Head Chef - Southampton

Compass Group; England; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading catering company in Southampton seeks an experienced Head Chef to lead a dynamic kitchen team on weekdays. The role requires strong kitchen management skills, a passion for culinary excellence, and commitment to sustainability. Ideal candidates will inspire creativity and quality while overseeing daily operations. Competitive hourly rate offered.

Qualifications

• Seasoned Head Chef with experience in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong kitchen management skills, including stock control.
• Passionate about seasonal, sustainable ingredients.

Responsibilities

• Lead kitchen operations and maintain high culinary standards.
• Oversee production stages from prep to service.
• Build strong relationships with clients and stakeholders.

Skills

Kitchen management

Team leadership

Culinary creativity

Food costing

Sustainable practices

Quality control

Job description

Head Chef - Weekdays only!

Location: Southampton, SO15 1ST

Working Pattern: Monday to Friday, daytimes.

Hourly Rate: Up to £18.06 per hour (DOE)

Are you ready to take the lead in a dynamic culinary environment where creativity, excellence, and innovation are always on the menu?

We're on the hunt for a visionary Head Chef who lives and breathes food, someone who's not just skilled in the kitchen but dedicated to creating exceptional dining experiences. This is more than just a cooking role; it's an opportunity to lead, inspire, and deliver unforgettable food programmes that push boundaries and excite every palate. If you're driven to constantly raise the bar and love developing a high‑performing kitchen team that thrive on creativity and excellence, we want to hear from you.

From fuelling early risers with fresh, energizing breakfasts to delivering standout lunch experiences and seamless hospitality, your role at Carnival Cruises Head Office will be as varied as it is rewarding.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead your kitchen like a well‑seasoned pro, ensuring every plate tells a story of flavour, consistency, and character.
• Oversee every stage of production - from prep to pass - making sure each dish is as beautiful as it is delicious.
• Create a kitchen culture where high standards come naturally and pushing culinary boundaries is part of the daily rhythm.
• Keep flavour, freshness, and food safety in perfect harmony - no shortcuts, no compromises.
• Team up with hospitality colleagues to serve up memorable moments, from intimate dining to bold VIP banquets.
• Champion seasonal ingredients, bold flavours, and sustainable practices that excite guests and respect the planet.
• Stay sharp on food trends and forward‑thinking techniques - you know what's next before it hits the menu.
• Build strong relationships with clients and stakeholders - you speak the language of food and business.
• Deliver excellence beyond the plate by hitting key targets in quality, safety, sustainability, and cost control.

What you'll bring to the table:

• A seasoned Head Chef ready to take the lead in a fast‑paced, flavour‑driven environment with multiple dining touchpoints.
• A natural kitchen leader who inspires a culture of creativity, consistency, and culinary pride.
• Energised by developing talent and creating a kitchen team that thrives on excellence, efficiency, and shared success.
• Committed to delivering exceptional food experiences while upholding company standards and exceeding client expectations.
• Highly organised with strong kitchen management skills - from service flow to stock control and everything in between.
• A true chef at heart - passionate about seasonal, sustainable ingredients and creating dishes that speak to the senses and tell a story.
• Confident balancing flavour and finance - skilled in food costing, supplier relationships, and smart kitchen economics.
• Calm, focused, and fast on your feet - you thrive in a busy service and never compromise on quality under pressure.

At Eurest, we are the experts in workplace catering, operating in over 700 workspaces every day. We know that fuelling employees throughout the day can help to sharpen their thinking, nourish their bodies and minds and ultimately, motivate them to perform at their best. Our workplace food experiences are driven by our promise to live more sustainably and responsibly, working towards our goal of net zero by 2030.

For more information about careers at Eurest and our benefits please visit: Careers at Eurest

Job Reference: com/0311/99248001/52773021/SU #Eurest

Compass Group UK&I is committed to fostering an environment where every individual can truly be themselves at work and has equal opportunities to advance in their careers. We strive to build a culture that respects and celebrates the unique talents, beliefs, backgrounds, and abilities of all our team members. We want our colleagues to feel valued, empowered to reach their full potential, and to thrive - because diversity is our strength!