Snowdonia Hospitality & Leisure Ltd
Site: Waterloo Hotel
Known for exceptional food, warm hospitality and commitment to quality ingredients, we are seeking a passionate and experienced Head Chef to lead our kitchen and culinary offering.
Every memorable dining experience at the Waterloo begins behind the scenes with our culinary team’s commitment to an efficient service and exceptional cuisine. With two dining venues and outdoor cooking & dining area, you’ll be working in busy, yet exciting kitchen, working with fresh, seasonal, local ingredients.
We're looking for a Head Chef who not only enjoys delivering the best on the plate but also relishes in passing on skills and mentoring new recruits. Mentoring and Leadership are key qualities for this role.
Role Overview:
As Head Chef you will have responsibility for the kitchen operations, menu development and team leadership. You will drive culinary excellence working alongside the team during service hours, while maintaining food and labour cost controls, food safety and a positive team culture.
Key Responsibilities:
- Design, develop and execute seasonal menus that reflect our brand and customer expectations
- Working alongside the kitchen team, lead, train and inspire them by leading by example and fostering teamwork amongst the team and front of house
- Deliver the weekly staff rota and manage the teams annual leave requests
- Oversee daily kitchen operations, including prep, service, cleanliness, HAACP, health and safety
- Manage food costs, labour costs, inventory and positive supplier relationships
- Ensure consistent quality presentation and portion control
- Maintain strict compliance with food safety, allergen regulations, hygiene and health regulations
- Collaborate with management on pricing, dishes events, group bookings
- Recruit schedule and performance manage the kitchen team
- Work collaboratively with our sister hotel catering team as required
Requirements:
- Proven experience as a Head Chef or sous chef in a comparable establishment
- Strong relationship and people-management skills
- A friendly and pro-active approach to the role
- Ability to foster a collaborative, respectful and performance driven kitchen culture
- Strong communication skills to ensure seamless operational co-ordination
- Creativity with a solid understanding of classic and modern cooking techniques
- Excellent organisational and time management abilities
- Experience with budgeting, cost control and inventory systems
- Knowledge of food safety standards and local regulations
- An openness to adopting and executing menus and professional operating standards (including in partnership with our sister hotel catering team as required)
- A "can do" attitude to customer requests, and the drive to exceed customer expectations
- The flexibility & reliability to work varying shifts, including mornings, evening, weekends and holidays as required by the business.
About Us:
We are an award-winning, family-owned hospitality business that has been operating in the heart of Eryri National Parkfor over 50 years. Our three hotels — the Waterloo Hotel, Royal Oak Hotel and Stables Lodge — are all located in the picturesque village of Betws-y-Coed.
Our other unique venue, Y Stablau, offers a modern interpretation of the traditional village inn, hosting regular event nights and showcasing an extensive selection of locally sourced drinks and ales.
Across our sites, we operate five restaurants & bars, outdoor dining and drinking areas, takeaway services, and a comprehensive spa, beauty, swimming, fitness and leisure facility. We also cater for weddings, private functions and corporate events.
With excellent facilities, well-appointed guest rooms, and locally sourced, seasonal produce served in individually designed settings, we are committed to culinary excellence, outstanding hospitality, and supporting our local community.
We are proud to have received numerous industry awards, including, 4 star AA and 3 Star Visit Wales ratings, Visit Wales 2025 Award finalists and a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence. Above all, we are most proud of our people — whose dedication and passion have made us the success we are today.
What's in it for you?
- If you love dining out, you’ll enjoy the discounts we offer across our restaurants. 50% discount on food while you’re working and 20% discount when you’re off duty on site and at our sister hotel.
- Annual Pay Reviews
- Health & wellbeing programme
- Discounted gym, leisure, spa and beauty at our leisure club.
- Free On-site parking
- A permanent 40hour contract of employment.
- Competitive salary
- Xmas Eve, Xmas Day and Boxing Day 2026 Off
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Discounted or free food
- Employee discount
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Application question(s):
- Please provide us with any other relevant information about yourself and why you feel you would be suitable for this role.
- How will you be commuting to Betws-y-coed LL24 0AR for this job? Would you be using public Transport or have use of your own car?
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
