Head Chef

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

Job summary

A leading hospitality provider seeks a Head Chef for Beaulieu Motor Museum in Hampshire. The candidate will be responsible for culinary leadership across multiple outlets, focusing on menu development, operational excellence, and team training. Ideal applicants will have significant experience in high-quality settings and a passion for food and sustainability. The position offers competitive pay, career development opportunities, and various employee benefits, including free meals on shifts and wellness support.

Benefits

Free meals on shift

Free onsite parking

Contributory pension scheme

Digital GP access

Exclusive travel discounts

Supermarket savings

Cashback rewards

Free wellness classes

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Head Chef in a high‑volume environment.
• Strong leadership and team development skills.
• Ability to achieve financial targets without compromising quality.

Responsibilities

• Design and evolve menus reflecting seasonality and quality.
• Oversee kitchen operations, ensuring compliance with food safety.
• Manage budgets, control wastage, and achieve GP targets.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Organizational skills

Knowledge of food trends

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

Overview

As the Head Chef at Beaulieu Motor Museum, you will lead and elevate the culinary offer across this iconic visitor destination. Working with Restaurant Associates Venues (part of Compass Group), you will deliver exceptional food across a multi‑outlet operation that includes restaurants, retail grab & go, premium hospitality, and large‑scale event catering.

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

• 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.