Head Chef

Perle Hotels Ltd; Portree; On-site; GBP 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A boutique hotel group in Portree is seeking an experienced Head Chef to lead the kitchen at Dulse & Brose. The role involves overseeing all kitchen operations, developing menus that celebrate local ingredients, and leading a talented team. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in culinary management and a passion for mentoring others. This position offers a competitive salary and great opportunities for professional growth while living on the stunning Isle of Skye.

Benefits

£45,000 per annum

Annual performance bonus of up to 5%

Equal share of tips and 10% service charge

Subsidised accommodation available

28 days annual leave plus TOIL

Company pension scheme

Complimentary gym membership

Employee Assistance Programme

Cycle to Work scheme

Staff discounts across all hotels

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Head Chef or strong Senior Sous Chef in a quality restaurant or hotel environment.
• Calm, organised, and hands-on leadership style.
• Strong understanding of food costs, GP margins, and kitchen KPIs.
• Confident menu planning skills focused on seasonal, Scottish produce.
• Excellent communication and organisational skills.
• A team-first mindset with a genuine passion for developing people.

Responsibilities

• Take full responsibility for kitchen operations at Dulse & Brose.
• Lead the kitchen brigade and shape menus.
• Ensure kitchen operates safely, efficiently, and profitably.
• Monitor food costs and kitchen financial performance.
• Promote food safety and compliance culture within the kitchen.

Skills

Leadership

Menu planning

Food cost management

Communication

Team development

Job description

Opportunity

Perle Hotels are seeking an experienced, grounded, and people-focused Head Chef to lead the kitchen at Dulse & Brose, the signature restaurant at The Bosville Hotel in Portree.

About Dulse & Brose

Dulse & Brose is a modern Scottish restaurant overlooking Portree Harbour, celebrating the best of Skye's seafood, Highland meats, and island produce.

The menu is confident but unfussy, seasonal without being precious, and designed to appeal to both hotel guests and the local community. Service is polished yet approachable, with a strong sense of warmth, rhythm, and genuine Highland hospitality at its heart.

The Role

As Head Chef, you will take full responsibility for the kitchen operation at Dulse & Brose; leading your brigade, shaping menus, maintaining standards, and ensuring the kitchen operates safely, efficiently, and profitably.

You’ll be a visible, hands‑on leader in the kitchen; setting the pace during service, developing your team, and working collaboratively with front‑of‑house to deliver a seamless guest experience.

What’s In It For You

• £45,000 per annum
• Annual performance bonus of up to 5% of salary
• Equal share of tips and 10% service charge
• Subsidised accommodation available (T&Cs apply)
• 28 days annual leave plus TOIL (T&Cs apply)
• Company pension scheme
• Complimentary 24‑hour Skye Gym membership
• Employee Assistance Programme & Cycle to Work scheme
• Staff discounts across Perle Hotels (rooms, dining, and spa)
• Clear opportunities for progression within a growing boutique hotel group

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Development

• Recruit, train, and retain a skilled and engaged kitchen brigade
• Mentor and develop team members, building confidence and future culinary leaders
• Manage performance through regular feedback, coaching, and reviews
• Lead by example during service, demonstrating consistency, pace, and quality

Culinary Delivery

• Design and maintain menus that reflect local, seasonal produce and the Dulse & Brose identity
• Deliver high‑quality, hands‑on cooking, plating, and presentation
• Introduce daily specials and seasonal changes that balance creativity with guest appeal
• Champion Scottish produce and build menus around provenance and freshness

Operations & Commercial Performance

• Monitor food costs, GP margins, and waste, taking ownership of kitchen financial performance
• Oversee stock control, ordering, and deliveries, ensuring accuracy and efficiency
• Liaise with suppliers to maintain quality, availability, and value
• Support menu engineering to ensure commercial viability alongside creativity

Compliance & Safety

• Maintain full compliance with food hygiene, health & safety, and allergen legislation
• Hold (or be willing to obtain) Food Hygiene Level 3
• Ensure HACCP systems, temperature records, and food safety documentation are accurate and up to date
• Promote a strong food safety and compliance culture within the kitchen

Collaboration & Guest Experience

• Work closely with the Restaurant Manager and FOH team to align service and kitchen operations
• Support a joined‑up, guest‑first approach across front and back of house
• Engage positively with guests when appropriate, welcoming feedback and building connection
• Contribute to wider hotel initiatives and cross‑department collaboration

What We’re Looking For

• Proven experience as a Head Chef or strong Senior Sous Chef in a quality restaurant or hotel environment
• A calm, organised, and hands‑on leadership style
• Strong understanding of food costs, GP margins, and kitchen KPIs
• Confident menu planning skills with a focus on seasonal, Scottish produce
• Excellent communication and organisational skills
• A team‑first mindset with a genuine passion for developing people
• The resilience and composure to lead during busy servicelin
• A desire to build both a career and a lifestyle on the Isle of Skye

Why Skye, Why Bosville

Life in Portree offers a rare balance of professional fulfilment and quality of life. For chefs who value strong produce, meaningful teamwork, and space beyond the pass, Skye delivers daily inspiration; from harbour‑side swims and coastal walks to a close‑knit community and slower rhythm outside service.

At Dulse & Brose, you’ll have the opportunity to lead a kitchen with purpose, consistency, and pride; building something sustainable, welcoming, and genuinely special.