Job Title: Chef
Reports to: Estate Chef, Lead Chef
Department: Leisure and Tourism
Location: High Force Hotel
Hours: Full Time – Permanent
Rate of Pay: £32,000 per annum
Job Ref: VA240-2026
About Raby
Raby is thriving, family-run estate under the stewardship of the Vane family, with a rich heritage and a forward-looking vision. Steeped in history, Raby Castle is surrounded by over 200 acres of beautiful parkland in County Durham, Raby has been home to generations of the Vane family and remains a vibrant destination offering tourism, hospitality, and events throughout the year.
In addition to Raby Castle and its grounds, the estate also includes High Force Waterfall, one of England’s most spectacular natural attractions, and the High Force Hotel, which offers accommodation and dining in the heart of the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The estate comprises extensive landholdings across County Durham and Shropshire, with a focus on sustainable land management and stewardship of the countryside.
About the Role
The Chef plays a key operational role in delivering high-quality food across all services at High Force Hotel. This position combines strong day-to-day production responsibilities with specific ownership of important service periods, ensuring consistency, standards, and guest satisfaction.
The role contributes directly to the kitchen’s strategic objective of maintaining excellent food service standards while supporting a structured, compliant, and professional kitchen environment.
Our Kitchen Vision
High Force Hotel delivers traditional English cuisine in a distinctive heritage setting within Raby Estates. The kitchen culture prioritises:
- Well-executed classic dishes
- Consistency and presentation standards
- Strong hygiene and food safety discipline
- Guest-focused flexibility, including dietary and allergen requirements
- A supportive team culture that encourages development
This role is an important part of delivering that vision consistently.
Service Ownership – Breakfast & Sunday Lunch
This role includes defined responsibility for two key service areas:
- Breakfast Service: Ensuring efficient preparation, timely service, and consistent standards
- Sunday Lunch: Delivering one of the hotel’s most popular and established services, maintaining the existing concept, quality, and reputation
Level of Responsibility
The Chef is responsible for:
- Delivering food standards during their shift
- Managing their section effectively
- Supporting compliance and safe working practices
- Leading assigned service periods (breakfast and Sunday lunch)
Team supervision and overall kitchen control remain with the Sous Chef and Lead Chef.
Skills Required:
- Experience working in a professional kitchen environment
- Good understanding of food hygiene and HACCP principles
- Knowledge of allergen procedures and dietary requirements
- Ability to manage a service section independently
- Strong organisation and time management skills
- Experience in traditional English cuisine is desirable
Qualifications:
- Food safety certificate in Food Hygiene (Preferred)
Knowledge/Experience:
- Experience working in a professional kitchen environment
Other:
Behavioural Expectations
The Chef is expected to demonstrate:
- Reliability and a strong work ethic
- Attention to detail in preparation and presentation
- Calm performance during busy service periods
- Willingness to learn and follow direction
- Positive teamwork and professional conduct
What we have to Offer
- Attractive salary
- 33 days holiday, including statutory holidays
- Group Pension Scheme with a 7.7% employer contribution with the option to salary sacrifice
- Group Life Insurance
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Health Cash Plan
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Buy/Sell Holiday Scheme
- Free on-site car parking
- Discounts at Raby retail and food outlets
- Discounts for stays at Raby’s High Force Hotel
- Complimentary access to Raby Castle and High Force leisure attractions
- A behind-the-scenes tour of Raby Castle
- Invitations to Raby Estate social events throughout the year
- A chance to work in one of the most unique and beautiful venues in the region.
- A role that is dynamic, engaging, and never predictable—no two days will be the same!
- A supportive and enthusiastic team that makes every workday enjoyable.
How to apply
If you feel you have the necessary skills, experience and personality to undertake this role, please apply HERE
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