Executive Chef

Compass; Southampton; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food service company in Southampton is seeking an experienced Executive Chef to drive the culinary vision and lead a high-performing team. The role involves menu innovation, ensuring food quality and safety standards, and operational excellence across multiple outlets. The ideal candidate will have proven experience in a leadership role and exceptional culinary skills. This position offers a comprehensive benefits package and the chance to shape culinary direction within the company.

Benefits

Contributory pension scheme

Career development programmes

Digital GP access

Travel discounts

Food shop discounts

Cinema ticket discounts

Cash rewards

Wellness and exercise classes

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a Head Chef or Executive Chef role.
• Strong, influential leadership skills with the ability to inspire and motivate.
• Solid business management capability within a kitchen environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop, innovate, and approve menus.
• Oversee VIP events and exclusive functions.
• Ensure food quality standards are achieved consistently across all operations.
• Lead a strong health & safety culture across all kitchens.
• Achieve food production, labour, and GP targets.
• Drive continuous improvement as part of the contract leadership team.
• Recruit, train, and develop the culinary team.

Skills

Culinary skills

Leadership skills

Business management

Education

NVQ Level 3 in Professional Cookery or equivalent

Level 3 / Intermediate Food Hygiene qualification

Job description

We ensure you're rewarded for all your hard work, which is why we offer a comprehensive benefits package which includes but is not limited to:

• Contributory pension scheme
• Grow your career with our Career Pathways and MyLearning programmes
• Quick access for you and your immediate family to a Digital GP, and wider healthcare benefits
• Exclusive travel discounts with TUI, Expedia, Booking.com and many more
• Save money on your food shop with discounts on Tesco, Sainsbury's, Morrisons and many more
• Up to 44% off cinema tickets to enjoy your favourite blockbuster
• Receive cash rewards every time you spend and use them on a wide range of brands
• Un-wind with us with free wellness, mindfulness and exercise classes
• You can share all discounts and offers with your friends and families

Are you a dynamic and innovative culinary leader ready to take charge of a large and complex food service operations? We’re looking for an Executive Chef to lead our culinary vision, drive exceptional food quality, and inspire a high‑performing kitchen team. This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced and passionate Executive Chef who thrives in a fast‑paced, multi‑outlet environment and is committed to delivering excellence.

About the Role

As our Executive Chef, you will take overall ownership of food production across several outlets. Your influence will shape menu innovation, operational performance, client satisfaction, and the professional growth of your team. You’ll ensure the consistent delivery of high‑quality dishes, lead VIP and exclusive functions, and raise the bar in health, safety, and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

Customer & Client Satisfaction

• Develop, innovate, and approve menus
• Oversee VIP events and exclusive functions
• Ensure food quality standards are achieved consistently across all operations

Operational Excellence

• Lead a strong health & safety culture across all kitchens
• Achieve food production, labour, and GP targets
• Drive continuous improvement as part of the contract leadership team
• Recruit, train, and develop the culinary team, ensuring strong succession planning
• Support apprenticeship programmes
• Oversee food purchasing, stock control, and cost management
• Perform additional duties as reasonably requested

Health & Safety

• Champion and maintain high health‑and‑safety standards at all times

About You

Essential

• Expert culinary skills
• Proven experience in a Head Chef or Executive Chef role
• Strong, influential leadership skills with the ability to inspire and motivate
• Solid business management capability within a kitchen environment

Desirable

• NVQ Level 3 in Professional Cookery or equivalent
• Level 3 / Intermediate Food Hygiene qualification

Additional Requirements

• Uniform and PPE provided
• Completion of One Compass Welcome Induction and on‑site training required

Why Join Us?

You’ll be joining a forward‑thinking team where quality, innovation, and excellence are at the heart of everything we do. You’ll have the autonomy to shape culinary direction, develop your team, and make a meaningful impact across a major contract.