Head Chef

The Jetty is THE leading seafood restaurant brand in the region. Our Southampton restaurant is a renowned 2 AA Rosette restaurant with ambitions to reach further towards national and international awards. We are looking for the right Chef to help us achieve this. Situated in the vibrant Ocean Village Marina, our kitchen team has a reputation for culinary excellence with fresh, local seafood for almost a decade, led by Alex Aitken who you will be working alongside.

The Jetty offer is unique and inspired by its locality of coastal surroundings and fabulous on-land produce. Exceptional hospitality is a bedrock of our operation and so the complete experience of ambience, service aligned with best in class food cooked and presented to perfection is our aim.

We are seeking an inspirational leader who has vision, passion, and a relentless drive towards consistent excellence. For many who know of the restaurant's reputation, the requirements might seem daunting as it is an industry-leading offering. The person who wants to make it even better is the one chef we would like to talk to. Culinary excellence is only built on strong foundations and The Jetty has this already in place. For the right Chef, this is a unique and rare opportunity to further enhance and develop arguably the South Coast's premier dining destination. You will work closely with the hotel senior team while enjoying the autonomy to craft your own menus and work towards even greater restaurant heights.

As Head Chef, you will already be at the forefront of innovation, creating the outstanding to achieve complete guest satisfaction. Carving out a new and enhanced reputation for The Jetty by pushing the boundaries of seafood and local cuisine. You'll be central to our ambitions of moving the restaurant forward from 2 AA Rosette status to something really special within the chef industry, establishing and setting new standards for the restaurant.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead, inspire and develop a talented team of chefs to deliver exceptional food quality and presentation.
• Design seasonal, innovative menus that reflect The Jetty's ethos of fresh, locally sourced, and sustainable seafood.
• Maintain the highest standards of food safety, hygiene, and kitchen operations, whilst complying with internal and external policies and laws.
• Manage kitchen budgets, including cost control and waste reduction, ensuring profitability without compromising quality.
• Foster a positive and collaborative working environment, promoting training and professional development for the team, developing apprentice chefs.
• Collaborate closely with the General Manager and consultant chef to ensure seamless service and guest satisfaction.
• Consistently enhance The Jetty's reputation as a trendsetting, leading dining destination.

What We're Looking For:

• Proven experience as a Head Chef or Executive Chef in a high-quality, high-volume restaurant environment or a highly experienced senior sous looking for their first big role!
• A strong track record of achieving and maintaining accolades such as AA Rosettes.
• Exceptional leadership and communication skills, with the ability to motivate and mentor a diverse team.
• Passion for fresh, seasonal cuisine and a commitment to sustainability and local sourcing.
• Exemplary organizational and time-management skills, with a proactive and forward-thinking approach.
• Creativity and innovation to drive menu development and elevate the dining experience.
• A solid understanding of kitchen financials, including budgeting and cost control.

What's in It for You:

• Competitive salary and performance-based incentives.
• Great progression opportunities within the Harbour Hotels group.
• Individualized career and development pathways tailored to your goals.
• Generous discounts on hotel stays, dining, and spa treatments across our portfolio.
• Stylish and professional uniform designed for Harbour Hotels.
• Complimentary meals while on duty.
• Access to a comprehensive benefits and discount platform.
• Employee Assistance Program to support your well-being.

If you're an ambitious chef with the skills, passion, and vision to take The Jetty to new heights, we want to hear from you. Please submit your CV and a cover letter detailing your experience and culinary philosophy.

Please note that applicants must be eligible to work in the UK and hold a valid work permit or visa if necessary.