Commis Chef (Apprentice)

Hampshire County Council; Eastleigh; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 25,000; Part time

Job summary

A local authority council is seeking a Commis Chef apprentice to join the Catering Team at Royal Victoria Country Park. This role involves working in a supportive, fast-paced kitchen environment, assisting in food preparation and ensuring high standards of food safety. The ideal candidate will have a passion for food and hospitality, a willingness to learn, and strong organizational skills. This temporary position offers a chance to gain hands-on experience and complete an apprenticeship qualification while working with a friendly team.

Benefits

Flexible work life balance

Family-friendly policies

Interest-free travel loans and discounts

Qualifications

• Physical stamina for lifting, bending, and standing during service.
• Strong time-management skills to prioritize tasks.
• Ability to work under pressure in a busy environment.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the preparation, cooking, and presentation of dishes.
• Contribute ideas and support smooth kitchen operations.
• Help maintain a clean and safe kitchen environment.

Skills

Passion for food and hospitality

Willingness to learn

Ability to work in a fast-paced environment

Good time management and organisational skills

Team player with a positive attitude

Job description

Job Reference: HCC623010

Salary Range: £24,225 - £24,415 pro‑rata, per annum

Work Location: The Cedar Room, Royal Victoria Country Park, Southampton

Hours per week:

Contract Type: Temporary - 12 months

Closing Date: 8 February 2026

Interview Date: w/c 9 February 2026

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Commis Chef (Apprentice) to join our Catering Team at Royal Victoria Country Park.

Do you have a passion for food and customer service, and looking for a new challenge? If so, when can you start?

We are seeking a Commis Chef (Apprentice) to join us at our café and restaurant in Royal Victoria Country Park. This is a fantastic opportunity to work in this modern, light‑filled space serving good mood food and the best sourdough pizzas this side of the Solent. Think hearty breakfasts, vibrant salads and freshly made food using locally sourced ingredients.

As a Commis Chef Apprentice, you will learn and develop the fundamental skills required to work in a professional kitchen. You will assist in the preparation, cooking, and presentation of dishes while gaining hands‑on experience and completing your apprenticeship qualification.

We are seeking a candidate who demonstrates the following:

• Passion for food and hospitality.
• Willingness to learn and develop new skills.
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced environment.
• Good time management and organisational skills.
• Team player with a positive attitude.

The Role

This role is part‑time (hours) covering a seven‑day week and includes weekend working. Mainly daytime hours, some evening working will be required to support with weddings and events. Sunday and Bank Holiday working are paid at an enhanced rate. Additional seasonal overtime hours will also be available.

What you’ll do

As a Commis Chef at the beautiful Royal Victoria Country Park, you’ll be part of a friendly, supportive team dedicated to creating great food and memorable experiences for every visitor. In this hands‑on role, you’ll develop your skills, contribute your ideas, and play an important part in the smooth running of a vibrant kitchen.

Deliver Exceptional Food & Service

• Help create a warm, welcoming experience for every guest through excellent food and attentive service.
• Communicate confidently and professionally with both visitors and colleagues, helping to build a positive, enjoyable working atmosphere.
• Tackle guest queries with a can‑do attitude and, if needed, upscale issues.
• Bring enthusiasm, punctuality and pride to everything you do, including training and development opportunities.

Be a Key Part of the Team

• Work closely with the F&B Manager, Kitchen Manager, Second Chef and wider team, supporting them to deliver great food and smooth service every day.
• Learn from experienced colleagues and contribute to a collaborative, supportive kitchen culture.

Champion Food Safety & Standards

• Carry out essential food safety and health & safety checks and keep accurate, up‑to‑date records.
• Receive stock deliveries, rotate produce correctly and follow all quality control processes.
• Help to maintain a clean, safe kitchen environment by following cleaning schedules and reporting any issues.
• Keep allergen information accurate and accessible, and complete all required training.

Get Involved in Day‑to‑Day Operations

• Prepare and serve food and drink to specification, showcasing attention to detail and strong hygiene standards.
• Support front‑of‑house tasks such as customer transactions and general cleaning when needed.
• Help maintain healthy stock levels through ordering and rotation, following Countryside Service policies.
• Report any operational concerns promptly to management.

Contribute to the Commercial Success

• Follow menu guidelines to ensure consistent portions and great value for our customers.
• Record daily wastage to support cost control and reduce waste.

What we’re looking for

We’re looking for someone energetic, enthusiastic and ready to grow within a busy kitchen environment. This role is hands‑on and fast‑paced, so you’ll thrive if you enjoy staying active and working as part of a supportive team.

You’ll bring:

• Physical stamina – you’ll be comfortable with lifting, bending, twisting and standing for extended periods during busy service times.
• A passion for food and hospitality – you care about great flavours, good service and creating a positive experience for every guest.
• A willingness to learn – you’re open to developing new skills and building your experience in a professional kitchen.
• The ability to work under pressure – you stay calm, focused and organised even when things get busy.
• Strong time‑management and organisational skills – you can prioritise tasks and keep the kitchen running smoothly.
• A team‑focused attitude – you enjoy working with others, contribute positively and bring a can‑do approach to every shift.

Our includes details of the holiday entitlement, pension scheme, flexi‑time scheme, family friendly policies and interest free travel loans and discounts. We offer a flexible, motivating and inclusive workplace. We have created an environment that you can look forward to being a part of, where you are empowered to be your best and a workplace built on teamwork where people can grow and develop in their roles. If you think you have what it takes to make a real difference in Hampshire, get in touch!

Hampshire County Council is recognised nationally as one of the highest performing local authorities in the UK. A modern, forward‑looking local authority, it offers a pleasant, supportive, and collaborative working environment.

Hampshire County Council is also a flexible employer interested in making the most of your skills and offers a great work life balance.