Job Description

Role Summary

:
We are seeking a reliable, talented and passionate Head Chef to lead our kitchen team at The White House Hotel on Herm. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in food preparation and production, with a keen understanding of food safety standards.
As the Head Chef, you will play a pivotal role in creating exceptional dining experiences while managing kitchen operations and leading a team.
This position requires stability, creativity, and a commitment to excellence in hospitality.

This role is based primarily in The White House Hotel covering the Conservatory Restaurant (40 covers), The Ship Inn (100 covers including gardens and courtyard), private and corporate events in the Marquee (150 covers) and hotel beaches, plus seasonal staff meals.

This role is to be offered on a Seasonal/Fixed Term contract with a view to moving to a Permanent Contract for the right candidate. Salary/Pay to be discussed at interview.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

Menu Creation

Understanding of a la carte menu development, production and dish presentation to Rosette level demonstrating attention to detail

Creative with ingredients; adapting to any limitations without impacting on guest satisfaction

Aware of food concepts, current market trends and allergens

Flexible in approach and thought to menus to maximise guest happiness and GP% across a la carte, brasserie and private event menus

Financial Control

Controlling stock and food production ensuring minimal waste or spoilage of produce

Producing kitchen team rotas, monitoring kitchen team hours in accordance with budgets and the level of business

Monitor and control inventory levels of ingredients and supplies within the agreed budget

Teamwork, Collaboration

Working with the Hotel Management Team to achieve the business goals of guest satisfaction and contentment whilst operating within agreed budget parameters

Collaborate with colleagues across other business units for the benefit of the Island as a business and community

Leading and Developing a Team

Training kitchen staff in food preparation techniques, safety protocols, and according to operational procedures

Maintaining a positive work environment that encourages teamwork and professional growth amongst all kitchen personnel

Food Safety & Hygiene, Health & Safety, HACCP

Meticulous approach to Food Safety & Hygiene in practice and record keeping

Adhering to the company's Health & Safety procedures

Knowledge and implementation of HACCP principles

Competencies Required

Confident, reliable, resilient and disciplined

Strong communication and organisational skills

Technical Skills Required

Rosette/fine dining experience desirable

Qualifications / Experience Required

Minimum 5 years proven experience of leading a kitchen at Head Chef level

Professional Cookery Qualification

Level 3 Food Safety & Hygiene

General

Impeccable personal presentation, setting and upholding the standard for the kitchen team
This role is hands-on and requires a good level of health, fitness and stamina

Working within the Health and Safety at Work (General) (Guernsey) Ordinance, the postholder has a legal duty to take reasonable care for Health and Safety both for themselves and others who may be affected by their actions. They are also required to undertake Health and Safety training commensurate with the level required by the post and to take part in risk assessment procedures and the implementation of agreed recommended work practices within the area. Undertaking other duties not specifically stated which from time to time are necessary without altering the nature or level of responsibility. In addition to the required key responsibilities, it is expected that every employee acts in a professional manner at all times, including when off duty, as guests and employees use the same facilities, infrastructure and social areas.

About working on Herm Island

The small paradise island of Herm is just off Guernsey in the Channel Islands, which lie in the English Channel between southern England and northern France.
Herm is a designated tourist island which is reached by a 20-minute ferry journey from Guernsey harbour, and where guests and day visitors enjoy year-round hospitality.

Guest accommodation includes:

The White House Hotel: 40-bedroomed boutique hotel with several family sized and dog friendly rooms. Self-catering Holiday Cottages: 19 cottages and apartments dotted around the island sleeping between 2 - 7 people. Seagull & Mermaid Campsites: offering over 130 seasonal pitches rented on an annual basis by Guernsey families, and 23 equipped tents for short-term hire April to September. Herm also has a range of dining options and facilities including: The Conservatory Restaurant: a 40-cover classic, fine-dining hotel restaurant. The Ship Inn: a brasserie style inn seating 70 inside, and 80 in the courtyard and garden. The Mermaid Tavern: a popular and busy gastro pub which also hosts live entertainment and events throughout the year with a capacity of 500 people. 150-seater marquee for special events in the hotel grounds. Harbour Village, Shell Beach and Belvoir Bay Cafes: three outdoor seated cafes, one in the busy Harbour Village and the other two at the most scenic and popular beaches in Herm. The Herm Shop: a busy shop which stocks a host of products from gifts and clothing to beach goods and toys.

Working in Herm

Working and living in Herm is a truly unique and rewarding opportunity. There are approximately 50 permanent staff with year-round roles with up to an additional 100 seasonal staff. The hospitality teams are supported by several back-office departments including finance, reservations, administration, marketing, and recruitment. The island properties, infrastructure and landscape are maintained by a team of professionals and the island also has its own cargo vessel managed by the Services team. As there are no cars or bicycles in Herm a good degree of fitness is required to negotiate the varied terrain. With no resident doctor or hospital, shortlisted applicants are advised to self-assess their suitability to work on the island. Several residents are trained as community first responders delivering first aid, policing, and fire services.

The rewards are plentiful if you are hard-working and motivated by small team collaboration, helping others, delivering a professional service and above all, taking accountability for your role.

Vision & Culture

Our VISION is to have a sustainable business whilst preserving the unique appeal of Herm Island, including environmental project work. Our CULTURE encourages a hard-working, collaborative, team approach focused on accountability, empowerment and ultimately excellent customer and staff experience.

Benefits

Flat 20% Income Tax rate over personal allowance, plus low Social Security rate
Zero VAT
Competitive board & lodging rates
Free ferry travel between Herm and Guernsey
Staff discounts on-island
Preferential accommodation rates for Friends and Family outside of Peak Season
Stunning beaches with exceptional sea swimming / kayaking / SUP opportunities
On the job training to include Level 2 Food Hygiene certification

Notes

NOTES: to enable us to consider your application please read the below information before completing the NOTES section in your application

EXPERIENCE: If you have no relevant prior experience, please provide additional information in the NOTES section.

ELIGIBILITY - Please confirm what relevant permissions you possess to work in Herm Island, or whether permissions need to be obtained under the States of Guernsey Work Permit Policy - information on Work Permits can be found here (copy and paste into your browser) https://www.gov.gg/immigration

IMPORTANT - When applying please UPLOAD your CV and a cover letter explaining why you wish to apply for the position.

AVAILABILITY - If you are successful, please let us know your preferred start / finish dates?

OTHER - If you are applying as a couple, please state your partner's name.

Job Types: Full-time, Fixed term contract, Temp to perm
Contract length: 7 months

Pay: From 30,000.00 per year

Additional pay:

Tips
Benefits:

Company pension Discounted or free food Employee discount Free or subsidised travel
Schedule:

10 hour shift Every weekend Monday to Friday
Experience:

Head chef: 3 years (preferred)
Work Location: In person

Reference ID: Head Chef - 2025 Season