Vacancy at Herm Island Limited
2025 - Head Chef
The White House Hotel
Vacancy listed
25/04/2025
Application deadline
31/05/2025
Details
Contract Type: Seasonal/Fixed Term with the possibility of a Permanent contract for the right candidate
Start Date: Immediate if possible
End Date: November
Department: The White House Hotel
Start Date: Immediate if possible
End Date: November
Department: The White House Hotel
Reports to: Hotel Manager, Hotel Operations Manager
Key Reports: None
Hours per Week: Average 30 - 56 per week across the season, actual hours will flex according to business demands
Pay: To be discussed at interview
Key Benefits:
Hours per Week: Average 30 - 56 per week across the season, actual hours will flex according to business demands
Pay: To be discussed at interview
Key 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 through the Loyalty Scheme
- 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
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.
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.
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
Menu Creation
· Understanding of a la carte menu development, production and dish presentation to Rosette level demonstrating attention to detail
· 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
Technical Skills Required
· Rosette/fine dining experience desirable
Qualifications / Experience Required
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.
· 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 Cafés:
- three outdoor seated cafés, 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.
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
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.