Job Ref: SEG2218

Branch: Slieve Donard Hotel

Location: Slieve Donard Hotel, Newcastle

Salary/Benefits: £75k+ salary, dependant on experience, generous bonus and benefits package

Contract type: Permanent

Hours: Full Time

Shift pattern: Various

Hours per week: 40

Posted date: 27/03/2025

Closing date: 10/05/2025

Nestling at the foot of the Mountains of Mourne, the magnificent Slieve Donard Resort and Spa stands in six acres of immaculate private grounds. A golden strand of beach borders one side while the mighty Royal County Down golf course frames the other. This lovingly maintained Victorian hotel is home to one of Europe’s finest resort Spas and is perfect for a short break, residential conference or grand event. Now part of the Marine and Lawn portfolio there has never been a more exciting time to join our Team.

The Opportunity

We are seeking an exceptional Executive Head Chef to join our Executive Team and play a pivotal role in shaping the resort’s culinary vision. This is an exciting opportunity to lead a talented kitchen team, drive innovation, and deliver an outstanding dining experience that exceeds guest expectations.

The ideal candidate will be a dynamic leader, a creative culinary expert, and a strategic thinker who is passionate about delivering excellence.

The Executive Head Chef will:

• Manage all aspects of the culinary offering and operations within the Resort and assume responsibility for ensuring an exceptional culinary experience for our guests.
• Strong time management skills with the ability to delegate tasks effectively while remaining hands-on when necessary
• Curate exciting and up-to-date menus, in keeping with the style and format of each outlet and the brand. Spear head the training and delivery of each new menu with all team members.
• Lead and motivate team members through effective communication, training and development, in accordance with company policies and relevant employment legislation, ensuring HR procedures are followed.
• Manage the annual food budget, agreeing and implementing the appropriate mechanisms to effectively manage food costs and all contributing factors to the profitable performance of food outlets within the Resort.
• Ensure the interior, fixtures and equipment of each food outlet are properly maintained and presented, with the highest standards of cleanliness and housekeeping.
• Work closely with all internal and external stakeholders to promote and market the business; network with existing clients and develop strong relationships to enhance revenue opportunity within the outlets.
• Ensure quality standards and procedures are fully implemented and regularly reviewed throughout all outlet’s, ensuring feedback is used to promote continual improvement of our culinary offerings.
• Monitoring and managing the cleanliness of the kitchen ensuring compliance with all external and internal requirements.
• Responsibility for overseeing the timely production of the kitchen rota whilst working within payroll budgets.
• Utilising the in-house software fully for purchasing and stock control to achieve GP target.
• Maintain effective communication to ensure plans, challenges and successes are understood, and individual performance is aligned to the overall business strategy.
• Create and promote opportunities to develop and enhance effective working relationships within the team and across all stakeholders.
• Liaise with and utilise the support of suppliers and other external stakeholders as appropriate.
• Ensure an effective and safe working environment is maintained in compliance with appropriate legislation, such as Licensing Laws, Health Safety, and other statutory requirements.

What we are looking for

• Minimum of three years’ experience as a Head Chef in a similar-sized establishment.
• At least two years of experience leading and developing a team.
• Minimum Level 3 Food Hygiene qualification (Level 4 preferred).
• Strong knowledge of HACCP principles and experience implementing food safety standards.
• Proven ability to manage budgets, forecast costs, and drive financial performance.
• Experience leading a team through change and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• A passion for mentoring and developing team members to perform at their best.
• Strong conflict resolution and employee relations management skills.
• Outstanding communication, IT proficiency, and problem-solving abilities.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills with a collaborative approach.

The Perks

• Salary commensurate to the role.
• Bonus related payment for achieving Food Cost GOP
• Enrolment in pension from Day 1 for all eligible team members
• Meal on each shift in a dedicated team member area
• Access to everyday discounts from high street retailers
• Car Parking
• Discounted hotel room rates for you and your family across the portfolio (TCs apply)
• Refer a Friend Scheme - just by putting a good word in for a friend you could earn some extra cash
• Incentive schemes
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Team Celebration Awards
• Access to participating in healthcare plans and insurance plans - just in case
• Wage Stream - access to your salary as you earn.

Right to Work

In line with the Asylum and Immigration Act 1996, we do require all applicants to have the eligibility to live and work in the United Kingdom. Documentation will be required at interview stage.

About us

Marine Lawn Hotels Resorts is a collection of bespoke hotels in the world’s most distinguished golfing destinations. Nestled along some of the most coveted courses across the globe, each of our properties offer unforgettable travel experiences inspired in the history and legacy of the once-in-a-lifetime destinations they call home. Here, we invite locals, neighbours, and international guests alike to embrace the beauty of where land meets sea as they embark upon a journey rooted in service, storytelling, and adventure. For more information visit www.marineandlawn.com.

Nestling at the foot of the Mountains of Mourne, the magnificent Slieve Donard Resort and Spa stands in six acres of immaculate private grounds. A golden strand of beach borders one side while the mighty Royal County Down golf course frames the other. This lovingly maintained Victorian hotel is home to one of Europe’s finest resort Spas and is perfect for a short break, residential conference or grand event.