At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a creative kitchen, crafting seasonal menus for events and a bustling restaurant.
- Company: Award-winning countryside event venue near Southampton with a relaxed culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, work-life balance, and one full weekend off every month.
- Other info: Opportunity to inspire a team and enjoy varied culinary challenges.
- Why this job: Shape the food offering in a stunning environment while enjoying a positive kitchen culture.
- Qualifications: Proven Head Chef or strong Sous Chef experience in fresh food kitchens.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 45000 € per year.
Are you a passionate and creative chef ready to lead the kitchen in a stunning countryside venue known for both exceptional food and unforgettable events? Our client, an award-winning Event Venue set in the countryside on the outskirts of Southampton, is searching for a talented Head Chef to take ownership of the kitchen and deliver outstanding menus in a relaxed, quality-driven environment. This is not a formal, corporate kitchen - this is countryside hospitality at its best, where fresh food, creativity, and team culture are at the heart of everything.
The Role
As Head Chef, you'll lead a busy kitchen delivering high-quality dishes across both a thriving restaurant and a packed events calendar. With 50-60 weddings per year (up to 100 covers seated) alongside regular service, this is a varied role where no two weeks are the same.
What You'll Be Doing
- Leading and developing your kitchen team
- Creating and delivering seasonal, high-quality menus
- Managing food standards across restaurant and events
- Overseeing kitchen operations, GP, and stock control
- Working closely with the wider management team and 4 Heads of Department
- Driving consistency, creativity, and efficiency in the kitchen
Why Join Us?
- Work-life balance that matters - only 2 days per week working past 6pm
- 1 full weekend off every month
- Relaxed, no-suits culture
- Beautiful countryside working environment
- A genuine opportunity to shape the food offering
What We're Looking For
- A proven Head Chef or strong Sous Chef ready to step up
- Experience in fresh food kitchens and/or events & weddings
- A hands-on leader who can inspire and develop a team
- Strong organisational and commercial awareness
- A chef who values quality, consistency, and a positive kitchen culture
The Details
Salary: £40,000 - £45,000
Hours: 48 hours over 5 days from 7
If you're looking for a role where you can cook great food, lead a strong team, and enjoy a better work-life balance, this is your opportunity. Apply now.
Head Chef - Leisure - Romsey - £45kp/a in Southampton employer: Blue Arrow - Southampton
Join our award-winning event venue near Romsey, where we prioritise a relaxed and creative kitchen culture that celebrates fresh, high-quality food. As a Head Chef, you'll enjoy a work-life balance with only two late evenings per week and one full weekend off each month, all while leading a passionate team in a stunning countryside setting. This is your chance to shape our culinary offerings and make a meaningful impact in a vibrant hospitality environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef - Leisure - Romsey - £45kp/a in Southampton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow chefs, event planners, and anyone in the hospitality scene. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your culinary skills! Consider hosting a pop-up event or a tasting session to showcase your creativity and flair. This not only gets your name out there but also gives potential employers a taste of what you can bring to their kitchen.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to appear. Reach out directly to venues you admire and express your interest. A personal touch can make all the difference and show your passion for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for talented chefs like you. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Let’s get you that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef - Leisure - Romsey - £45kp/a in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:Let your love for cooking and creativity shine through in your application. We want to see how you can bring your unique flair to our kitchen, so don’t hold back!
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match what we’re looking for. Highlight your experience in fresh food kitchens and any events or weddings you've worked on.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Share your vision for the kitchen and how you plan to inspire your team while delivering outstanding menus.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Blue Arrow - Southampton
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with seasonal ingredients and can discuss how you would create high-quality menus. Be ready to share your ideas on dishes that reflect the venue's countryside hospitality vibe.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a Head Chef, you'll need to inspire your team. Prepare examples of how you've developed kitchen staff in the past and how you plan to foster a positive kitchen culture. Highlight your hands-on approach and ability to lead by example.
✨Demonstrate Your Event Experience
Since this role involves managing a busy events calendar, be prepared to discuss your experience with weddings and large-scale catering. Share specific challenges you've faced and how you successfully delivered under pressure.
✨Emphasise Work-Life Balance
This position offers a great work-life balance, so express your appreciation for this aspect. Discuss how you manage your time effectively in a busy kitchen environment while ensuring quality and consistency in your dishes.
