Head Chef in Southampton

Head Chef in Southampton

Southampton Full-Time 28575 - 34925 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a dynamic kitchen team and create innovative menus for university dining.
  • Company: Join Sodexo, a company that values individuality and empowers its teams.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, mental health support, and exclusive discounts.
  • Other info: Enjoy a vibrant workplace with opportunities for personal and professional development.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on campus dining and inspire a passionate team.
  • Qualifications: Proven culinary leadership experience and relevant chef qualifications.

The predicted salary is between 28575 - 34925 £ per year.

  • Solent University, East Park Terrace, Southampton SO14 OYN
  • Monday to Friday 40hrs pw occasional evening and weekends

At Sodexo, we believe in delivering outstanding service, fostering meaningful experiences, and empowering our teams to thrive. We’re on the lookout for a passionate and motivated

Head Chef to become an integral part of our dynamic team. If you’re ready to drive excellence and innovation within university catering operations and team leadership, this is the opportunity for you!

About the Role

Are you a passionate and innovative Head Chef ready to make your mark in a dynamic university environment?

We're looking for a talented culinary leader to inspire and develop a high-performing team, deliver exceptional dining experiences, and shape the future of food across campus.

This is an exciting opportunity to combine creativity with commercial expertise while leading a diverse catering operation that includes student dining, retail food outlets, hospitality events, summer schools, and digital food delivery services.

As Head Chef, you'll oversee food production, menu development, kitchen operations, and hospitality services, ensuring the highest standards of quality, safety, and service.

Working closely with colleagues across the business, you'll play a key role in driving sales growth, enhancing customer satisfaction, managing costs effectively, and delivering a fresh, innovative food offer that meets the needs of the university community.

  • What We’re Looking For
  • Proven experience in culinary leadership, menu planning, food safety, stock management, and team development.
  • A proactive and solution-oriented mindset, with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
  • Strong communication and leadership skills to inspire those around you.
  • Relevant professional chef qualifications and food hygiene certification 706/2 or equivalent

What We Offer

At Sodexo, this is more than just a job—it’s your chance to be part of something greater.

We celebrate individuality, encourage purpose-driven work, and empower you to succeed on your own terms.

Here’s what you can expect when you join us

  • A competitive salary & excellent benefits package.
  • Opportunities for career growth and development.
  • A diverse, supportive, and inclusive workplace.
  • A chance to make a tangible impact on the quality of the campus dining experience, commercial performance, and the delivery of innovative, sustainable catering services.
  • Unlimited access to an online mental health and wellbeing support platform.
  • An Employee Assistance Programme for legal, financial, and personal support.
  • 24/7 access to a virtual GP service.
  • Exclusive discounts for you, your family, and friends through the Sodexo Discounts Scheme.
  • Membership in the Mercer Aspire Pension Plan to help you save for your future.
  • Learning and development opportunities to enhance your career growth.
  • A Bike to Work Scheme, supporting both your fitness and the environment.

Ready to Be Part of Something Greater?

If you're looking for an opportunity where you can bring your passion, skills, and ambition to a company that truly values you, then this is it.

Friendly customers. Vibrant communities. Exciting careers.

Please note: Sodexo reserves the right to close this advert early if we receive a high number of applications.

Keywords

Salary, Salaried, opportunity, make a difference, Head Chef, Culinary Leadership, Menu Development, Food Production, High-Volume Catering, Kitchen Management, Food Safety & HACCP, Stock Control & Cost Management, Team Leadership & Development, Hospitality & Events Catering

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Head Chef in Southampton employer: Allscreens Nationwide Ltd

Allscreens Nationwide is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive team culture where employees are valued and encouraged to thrive. With access to state-of-the-art training facilities and opportunities for career progression, our Automotive Glazing Technicians in Birmingham can expect not only competitive bonuses but also the chance to work with the latest technology in the industry. Join us and be part of a company that prioritises both employee well-being and customer satisfaction.

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Contact Details:

Allscreens Nationwide Ltd Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Head Chef in Southampton

Get a Taste of the Scene

Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!

Network at Food Festivals

Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!

Show Off Your Skills

Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Allscreens Nationwide Ltd. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!

Reach Out Directly to Allscreens Nationwide Ltd

Don't be shy about reaching out to Allscreens Nationwide Ltd directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!

We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef in Southampton

Culinary Leadership
Menu Development
Food Safety & HACCP
Stock Management
Team Development
Communication Skills
Problem-Solving Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.

Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!

Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Allscreens Nationwide Ltd and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!

Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!

How to prepare for a job interview at Allscreens Nationwide Ltd

Show Your People Skills

In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!

Know Your Menu Inside Out

Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!

Demonstrate Your Team Spirit

Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'

Get Ready for a Practical Test

In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!