Job Description

Head Chef

Make every stay special with Daish’s Holidays

Looking for your next step in your culinary career? Whether you're an experienced Head Chef looking for a new challenge or an experienced Chef ready to take the next step into a senior leadership role, Daish’s Holidays could be the perfect fit for you.

We’re looking for an enthusiastic, organised and experienced Head Chef to lead our kitchen team and help us deliver the great food that is at the heart of the Daish’s guest experience.

All-year-round employment | Fantastic employee benefits

What will you be doing?

Being a Head Chef with Daish’s is slightly different to working in a typical hospitality kitchen. Our guests generally dine at the same time and choose from a set menu, meaning there's no cooking to order. Instead, batch cooking, preparation and organised delivery are key to running a successful kitchen.

Breakfast is served at 8:30am and dinner at 6:30pm, with the aim of having the whole restaurant served within approximately 45 minutes.

Preparation is key to success, which is why we provide a comprehensive support system through our Operations team, menu guides and dedicated suppliers.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Leading and developing the kitchen team to ensure the smooth and efficient running of the department.
• Controlling and directing food preparation and other kitchen operations.
• Planning and organising kitchen activities to ensure meals are prepared and served to the required standards and timings.
• Managing the kitchen within the budget constraints of the relevant season and maintaining effective cost control per head.
• Monitoring food usage and expenditure to ensure agreed budgets are maintained.
• Overseeing stock replenishment and ensuring appropriate stock levels are maintained.
• Completing monthly stock checks and submitting the required information to the Accounts Office for cost-per-head calculations.
• Maintaining accurate food safety records, including SFBB logs and food labelling systems, ensuring records are always up to date and available for inspection.
• Maintaining high standards of food hygiene and working towards achieving and maintaining a minimum rating of 4 in external local authority inspections, as well as meeting internal standards.
• Ensuring all Health & Safety and food safety procedures are followed within the kitchen.
• Supporting the development of efficient kitchen processes and maintaining high standards of food quality and presentation.
• Working closely with hotel management and the wider kitchen support team to deliver a consistent dining experience for our guests.

What are we looking for?

We're looking for an experienced chef who is confident leading a kitchen team and who understands the importance of organisation, preparation and cost control.

We're looking for someone who is:

• Experienced in managing and leading a kitchen team.
• Confident managing food costs, stock and kitchen budgets.
• Highly organised and able to manage multiple responsibilities across the full kitchen operation.
• A strong leader who can motivate, support and develop their team.
• An excellent communicator who can build positive working relationships.
• Knowledgeable about food safety, Health & Safety and kitchen legislation.
• Familiar with current culinary trends and efficient kitchen processes.
• Committed to maintaining consistently high standards of food quality and hygiene.
• Passionate about delivering great food and an excellent guest experience.
• Positive and committed to the values of Daish’s.

A Level 3 Food Hygiene Certificate is required for the role. If you don't currently hold this qualification, we can provide the relevant training for you.

Why join Daish’s?

At Daish’s, we believe that our people are just as important as our guests. That's why we offer more than just a job.

When you join us, you'll benefit from:

• Quarterly bonus when agreed targets are achieved.
• Stable, all-year-round employment – we don't close for the winter.
• Career progression opportunities across our hotels and wider business.
• £100 refer-a-friend bonus, shared between you and your friend.
• An extra paid day off for your birthday.
• Access to mental wellbeing and financial support to help you when you need it.
• A friendly, inclusive and supportive working environment.
• Staff, Friends & Family Holiday Discount – enjoy a Daish’s holiday from just £105 for you, your family and friends, including accommodation, breakfast, dinner, coach travel and entertainment.

The role involves working evenings, weekends and bank holidays, so flexibility is important.

About Daish’s Holidays

We are an established, family-run holiday company with over 45 years of experience creating memorable holidays for our guests.

Today, we operate 11 hotels across 9 locations throughout the UK, alongside our own fleet of luxury coaches. While we continue to grow and look towards an exciting future, our family values remain at the heart of everything we do.

Clean & Comfortable Accommodation | Good Food | Great Entertainment | Friendly Service

These values are what make a Daish’s holiday special. We pride ourselves on providing great-value holidays for all ages, whether our guests are looking for a relaxing break, fantastic entertainment, delicious food or the chance to explore some of the UK's most wonderful destinations.

Our commitment to great holidays and outstanding customer service has been recognised through a number of industry awards, including Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards and Group Travel & Leisure Awards.

With more than four decades of experience behind us, we’re proud of our heritage as a family company – but we're always looking towards the future.

If you're an experienced chef looking for a senior role where you can lead a team, develop your career and benefit from a structured approach to kitchen operations, we'd love to hear from you.

Come and join the Daish’s family and help us make every stay special!