Executive Chef

Southampton Harbour Hotel; Southampton; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A premium dining establishment in Southampton is seeking a visionary Executive Chef to lead its kitchen. This role involves creating innovative menus, mentoring staff, and ensuring culinary excellence. The ideal candidate will have a proven record in high-level kitchens, a passion for seafood, and strong leadership abilities. A competitive salary and benefits are offered for the right candidate.

Benefits

Highly competitive salary

Performance-based bonuses

Discounts across Harbour Hotels properties

Qualifications

• Proven Executive Chef or ambitious Head Chef with high-level restaurant experience.
• Demonstrable track record in award-winning kitchens.
• Commercial acumen and understanding of kitchen financials.

Responsibilities

• Provide culinary leadership across The Jetty kitchen.
• Develop and deliver world-class menus with a focus on local seafood.
• Maintain compliance with food safety and hygiene standards.

Skills

Leadership and communication skills

Passion for seafood and modern British cuisine

Creativity and forward-thinking approach

Job description

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Job Title: Executive Chef – The Jetty Restaurant, Southampton Harbour HotelLocation: The Jetty, Ocean Village, Southampton

About Us:

The Jetty is the South Coast’s premier seafood dining destination, renowned for its vibrant marina setting and its 2 AA Rosette accolade. With nearly a decade of culinary excellence and a commitment to the very best in local and sustainable produce, The Jetty is a brand with ambition — and we are now entering an exciting new chapter. Working alongside Chef Patron Alex Aitken and our Head Chef, you will help shape the future of The Jetty as we aim to build the next chapter.

The Opportunity:

We’re looking for a visionary Executive Chef to lead, inspire, and elevate our kitchen operation to new heights. This is more than a head-of-kitchen role — it’s a chance to drive innovation, build on a solid foundation, and create a legacy of culinary excellence.

Working closely with our Head Chef and senior hotel leadership, you will be responsible for evolving the guest experience, developing new menus, nurturing the next generation of talent, and leading The Jetty into its next era of prestige. For the right person, this is a rare opportunity to put your stamp on one of the South’s most iconic restaurants.

Key Responsibilities:

Provide overall culinary leadership across The Jetty kitchen, working closely with the Head Chef to develop and deliver inspiring, world-class menus.

Champion creativity and innovation with a focus on fresh, local seafood and on-land produce, consistently pushing the boundaries of regional cuisine.

Set and uphold exacting standards of presentation, consistency, and guest satisfaction.

Lead, coach and mentor the kitchen brigade with a strong emphasis on training and progression, including apprenticeships and career development pathways.

Collaborate with the Chef Patron and the General Manager to align on guest experience and operational efficiency.

Oversee food costs, labour planning, ordering, and kitchen profitability — with an eye on waste reduction and sustainability.

Maintain strict compliance with food safety and hygiene standards, ensuring a safe and efficient working environment at all times.

Act as an ambassador for The Jetty brand, helping raise its profile within the industry and media.

What We’re Looking For:

A proven Executive Chef or ambitious Head Chef with experience at the highest level in a premium, high-volume restaurant.

Demonstrable track record of leading kitchens with accolades (e.g. AA Rosettes, Michelin Guide recognition).

Strong leadership and communication skills with the ability to inspire a team and foster a positive kitchen culture.

A passion for seafood and modern British cuisine, with a creative, forward-thinking approach to menu development.

Commercial acumen and a sound understanding of kitchen financials including GP, labour management and margin control.

A commitment to sustainability, local sourcing, and future-forward culinary practices.

Experience working collaboratively with FOH, senior hotel management, and external partners.

What’s inIt for You:

Highly competitive salary (negotiable based on experience).

Performance-based bonuses and excellent service charge.

Discounts across Harbour Hotels properties.

Tailored career development programmes.

Access to an employee assistance programme and team wellbeing platform .

Join Us:

If you’re an exceptional chef ready to help define the next chapter of The Jetty — a restaurant already at the top of its game — we would love to hear from you.

Please apply with your CV and a cover letter sharing your culinary philosophy and why you believe you are the right person to lead this evolution.