Position: Head Chef
Reports to: General Manager
What will I get?
We value and reward our team with a competitive benefits package, including:
* Competitive salary based on experience, including a discretionary bonus scheme.
* Generous service charge, providing excellent additional earnings potential.
* Enhanced Pension Scheme
* Increased holiday allowance with length of service
* Complimentary meal while on duty
* HSF Health Plan*
* Dental cost reimbursement
* Optical cost reimbursement
* Complimentary coverage for your partner and children
* High street and grocery shopping discounts, as well as discounted cinema tickets and more.
* Gym membership discounts.
* Access to a 24/7 GP advice line and counselling services, including support for dependents.
What will I be doing?
As the Head Chef, you’ll play a pivotal role in the operational excellence of the hotel’s kitchens, working closely with the General Manager. Your responsibilities will include managing day-to-day kitchen operations, leading the food preparation process, and establishing clear procedures that ensure quality and consistency across all food outlets.
Key Responsibilities:
* Foster a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration, aligned with the ethos of our Paris-based sister property, Hôtel Costes.
* Develop, cost, and manage all recipes, ensuring compliance with food safety and health & safety standards.
* Engage with guests when required to ensure their satisfaction and uphold the hotel's standards.
* Ensure all food served meets our high standards, with seasonal and trend-appropriate specials.
* Exemplify exceptional and personalised service, collaborating seamlessly with other departments.
* Plan, execute, and oversee the production of all menu items, ensuring all stations meet closing and cleanliness protocols.
* Demonstrate financial and operational acumen through requisitions, inventories, and budget management.
* Oversee staff operations, ensuring kitchen teams adhere to high standards of hygiene and presentation.
Team Management
* Adjust staffing levels to meet restaurant demands and coordinate team schedules, including holidays.
* Lead pre-service briefings and participate in key departmental meetings, ensuring clear communication and alignment.
* Ensure consistent training and compliance with hygiene and appearance standards across all shifts, including night teams.
Goals and Objectives
* Achieve the COS budget target, consistently reviewing results and expenditures to maintain financial efficiency.
* Continuously monitor and respond to guest feedback across all platforms, refining procedures as needed.
* Foster high morale and maintain a low staff turnover rate by promoting a positive work environment.
Financial Performance
* Use KPIs and financial targets to assess department performance and develop future strategies.
* Control labour and payroll costs, ensuring all resources are utilised efficiently and accounted for, and that payroll ratios align with sales.
* Maintain strict control of food costs, ensuring stock follows the “first in, first out” principle.
Food Safety and Compliance
* Ensure compliance with all relevant Health & Safety and Food Safety regulations, actively participating in the Health & Safety Committee.
* Implement and oversee the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) plan, ensuring all team members adhere to food safety standards.
What are we looking for?
* Minimum of four years’ experience in luxury or high-end hotels, in senior culinary roles such as Head Chef or Executive Chef.
* Proven leadership skills with experience managing kitchen brigades of 18 or more team members.
* Degree or Diploma in Culinary Arts from a recognised institution.
* Possession of a Level 3 or Level 4 Food Safety certification (mandatory requirement).
* Additional certification in Food Safety or Hygiene is highly desirable.
* Experience in preparing for and successfully passing EHO (Environmental Health Officer) inspections.
* Flexibility to work weekends and adapt to business needs.
* Proficiency in French is an advantage.
*Upon successful completion of the probation period.