An opportunity has arisen for an experienced, creative Head Chef to join our established and welcoming team in the Forest Brasserie in addition to assisting our Executive Head Chef in managing other areas of the kitchen operation as required.

Head Chef (Forest Brasserie) Overview:

The Forest Brasserie is a relaxed dining venue which celebrates locally sourced produce and is located within the Country Club with stunning views over the golf course and Ashdown Forest.  With an open kitchen to the Brasserie, we are able to create a relaxed atmosphere which gives the team the opportunity to interact with our guests and create a sense of theatre.  The Head Chef will be responsible for the management, running and direction of the Brasserie Kitchen, reporting to the Executive Head Chef.  This is a hands-on role which is an active part of the hotel operation and the successful candidate will need to lead by example.  There will be fantastic scope to progress your career and showcase your leadership skills, creativity and passion for food supported by the Executive Head Chef.

Key Responsibilities

• To oversee the service of food, maintaining the highest level of food production as required by the Hotel.
• To deputise in the absence of the Executive Head Chef.
• To promote good working relations with all team members creating a friendly environment in which to work.
• To create a warm and welcoming environment for hotel guests to enjoy.
• To ensure that each section is manned efficiently and working to the best of its ability.
• To oversee all training and motivate new and existing staff.
• To establish and maintain a high standard of discipline and appearance in kitchen staff.
• To control all food storage activities and to ensure all food is kept in prime condition and a good method of stock rotation is being used in all areas/sections of the kitchen.
• To ensure that the kitchen is organised and run to the highest possible levels of safety and hygiene.

Head Chef Attributes/Experience

• Be a strong leader and exemplary role model with a hands on approach.
• Have enthusiasm, dedication and a genuine passion for food.
• Demonstrate excellent communication skills and have a positive ‘can do’ attitude with the ability to lead and develop a team.
• Have excellent time management skills and the ability to remain calm under pressure.
• NVQ level 2 or 3 in Professional Cookery or equivalent is desirable.
• Have excellent understanding of kitchen Health & Safety.
• Understanding of managing a kitchen in line with budgeted food costs.

If you feel that you can rise to this challenge, then please submit your application as soon as possible. We reserve the right to close the role early if sufficient applications are received

Due to our rural location you will need your own transport

At Elite Hotels we have a single minded and unwavering goal to make every visit to our hotels a positive experience that customers feel compelled to talk about

About Ashdown Park Hotel & Country Club:

Ashdown Park Hotel and Country Club is a stunning grade two listed country house set in 186 acres of beautiful grounds on the edge of the Ashdown Forest. With an award winning 4 red star Hotel, fine dining two rosette Anderida Restaurant, 3 lounges, 17 conference & banqueting rooms, Cocktail Bar, Brasserie, fully equipped Country Club and Spa, we offer our guests a complete experience.

Why work at Ashdown Park Hotel & Country Club:

As an accredited Investor in People, we are dedicated to the development of our staff. Many of the team started out in junior roles, but have been offered training and promotional opportunities as their skills have grown. We are very fortunate to have a large percentage of long-term team members able to offer their experience and expertise to the next generation of hospitality professionals – this could be you!

Benefits

To support and reward our staff we offer:

• A commitment to pay above the living wage
• Generous share of the monthly Service Charge (which is dependant upon overall sales performance)
• Career development with accredited training providers
• Enhanced holiday programme & reward scheme for long service
• Employee Assistance Programme - Hospitality Action
• Meals provided by our talented kitchen team
• We have plenty of free parking
• Generous 'Refer a Friend' bounty incentive
• We also have amazing recognition awards for exceptional customer service
• Reduced price stays in all of our hotels where you are treated like a guest no matter who you are! (after successful completion of probation period)
• Discounts available for spa treatments and for food and beverage (after successful completion of probation period)
• Uniform provided
• Smart Penion Scheme which is linked to Smart Rewards which gives employees free, unlimited access to over 1200 discounts 
• Access to Wagestream which helps you keep track of your earnings in real-time; gives you access to the wages you have earned; helps you to save wages; gives you access to a financial health score checker. 

For full details of the benefits on offer please check our website: https://www.careersatelitehotels.co.uk/why-work-elite