Head Chef Contract Catering

Blue Arrow - Southampton; Fareham; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading contract catering company is looking for a Head Chef in Fareham to deliver high-quality food service in a structured kitchen environment. Responsibilities include leading a team of 6, overseeing operations, managing menus, and ensuring food hygiene standards. The ideal candidate will have prior experience as a Head Chef, strong organizational skills, and be comfortable using kitchen management systems. This full-time position offers a competitive hourly rate of £16.35 and various employee benefits.

Benefits

Employee discount schemes

Free on-site parking

Company pension

Free meal on shift

Uniform provided

Qualifications

• Previous experience as a Head Chef or in a similar senior role is essential.
• Relevant catering qualifications are desirable.
• Flexible to support occasional weekend or seasonal events.
• Ability to lead and develop a kitchen team effectively.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support a team of 6 kitchen staff.
• Oversee daily kitchen operations and food service.
• Plan menus and ensure meal quality and presentation.
• Manage staff rotas, attendance, and performance.
• Maintain compliance with food hygiene and health & safety legislation.

Skills

Communication skills

Leadership skills

Organizational skills

Computer literacy

Education

Catering qualifications

Tools

Kitchen management systems

Job description

Head Chef - Fareham | Contract Catering | £16.35 p/h + Benefits

Job Type: Full-time, Permanent

Hours: 37.5 per week

Schedule: 5 days over 7, mixture of early and late shifts

Salary: £16.35 per hour

Benefits:

• Employee discount schemes
• Free on-site parking
• Company pension
• Free meal on shift
• Uniform provided

About the Role

We are recruiting a Head Chef for a busy contract catering site in Fareham, responsible for delivering high-quality food service to a large and consistent customer base. This is a structured, well-organised kitchen environment with a reduced workload during holiday periods, offering stability and work-life balance.

You will lead and develop a team of 6, ensuring smooth operations, excellent food standards, and consistent service across all meal periods. This role suits a confident, organised Head Chef who thrives in a high-volume setting.

Service Times

• Breakfast: 06:30 - 08:30
• Lunch: 11:30 - 13:30
• Evening Meal: 17:30 - 19:30

Shift Patterns

• Early: 05:30 - 13:30
• Late: 11:00 - 19:00
• A typical week will include a combination of both.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate, and support a team of 6 kitchen staff.
• Oversee daily kitchen operations, food preparation, and service delivery.
• Plan menus and ensure all meals are nutritious, well-presented, and delivered on time.
• Manage staff rotas, attendance, and performance.
• Support occasional seasonal functions or events.
• Control ordering, stock levels, and food waste.
• Maintain full compliance with food hygiene and health & safety legislation.
• Use catering and rota systems confidently - computer literacy is essential.

About You

You are an experienced senior chef with strong organisational skills and the ability to run a busy kitchen effectively.

You will:

• Have previous experience as a Head Chef or in a similar senior role (essential).
• Hold relevant catering qualifications (desirable).
• Be computer literate and comfortable using kitchen management systems.
• Demonstrate great communication and leadership skills.
• Be flexible to support occasional weekend or seasonal events.

What We Offer

• £16.35 per hour
• Free on-site parking
• Free meal during shift
• Uniform provided
• Reduced workload during downtime periods
• Access to a wide range of employee benefits, including:
  • Contributory pension
  • Career development programmes
  • Digital GP services
  • Discounts on major retailers (Tesco, Sainsbury's, Morrisons, etc.)
  • Travel discounts (TUI, Expedia, Booking.com, and more)
  • Up to 44% off cinema tickets
  • Wellness, mindfulness and exercise classes
  • Shareable discounts for friends and family

Interested? Hit the Apply now button and send us an updated CV.

Blue Arrow is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to helping find great work opportunities for great people.