Head Chef

Type: Full Time
Job Location: The Bell Hotel
Address: The Bell Hotel, 31 High Street, Saxmundham, IP17 1AF

Job description

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a full-time permanent Head Chef at The Bell Hotel (Beales Hotels Group) in Saxmundham IP17 1AF,

The Bell Hotel is a Grade 2 listed building, dating back to Victorian times, with Classic architecture of high ceilings, grand rooms and a very spacious feel to it. The hotel consists of two dining rooms, a bar and 10 letting rooms currently.

About the responsibilities

This role of Head Chef is a senior role, and is instrumental in overseeing the running of the Kitchen by managing the team members of the food preparation team, deciding what meals to serve and meeting guests expectations and requests. Being skilled in managing and guiding the team in a calm and controlled manner. Capable of choosing ingredients and using seasonally available food. Being creative and setting high standards that stimulate guests to come back again and again

As a Head Chef some of your key responsibilities will include:

  • Able to multi-task and work effectively under pressure
  • Organised and precise, with a keen eye for detail
  • Has food safety training and relevant culinary qualifications
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
  • Ability to remain calm in high stress situations
  • Have a solid understanding of kitchen hygiene standards and procedures to ensure hygiene compliance
  • recognises that great customer experience is key to the success of the hotel, and is keen to receive and respond to customer feedback in a constructive manner
  • enthusiastic, motivational, someone who strives for excellence
  • Determines how much food to order and maintains an appropriate supply at the restaurant
  • Keeps up with trends in cooking and the restaurant business to ensure that guests have a positive experience
  • Works quickly and accurately during busy periods, such as weekends and evenings
  • Occasionally takes on extra duties, such as cleaning, when the kitchen is short-staffed or the restaurant is particularly busy

About you

The ideal candidate for the role of Head Chef will possess:

  • A minimum of 2 years’ experience of Head Chef / supervisory role within a similar Hotel.
  • Excellent leadership, interpersonal and communication skills, with experience of managing and developing people within the kitchen and hospitality environment
  • Strong operational and organisation skills, with a hands-on and lead-by-example work style to deliver an exceptional performance and guest experience
  • Professional, flexible and resilient, with ability to work under pressure and ability to multi-task so as to successfully manage conflicting work priorities
  • Commitment to delivering excellent level of customer operational service standards
  • Excellent culinary skills; possesses the ability to perform all functions in the culinary operation
  • Extensive knowledge of food handling and sanitation standards
  • Experience with purchasing and maintaining kitchen equipment
  • Understanding of Restaurant, Bar/Lounge, Room Service and Catering operational procedures
  • Knowledge of overall hotel operations as they affect kitchen and related areas
  • Good training/facilitator skills
  • Knowledge of purchasing, inventory controls, supplies and equipment

About the work pattern and hours

The role of Head Chef is a full-time position working 45* hours over 5 days per week, as per rota and in line with business needs. The working hours equate to 47.5* hrs per week (including 30 mins. unpaid break) with shifts work which could be weekdays, weekends, evenings and Bank holidays depending on the needs of the business.

The role requires an expectation to occasionally work at other times as required by the business, e.g., there may be times when you need to attend work for a specific Function/Event.

  • A competitive salary up to £40,000 depending on skill and experience
  • Free meals whilst on duty
  • Free on-site parking
  • Uniform provided (for certain roles)
  • Generous hotel discounts after six months’ service
  • Staff recognition scheme, long service awards etc.
  • 28 days holiday, rising to 34 days after 5 years’ service (including Bank Holidays)
  • Various staff trips/events

To apply or for further information, please contact Ashley Beale, GM

thebellrecruit@bealeshotels.co.uk