Head Chef

AccorHotel; Southampton; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading hospitality group in Southampton is seeking an experienced Head Chef to oversee kitchen operations, create exceptional dining experiences, and maintain the highest food quality standards. The ideal candidate will have a culinary degree, at least 2 years of leadership experience, and a passion for innovative cuisine. This is a full-time position with no remote work options.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years of experience as a Head Chef, Banquet Chef, or Executive Sous Chef.
• Proven leadership skills with the ability to motivate and manage a large kitchen team.
• Strong background in meetings and events catering.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire a diverse culinary team across multiple dining venues.
• Develop and implement creative high-quality menus.
• Oversee daily kitchen operations ensuring smooth service flow.
• Manage budgets, food costs, and labor costs effectively.
• Collaborate closely with the events team.
• Implement and maintain strict food safety and hygiene standards.

Skills

Culinary Experience

Food Handling

Restaurant Experience

Kitchen Management Experience

Food Preparation Experience

Leadership Experience

Education

Culinary degree or equivalent qualification

Tools

Kitchen management software

Microsoft Office suite

Job description

We are seeking an experienced and innovative Head Chef to lead our culinary team in Southampton United Kingdom. As the Head Chef you will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of our kitchen operations creating exceptional dining experiences and maintaining the highest standards of food quality presentation and all Food Safety Requirements.

• Lead and inspire a diverse culinary team across multiple dining venues and event spaces
• Develop and implement creative high-quality menus that showcase innovative techniques and diverse cuisines
• Oversee daily kitchen operations ensuring smooth service flow and maintaining exceptional standards
• Manage budgets food costs and labour costs effectively driving efficiencies without compromising quality
• Collaborate closely with the events team to create outstanding offerings for guests and clients
• Implement and maintain strict food safety and hygiene standards throughout all kitchen areas
• Oversee inventory management including ordering and stock control to minimise waste and optimise costs
• Mentor and develop kitchen staff fostering a positive and collaborative work environment
• Stay abreast of current food trends and culinary techniques to keep our offerings fresh and exciting
• Ensure compliance with all relevant health and safety regulations and food handling standards

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years experience as a Head Chef Banquet Chef or Executive Sous Chef in a high-volume multi-venue setting
• Culinary degree or equivalent qualification from a recognised institution
• Proven leadership skills with the ability to motivate and manage a large kitchen team
• Strong background in meetings and events catering
• Excellent communication skills in English; additional languages are advantageous
• Demonstrated expertise in menu planning food costing and budget management
• In-depth knowledge of various cuisines and innovative culinary techniques
• Solid understanding of health and safety regulations food handling procedures and HACCP principles
• Proficiency in kitchen management software and Microsoft Office suite
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment
• Passion for hospitality and creating memorable dining experiences
• Flexibility to work evenings weekends and holidays as required
• Creative problem-solving skills and ability to think on your feet

Remote Work: No

Employment Type: Full-time

Key Skills

Culinary Experience,Food Handling,Restaurant Experience,Kitchen Management Experience,Food Preparation Experience,Kitchen Experience,Food Industry,Cooking,Cost Control,Baking,Sanitation,Leadership Experience

Experience: years

Vacancy: 1