Head Chef

Compass Group UK & Ireland; Beaulieu; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading hospitality company is seeking a Head Chef for Beaulieu Motor Museum. This role involves overseeing kitchen operations, designing seasonal menus, and leading a skilled culinary team to deliver exceptional food across multi-outlet operations. The ideal candidate will have proven experience in high-volume environments and excellent leadership skills. In addition to competitive salary, the position offers comprehensive benefits including free meals and career development opportunities.

Benefits

Free meals on shift

Free onsite parking

Contributory pension scheme

Exclusive travel discounts

Cashback rewards

Wellness classes

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Head Chef in a high-volume, multi-outlet environment.
• Background in visitor attractions, premium hospitality, or contract catering.
• Strong knowledge of allergens, dietary requirements, and modern cooking techniques.

Responsibilities

• Lead culinary delivery for private events and corporate functions.
• Oversee kitchen operations ensuring compliance with food safety regulations.
• Design and evolve menus reflecting seasonality and sustainability.

Skills

Leadership and communication skills

Organisational skills

Knowledge of food trends and dietary requirements

Creative and results driven

Solution-focused and adaptable

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Title: Head Chef
Location: Beaulieu Motor Museum, Hampshire
Salary: Up to £45,000 per annum
Contract: Permanent, Full-Time, 5 out of 7 days per week

As the Head Chef at Beaulieu Motor Museum, you will join one of the UK’s most iconic heritage attractions to lead and elevate the culinary offer across this unique visitor destination. Working with Restaurant Associates Venues (part of Compass Group), you will be responsible for delivering exceptional food across a multi-outlet operation that includes restaurants, retail grab & go, premium hospitality, and large-scale event catering.

This role requires a chef with strong leadership capability, refined culinary standards, and the ability to balance high-volume visitor catering with high-quality food delivery across a busy, year-round attraction and events calendar.

Success in this role means visitors, members, and event guests consistently enjoy outstanding food across all outlets, with kitchens operating efficiently, safely, creatively, and profitably. Working in close partnership with the Beaulieu client team, you will ensure that food and hospitality are a key part of the museum’s overall visitor experience and reputation.

Responsibilities:

Menu Development & Innovation – Design and evolve menus that reflect seasonality, sustainability, premium ingredients, and the Beaulieu brand. Develop a diverse range of offers from casual dining to premium hospitality and events, ensuring consistency and creativity across all outlets.

Operational Excellence – Oversee all kitchen operations, ensuring full compliance with food safety legislation, company policies, and contractual requirements. Maintain high standards of quality, presentation, and service.

Leadership & Team Development – Lead, train, and inspire a skilled brigade of chefs. Foster a positive, professional, and high-performing kitchen culture throughout peak visitor periods and special events.

Cost Control & Profitability – Manage budgets, control wastage, oversee ordering and stock management, and achieve GP targets while maintaining food quality and guest satisfaction.

Collaboration – Work closely with front-of-house teams, senior RA Venues stakeholders, and the Beaulieu client team to deliver a seamless and memorable visitor experience.

Event & Hospitality Delivery – Lead culinary delivery for private events, corporate functions, premium hospitality, and seasonal attractions across the museum’s events program.

The Ideal Candidate:

• Proven experience as a Head Chef in a high-volume, high-quality, multi-outlet environment
• Background in visitor attractions, heritage venues, premium hospitality, or contract catering
• Strong leadership and communication skills with the ability to motivate and develop teams
• Excellent organisational skills and calm under pressure during busy operational periods
• Strong knowledge of food trends, allergens, dietary requirements, and modern techniques
• Demonstrated ability to achieve financial targets without compromising standards
• IT-literate with good Microsoft Office skills
• Passionate about food, hospitality, and visitor experience
• Adaptable, resilient, and solution-focused
• Creative, commercially aware, and results driven
• Committed to sustainability, responsible sourcing, and Compass Group values

What We Offer:

We ensure you’re rewarded for your hard work with a comprehensive benefits package including (but not limited to):

• Free meals on shift
• Free onsite parking
• Contributory pension scheme
• Career development through our Career Pathways and MyLearning programs
• Digital GP access for you and your immediate family
• Wider healthcare and wellbeing support
• Exclusive travel discounts with TUI, Expedia, Booking.com and more
• Supermarket savings with Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons and others
• Up to 44% off cinema tickets
• Cashback rewards across a wide range of brands
• Free wellness, mindfulness, and exercise classes
• Share discounts with friends and family

About Us:

Part of Compass Group UK & Ireland, Restaurant Associates delivers exceptional hospitality through outstanding food, drink, and service. We work with some of the UK’s most respected cultural, heritage, and visitor destinations to create memorable experiences.

At Beaulieu Motor Museum, our mission is to enhance every visitor’s day through great food and warm hospitality — from casual café dining to premium events. Our teams take pride in quality, creativity, and service excellence.

Job Reference:

Compass Group UK & Ireland is committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone can be themselves and thrive. We celebrate diversity, champion inclusion, and empower our teams to reach their full potential — because diversity is our strength.