We are looking for a skilled and passionate Head Chef to lead the kitchen team at Castle Craig Hospital. In this vital role, you will be responsible for overseeing all kitchen operations, menu planning, food preparation, and ensuring high-quality culinary experiences for our clients and staff.
About us
Castle Craig is an addiction rehab hospital set in the peaceful countryside of the Scottish Borders, just 45 minutes from Edinburgh and 50 minutes from Glasgow. We are conveniently located near both Biggar and West Linton, and are just under 20 minutes from Peebles. Our dedicated team shares a common mission: to offer compassionate support to those overcoming addiction.
Key responsibilities:
- Preparation and cooking of meals for up to 100 people per day – ensuring a quality product that is attractively presented and meets a strict daily time schedule.
- To manage the day-to-day running of the kitchen.
- Lead and manage kitchen staff, providing guidance and training as needed
- Develop and create innovative menus that meet quality standards
- Ensure compliance with food safety regulations and maintain a clean and organised kitchen
- Oversee food preparation, cooking, and presentation
- Collaborate with management to plan and execute special events or promotions
- Manage inventory, control food costs, and place orders for supplies
- Maintain a positive and professional approach with team members
- Ensure the correct economic use of materials, equipment, and foodstuffs.
- In accordance with current legislation and our food safety policy, ensure correct food handling, storage, temperature, and logging procedures.
- Supervision and direction of catering assistants.
- Ensure that you are compliant with work and cleaning schedules.
- Accepting, checking, and signing for goods into the department.
- Development of healthy, varied, and nutritious weekly menus. Advise management on menus.
- Support with all events arranged by Castle Craig, including the annual reunion.
- Driving the kitchen van to deliver food around the campus as and when required.
- Fulfilling all the key responsibilities of efficient kitchen management.
- Any other duties delegated as may reasonably be required of you.
Requirements
- Desirable – Proven experience as a Head Chef or similar role in a restaurant or hospitality setting for a period of at least two years.
- In-depth knowledge of culinary techniques, kitchen equipment, and food safety standards
- Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and manage a team effectively
- Excellent communication and organisational skills
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment while maintaining attention to detail
- A culinary degree or relevant certification is a plus
- A valid driver’s licence
- Must hold an Elementary Food Hygiene qualification and preferably an Intermediate Hygiene qualification.
- Practical experience in all areas of a kitchen.
- Food hygiene knowledge.
- Ability to cater for different diets.
- Ability to effectively work within a high-performing team.
Benefits:
- Free parking
- Free lunches
- Company pension
- On-site gym
- Sick pay
Schedule:
- 8-hour shifts
- 40 hours per week as rostered
Salary:
£33,000 – £40,000, dependent on experience and qualifications.
Responsible to:
Head of Development, Facilities & Services
Apply
The successful candidate must be able to reliably commute daily to West Linton. Due to our remote location, there is no reliable public transport available.
If you have a passion for creating exceptional culinary experiences, leading a team, and driving kitchen excellence, we invite you to apply for the Head Chef position.
To apply for this position, please complete an online application form with your CV, or send your CV to: hr@castlecraig.co.uk