Head Chef

The Opportunity

Our client a boutique hotel in Orkney is recruiting for a Head Chef. 

As Head Chef, you’ll lead the kitchen team to deliver high-quality food, excellent

service and a safe, well-organised kitchen. You’ll be responsible for creating a

positive team culture, maintaining food standards, managing costs and developing

your team.

This is a temporary role with the opportunity for a permanent role for the right candidate.

Key responsibilities

•  Lead the kitchen team by example every day.
•  Create a positive, respectful and supportive working environment.
•  Plan rotas to ensure the kitchen is staffed effectively.
•  Recruit, train and develop your team.
•  Hold regular one-to-one conversations and give constructive feedback.
•  Manage performance fairly and confidently where standards aren’t met.
•  Encourage teamwork between the kitchen and front of house.

Food Quality

Deliver consistently high standards of food quality and presentation.

Maintain recipe specifications and portion control.

Ensure menus are produced consistently and efficiently.

Monitor guest feedback and continually improve standards.

Support menu development with creativity and commercial awareness.

Food Safety & Compliance

Ensure full compliance with food hygiene legislation and Company standards.

Maintain excellent Food Safety Management procedures.

Ensure HACCP procedures are followed at all times.

Keep the kitchen clean, organised and audit-ready.

Ensure all team members complete mandatory training.

Financial Performance

Manage kitchen labour in line with agreed budgets.

Control food costs, wastage and stock levels.

Complete regular stock takes and investigate variances.

Order responsibly and negotiate effectively with suppliers where appropriate.

Look for opportunities to improve efficiency without compromising quality.

People

Build an engaged and motivated kitchen team.

Coach and develop future chefs.

Support apprentices and junior team members.

Promote wellbeing and speak up early if someone needs support.

Help create career opportunities for your team.

Health & Safety

Maintain a safe working environment.

Complete required checks and risk assessments.

Ensure equipment is maintained and faults reported promptly.

Follow Company procedures for accidents, incidents and near misses.

Working with Others

Work closely with the General Manager and wider hotel team.

Support business goals and commercial performance.

Communicate openly and professionally.

Help create a one-team culture across the hotel.

Requirements

• Previous experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef.
• Strong leadership and people management skills.
•  Excellent cooking skills and attention to detail.
•  Good understanding of food safety legislation.
•  Commercial awareness and ability to manage budgets.
•  Ability to work under pressure while maintaining standards.
•  Strong organisational and communication skills

What's on Offer

• Full time role 45 hours per week
• Salary £42,000-£45,000 depending on experience
• Live in accommodation available
• Immediate start available

Apply Now
To apply please send your CV to Sophie Ross at Global Highland by sending your CV via this advert or call (phone number removed) for further details.