Head Chef – The Star Hotel, Kingussie (Highlands, Scotland)
We are seeking an experienced, passionate, and highly motivated Head Chef to lead our kitchen team at our welcoming Highland hotel in Kingussie.
The Star Hotel features 21 charming rooms, a busy bar, and a restaurant offering both a popular bar menu and a refined seasonal à la carte menu. This is an exciting opportunity for a strong culinary leader to take full responsibility for kitchen operations and shape the food offering across the business.
We are looking for a Head Chef who thrives in a hands-on environment, enjoys developing people, and is driven to deliver consistently high-quality food using fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage all aspects of the kitchen operation across breakfast, lunch, and dinner services
- Design, develop, and execute creative seasonal menus for both bar and restaurant
- Take full responsibility for food quality, consistency, and presentation standards
- Manage kitchen staffing, training, rota planning, and team development
- Oversee stock control, ordering, supplier relationships, and food cost management
- Ensure full compliance with all food hygiene, health & safety, and kitchen regulations
- Control kitchen budgets and contribute to overall profitability of the food operation
- Maintain a positive, professional, and motivated kitchen environment
- Work closely with senior management to drive standards and business growth
Requirements
- Proven experience as a Head Chef or strong Senior Sous Chef ready for promotion
- Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire and manage a kitchen team
- Passion for fresh, seasonal produce and modern Scottish / British cuisine
- Excellent organisational, planning, and communication skills
- Strong understanding of food costing, GP targets, and kitchen financial control
- Ability to remain calm and effective in a busy, high-pressure environment
- Flexible and hands-on approach to all aspects of kitchen work
Benefits
- Competitive salary, depending on experience
- Meals on duty
- Staff accommodation may be available (subject to availability and fee)
- Opportunity to lead the kitchen in a well-established Highland hotel
- Supportive management and genuine scope to shape the food offering
How to Apply
If you are an ambitious and dedicated chef ready to take full ownership of a kitchen and make your mark in a Highland hotel, we would love to hear from you.
Please apply with your CV and a short cover letter.
Please note: No sponsorship available.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: From £37,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Discounted or free food
- On-site parking
Experience:
- Kitchen management: 3 years (required)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
