Executive Chef NEW Eurest Posted today £45,000 per year Southampton Chefs

Chartwells Independent; Southampton; Hybrid; GBP 38,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Chartwells Independent in Southampton is seeking an experienced Executive Chef to lead our Eurest catering operation. You will take overall responsibility for the culinary operation, develop menus and drive exceptional food experiences.

The role requires a confident kitchen leader with strong cost control, staff development and a passion for seasonal, high‑quality food. This is an opportunity to shape food experiences and inspire the team.

Qualifications

• Experience as Executive Chef or senior culinary leader.
• Proven ability to plan exciting menus and manage costs.
• Strong leadership under pressure.
• Passion for high-quality food and customer experience.

Responsibilities

• Take overall responsibility for the culinary operation, from menu development through to service.
• Create fresh, innovative menus showcasing seasonal produce.
• Lead and develop the kitchen team to high standards.
• Maintain food quality, presentation and service.
• Manage food costs, GP, stock, waste and budgets.
• Ensure compliance with food safety and health & safety standards.
• Collaborate with management and client to deliver an outstanding customer experience.
• Drive culinary innovation and continually improve the food offer.

Skills

Kitchen leadership

Menu development

Food cost management

Staff development

Job description

Executive Chef - Southampton

£45,000 per annum | 40 hours per week

Are you an ambitious and creative chef ready to take the lead? We’re looking for an Executive Chef to join our Eurest team in Southampton and bring your passion, creativity and culinary expertise to a high-quality catering operation.

This is an exciting opportunity for a chef who wants to make their mark, lead from the front and create food experiences that genuinely stand out.

What you’ll be doing

• Taking overall responsibility for the culinary operation, from menu development through to service.
• Creating fresh, exciting and innovative menus that showcase great ingredients and seasonal produce.
• Leading, inspiring and developing the kitchen team to achieve exceptional standards.
• Maintaining consistently high standards of food quality, presentation and service.
• Managing food costs, GP, stock, waste and kitchen budgets.
• Ensuring full compliance with food safety, hygiene and health & safety standards.
• Working closely with the wider management team and client to deliver an outstanding customer experience.
• Driving culinary innovation and continuously looking for ways to improve the food offer.

What we’re looking for

We’re looking for an experienced Executive Chef, Head Chef or senior culinary leader who is passionate about food and takes pride in delivering exceptional standards.

You’ll be:

• A confident and inspiring kitchen leader.
• Creative, knowledgeable and commercially aware.
• Experienced in menu planning and food cost management.
• Passionate about developing people and nurturing culinary talent.
• Organised and calm under pressure.
• Focused on quality, consistency and customer experience.

Why join Eurest?

At Eurest, we believe food should be more than just a meal. We create better food, better experiences and better breaks, and we’re looking for chefs who share our passion.

If you’re ready to lead a talented team, put your creativity on the plate and take the culinary experience to the next level, we’d love to hear from you.