Commis Chef/Chef de Partie – live in available

Job Description

Background

We have an opportunity for an ambitious and enthusiastic chef to join our small kitchen team. Although this role would ideally suit a capable Commis Chef looking for wider experience, we have also had great success in the past with first-time chefs. It’s all about the attitude! Skills and knowledge can be taught. Our team tends to remain stable for long periods (Nick and Joe have 11 Knockendarroch years between them) and so if you fancy working somewhere exceptional, check out the job details below.

It is also worth saying that the culture within the kitchen and throughout all the departments at Knockendarroch is respectful and accommodating. Head Chef and Sous Chef are very good at their jobs, and they are honestly a delight to work with. New members of the team are given training and time to develop, and apprenticeships are available for those that wish. The quality and consistency of our whole product really is the outcome of a team working well together.

What we do

– We are an 18 bedroom family run hotel in central Pitlochry.
– Good Hotel Guide ‘Scottish Hotel of the Year’.
– Consistently ranked in the top 3 hotels in Scotland on Tripadvisor.
– Our restaurant is evening service focused serving up to 36 covers per night – no lunches.
– The food is superb. Modern Scottish with classical influence. We operate at the high end of the two AA red rosette standard.
– We have a daily changing 4/4/4 menu which keeps things interesting for guests and chefs.
– All food (including stocks, ice creams etc) prepared in-house.
– This is a 3 chef kitchen with 2 chefs running each evening service.
– 36 fantastic a la carte breakfasts served each morning.

Specifics of the job

This is a classic small kitchen team – slightly top heavy, with all chefs contributing to all areas of prep and service. The job on offer is the most junior of the three positions, but don’t let that fool you. You will be responsible for prepping and plating around half the dishes that are served each night. As follows:

– 4.5 days per week – that’s three consecutive nights off per week.
– Running 5 breakfast shifts per week (7.15am – 12pm)
– Afternoon prep and evening service 4 days per week (3pm until c.10pm)
– You will be involved in all sections and all aspects of prep.
– You will plate all cold starters and all desserts.
– We have no KP in the kitchen (not enough to do) and so chefs wash their own pans.
– There is also a deep cleaning aspect to the job.

The package

– Salary £28,600 plus performance related bonus of up to £1,400
– Equal share of tips with all tips fully distributed to staff on a monthly basis.
– Holidays are largely taken at season end when the hotel is closed. We close from mid December through until early February. That’s about 7 weeks of paid holiday per year.
– Single bedroom in one of our staff houses may be available (£60 per week all bills included).

Prospective candidates

– This role would ideally suit a capable Commis Chef looking for wider experience, although we have also had great success in the past with first-time chefs.
– Essentially, we are looking for an ambitious person with a genuine interest and passion for food. Skills and knowledge can be taught, but personality and attitude can’t. An enthusiasm for learning and a calm personality are vital for working in this small, friendly and respectful team environment.
– It is vital to understanding that details matter and that corner-cutting doesn’t work when consistently achieving quality at this level.
– It should go without saying that a tidy personal appearance, excellent hygiene awareness, and an ability and desire to keep a tidy section and kitchen are vital attributes.
– Professional references will be required.
– For the right candidate this is a great opportunity to learn fast and be given more responsibility and more interesting work sooner than would otherwise be possible in a larger kitchen.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: £28,600.00 per year

Additional pay:

• Tips

Benefits:

• Company pension

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Pitlochry, PH16 5HT: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Work Location: In person

Reference ID: Chef