Head Chef

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

Job summary

A leading hospitality company is seeking a Head Chef for the Beaulieu Motor Museum. This role involves overseeing culinary operations across multiple outlets, ensuring exceptional food quality and service while managing a skilled team. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in high-volume environments, a passion for food, and creativity in menu development. Responsibilities also include achieving financial targets and working closely with teams to enhance the visitor experience. A comprehensive benefits package is offered along with career development opportunities.

Benefits

Free meals on shift

Free onsite parking

Contributory pension scheme

Career development programs

Digital GP access

Healthcare support

Exclusive travel discounts

Supermarket savings

Discounted cinema tickets

Cashback rewards

Wellness classes

Share discounts

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Head Chef in a high-volume, high-quality environment.
• Strong leadership and communication skills to motivate teams.
• Excellent organizational skills, calm under pressure.
• Knowledge of dietary requirements and food safety.
• IT literate with good Microsoft Office skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and innovate menus that reflect seasonality and sustainability.
• Oversee kitchen operations, ensuring compliance with food safety legislation.
• Lead, train, and inspire a skilled brigade of chefs.
• Manage budgets and achieve financial targets.
• Collaborate with teams to enhance visitor experience.
• Lead culinary delivery for events and functions.

Skills

Leadership

Organizational skills

Knowledge of food trends

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Creativity

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.

Qualifications

• 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.

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.