Head Chef Designate

Harper's Steakhouse; Southampton; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a dynamic kitchen environment as a Head Chef Designate at a growing premium pub collection in Southern England. This role offers the chance to lead a team, work with fresh ingredients, and achieve a real work/life balance while contributing to a valued culinary tradition.

Benefits

Real work/life balance

Tronc scheme with 100% of tips

Career development opportunities

Generous food and accommodation discounts

Qualifications

• Experienced Sous Chef or Head Chef looking for a new opportunity.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced kitchen environment.
• Passion for using seasonal ingredients.

Responsibilities

• Lead a vibrant kitchen operation and ensure high food quality.
• Coach and inspire the kitchen team to deliver exceptional service.
• Maintain 5-star hygiene standards.

Skills

Leadership

Cooking from scratch

Team coaching

Consistency and standards

Hygiene standards

Job description

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Ready to Take the Leap into Head Chef Leadership?

Are you an experienced Sous Chef with your eyes set on
leading your own kitchen within the next 12 months? Or perhaps you're already a
Head Chef looking for a fresh start in a growing company that truly values its
people? If so, this could be the opportunity you've been waiting for.

We’re on the hunt for a passionate, quality-driven Head
Chef Designate to join our vibrant, fresh food kitchen operation. This is
your chance to step up and shine in a business that’s going places – fast!

What’s in it for you?

• Real
  work/life balance – we genuinely mean it!
• Tronc
  scheme – 100% of tips go to our team.
• Career
  development – a clear path to Head Chef and beyond.
• Generous
  discounts – up to 50% off food and accommodation across our pubs and
  Charming Bedrooms.

A Role You’ll Be Proud Of

We’re looking for a natural leader – someone who:

• Loves
  cooking from scratch with quality, seasonal ingredients
• Thrives
  in a fast-paced, fresh food environment
• Knows
  how to coach, inspire and bring out the best in their team
• Has
  a passion for consistency, standards and 5-star hygiene
• Brings
  energy, positivity and a “let’s get it done” attitude

This isn’t a role for the faint-hearted. We’re busy, and
we’re only getting busier – but if you love a challenge, you’ll thrive here.

Who are we?

We’re Upham Inns – a collection of premium pubs
across Southern England, each one unique, full of character, and rooted in its
local community. We serve high-quality, seasonal food in warm, welcoming pubs –
many with charming bedrooms too.

We’ve also recently launched Harper’s Steakhouse – a
fresh, bold take on the American steakhouse, and it’s already making waves.

Why Join Us?

We’re growing fast – and we want you to grow with us. We
invest in our people, we value individuality, and we’re building something
special.

We’re big enough to support you with great opportunities,
yet small enough to know your name. If you’re ready to make your mark and join
a passionate, friendly team where your ideas count – then we’d love to hear
from you.

Your next chapter starts here. Ready? Let’s cook.