ll also receive ……

Additional benefits after 3 months:

• Access to our discounts and wellbeing platform “Treat Yourself Here”, unlocking savings and experiences for you and your family.
• Involvement in our employee recognition schemes
• Long service recognition
• Probation pass and annual anniversary complimentary guest experience overnight stay and dinner for two
• 50% discount in our restaurants
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Discounted room rates for employees, friends, and family
• Spa treatments and product discounts
• Life Assurance cover

We look forward to receiving your application for this role and welcoming you into our warm and friendly team and our haven within the Scottish Highlands.

This role is not eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route. However, candidates who were granted Skilled Worker status prior to 22 July 2025 who have had continuous permission may still qualify for sponsorship.