Head Chef - Pan-Asian Cuisine

Crieff Hydro Limited; Crieff; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent Scottish hospitality business is seeking an experienced Head Chef to lead the EAST restaurant at Crieff Hydro. This role requires extensive knowledge in Pan-Asian cuisine, strong leadership for a diverse kitchen team, and the ability to drive menu development and guest satisfaction. Ideal candidates have prior experience in high-volume restaurants and excel in both creativity and commercial aspects. Competitive accommodation and numerous employee perks are offered.

Benefits

Live-in accommodation

Free meals on shift

Exclusive discounts

Discounted hotel stays

Refer a friend bonus

Guest mention rewards

Career progression opportunities

Wellbeing support

Team events and annual parties

Qualifications

• Several years experience in Pan-Asian / Asian-inspired kitchens required.
• Experience in high-volume, destination restaurants or hotels is advantageous.
• Ability to support in various kitchen areas as needed.

Responsibilities

• Lead EAST restaurant operations at Crieff Hydro.
• Ensure food quality and guest experience.
• Deliver strong GP, labor control, and stock discipline.

Skills

Leadership

Menu development

People development

Commercial awareness

Education

4 or 5 star experience

Job description

Be part of the Family

We’re a family business through and through – family owned since 1868, family run and with a warm family welcome for guests and team alike. Our seven hotels are unique and set in three stunning Scottish locations. Some are big, some are small, but all offer fantastic food and drink, cozy beds and a wealth of things to do.

Crieff Hydro is one of Scotland’s most iconic hospitality businesses, welcoming over 200,000 guests a year across our hotels, restaurants, bars and experiences. Recent major investments have seen our kitchens, restaurants and bars at Crieff Hydro transformed to provide an updated offering to our guests.

At the heart of our food story sits EAST – our bold, vibrant South-East Asian restaurant, delivering Thai, Vietnamese, Malaysian, Japanese and Pan-Asian flavours in a modern, theatrical dining experience.

About The Role

We are now seeking an exceptional Head Chef with extensive experience in Pan-Asian cuisine to take ownership of EAST – someone who can lead a kitchen like a business, a brand and a brigade, and who truly lives our values:

Be Creative. Be Curious. Be Thoughtful. Be Positive. Be You.

What We Are Looking For

• A Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef with several years experience in Pan-Asian / Asian-inspired kitchens.
• A confident leader of large, multi-section brigades.
• Strong in menu development, GP control and kitchen systems.
• Commercially minded but creatively driven.
• Passionate about developing people and building culture within the kitchen.
• Experience in high-volume, destination restaurants or hotels is a strong advantage.
• The ability and flexibility to help support in other areas of our busy kitchen where needed.

As Head Chef within EAST, you will lead one of Crieff Hydro’s most exciting restaurant concepts. You will be responsible for food quality, commercial performance, team leadership and guest experience, ensuring EAST is recognised as a distinctive addition to Crieff Hydro’s resort dining experience.

What We Need From You

• You’ll have previous 4 or 5 star experience at Head Chef/Senior Sous level as a minimum.
• Champion the EAST concept and continuously evolve it.
• Lead, inspire and develop the team around you.
• Deliver strong GP, labour control and stock discipline.
• Contribute to the creation of menus that are exciting, profitable and guest data-driven.
• Make Crieff Hydro a place chefs are proud to work.
• Live and breathe by the company values of Be Creative, Be Curious, Be Thoughtful, Be Positive and Be You.

What You’ll Get From Us

• Live-in Accommodation – On-site, affordable housing with bills included may be available. Most rooms are single occupancy with an ensuite, though this isn’t guaranteed.
• Free Meals on Shift – Stay fuelled and focused with delicious staff meals while you work.
• Exclusive Discounts – Enjoy free leisure membership for you and a partner, 30% off retail, 50% of food and drinks, and reduced rates on hotel activities.
• Team Rate Hotel Stays – Take time to recharge with discounted stays at all of our hotels from just £30 per night.
• Refer a Friend Bonus – Earn up to £250-£500 for each successful team member or manager which you recommend to us.
• Guest Mention Rewards – Earn £5 every time a guest gives you a positive shoutout in a review.
• A Friendly & Supportive Team – Work in a fun, welcoming environment where team spirit and well-being are a priority.
• Career Progression – With seven hotels, multiple departments, and a wide range of roles, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to grow and explore new career paths.
• Wellbeing Support – Get 24/7 confidential support via the Health Assured Employee Assistance Programme, covering mental health, finances, and more.
• Team Events & Annual Staff Party – We love to celebrate our people! Enjoy team events throughout the year and a legendary annual staff party.

Careers at the Crieff Hydro Family of Hotels

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Please note: This opportunity does not qualify for sponsorship. To be considered for this role, you must have the right to work in the UK.