Head Chef – Brownsea

John Lewis Partnership; Poole; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a passionate and experienced Head Chef to lead their culinary team at a unique seaside castle. This role offers the chance to create exceptional dining experiences while working in a stunning location surrounded by nature. You will be responsible for menu development, team mentoring, and maintaining high standards of food safety and quality. If you have a proven track record in culinary excellence and a flair for creativity, this is an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact in a vibrant kitchen environment. Join a dedicated team committed to using fresh, seasonal ingredients to delight guests.

Benefits

Live-in accommodation

Unique working environment

Access to recreational facilities

Qualifications

• Proven track record as a passionate chef with extensive kitchen experience.
• Strong leadership and mentoring skills to inspire the kitchen team.

Responsibilities

• Lead the kitchen team to deliver exceptional culinary experiences.
• Design innovative food offerings that cater to guest preferences.

Skills

Leadership

Culinary Skills

Commercial Awareness

Communication Skills

HACCP Knowledge

Food Safety Level 3 Certification

NVQ Level 3 in Professional Cookery

IT Competence

Team Mentoring

Education

NVQ Level 3 in Professional Cookery

Job description

Apply on JLP Jobs - the official careers website for John Lewis Partnership, John Lewis & Partners, and Waitrose & Partners.

Salary: £29,000 - £47,000

Contract type: Permanent

Working pattern: 40 hours a week, with a mixture of early, late, and mid shifts depending on business needs: 8:30-16:00 and 10:30-21:00. These will be over five days.

Location: Brownsea Castle Hotel, Brownsea Island, Poole. Live-in accommodation is available, Room only.

Interviews will be held on Tuesday 27th and Wednesday 28th May.

Key responsibilities

1. Lead and inspire the kitchen team to deliver exceptional culinary experiences aligned with the hotel's brand identity.
2. Design and implement innovative food offerings that cater to guest preferences and evolving culinary trends.
3. Ensure adherence to food safety, quality, and cost control standards.
4. Uphold the hotel's reputation for outstanding food quality and service.

Essential skills/experience

• Passionate chef with a proven track record.
• Commercial awareness and understanding of the business side of the kitchen.
• Excellent leadership, influencing, and coaching abilities.
• Understanding of HACCP and health and safety regulations.
• Food Safety Level 3 certification.
• NVQ Level 3 in Professional Cookery or equivalent.
• Extensive experience in a professional kitchen.
• Exceptional communication skills.
• Competent in IT systems and standard software.

About Brownsea Castle

Working on an island, living in a castle with red squirrels at your window sounds like a fantasy, but due to the unique Brownsea Castle, this could be your reality. It’s our place by the sea, an island getaway offering history and nature in abundance. Guests stay on the National Trust-run island in a Tudor castle, set amongst 17 acres of private grounds with Italian gardens and a dedicated beach. Our team is passionate and dedicated to providing the best experience for our guests, who are also Partners with their friends and family.

Facilities include a croquet lawn, children's play area, badminton, football, cricket, fishing, archery, and frisbee golf. Transportation options include a private boat service from Salterns Marina, with boats running approximately once an hour from 7 am to 11 pm, and parking available via BCP Council. Buses stop at 7 pm, and late-night shifts are required.

At John Lewis Partnership, we’re committed to using ingredients with provenance to produce fresh, seasonal meals. We are seeking an experienced and passionate Head Chef to join our kitchen team. You will work closely with the hotel management to operate the kitchen and ensure high-quality culinary experiences across our food outlets.

Responsibilities include menu development, mentoring chefs, inventory management, and maintaining hygiene and safety standards. The ideal candidate will have a proven record of culinary excellence, leadership skills, and a passion for quality. If you are a creative, ambitious chef eager to contribute to our culinary team, we encourage you to apply.