Hotel Head Chef

Snowcoach is an independent family run company established in 1978, operating a hotel in the French Alps offering friendly, good value skiing/snowboarding holidays. We have many returning clients, year on year, which we think says a lot about our holidays and, most importantly, our staff!

We are looking for an experienced chef who would relish a position in the mountains and spending time on the slopes, who is not afraid of hard work and has the commitment to exceed client expectations, as well as having a sense of fun!  Your team includes a second chef and two kitchen assistants.  This role is very important to us as, in our experience, the head chef can make or break a client’s holiday. We do not offer a la carte service in our restaurant, it is family style, more like a large dinner party with tables of 12 clients!

Job Description: Reports to Hotel Manager

• Take overall ownership of the kitchen, kitchen staff and the dining room.
• Supervise and work with the team to prepare and deliver wholesome high-quality meals for all clients and staff (buffet-style breakfast, home-made afternoon cakes, 4-course evening meal with wine). Children's suppers provided as necessary during peak weeks.  Meals are served 7 days a week and are based on English menus. Client dietary requirements and allergies are notified in advance of arrivals.
• Manage the kitchen budget and minimise expenditure and wastage.
• Monitor stock levels and place all food and drink orders (French speaking receptionist to help if needed).
• Responsible for high levels of kitchen and food hygiene standards ensuring kitchen and storage areas are clean and safe and meet statutory health and safety requirements, training staff as necessary.
• Maintain and develop good working relationships with all suppliers.
• Client satisfaction is monitored through the weekly collation of client questionnaires which are evaluated and sent to resort.

What we are looking for:

• Possession of an EU or UK passport. (For UK nationals working in France we now have to obtain a work permit on your behalf and a visa, unless you have a Carte de Sejour.  All staff will be on a French contract.)
• NVQ Level 2 or equivalent catering qualification is desirable.
• A current valid HACCP hygiene certificate is desirable.
• Previous experience in kitchen, hospitality and customer service industries.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and time-management skills.
• Previous experience in mentoring/training teams is desirable.
• French language skill is advantageous
• Driving licence and experience of driving overseas/mountains is desirable.
• Confident in a pressurised kitchen environment.

Salary and Benefits

In addition to working for an independent, family run firm with over forty years’ experience where you are a valued member of the team and not just a number, the main benefits are:

• Competitive salary + bonus scheme
• Meals and private accommodation
• Free or subsidised travel to and from resort
• Full ski lift pass - whole area
• Skis and boots from our in-house ski shop/servicing of your own equipment
• Medical insurance if applicable
• Uniform
• Hotel bar discount
• Generous family and friends holiday discount
• Going skiing/boarding!