Head Chef Designate

Head Chef Designate

Southampton Full-Time 30000 - 42000 ÂŁ / year (est.) No home office possible
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Harper's Steakhouse

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a vibrant kitchen, cooking from scratch with quality ingredients.
  • Company: Join Upham Inns, a growing collection of unique pubs in Southern England.
  • Benefits: Enjoy work/life balance, 100% tips, career development, and up to 50% discounts.
  • Why this job: Be part of a passionate team in a fast-paced environment that values your ideas.
  • Qualifications: Experience as a Sous Chef or Head Chef with a passion for quality and leadership.
  • Other info: This role is perfect for those who thrive on challenges and want to make an impact.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 ÂŁ per year.

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.

Head Chef Designate employer: Harper's Steakhouse

Upham Inns is an exceptional employer that prioritises work/life balance and offers a supportive environment for aspiring chefs. With a clear career development path, generous discounts, and a vibrant team culture, you'll thrive in our fast-paced kitchens while enjoying the unique charm of our premium pubs across Southern England. Join us to make your mark in a growing company that values individuality and fosters personal growth.
Harper's Steakhouse

Contact Detail:

Harper's Steakhouse Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head Chef Designate

✨Tip Number 1

Network with current and former employees of Upham Inns. Engaging with them on social media platforms or in person can provide you with valuable insights into the company culture and expectations for the Head Chef Designate role.

✨Tip Number 2

Showcase your leadership skills during any informal interactions or interviews. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've coached and inspired your team in previous roles, as this is a key quality they are looking for.

✨Tip Number 3

Familiarise yourself with the menu offerings at Upham Inns and Harper's Steakhouse. Being knowledgeable about their food philosophy and seasonal ingredients will demonstrate your genuine interest in the role and the company.

✨Tip Number 4

Prepare to discuss your approach to maintaining high standards of hygiene and consistency in the kitchen. This is crucial for the Head Chef Designate position, so having a clear strategy will set you apart from other candidates.

We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef Designate

Leadership Skills
Team Management
Cooking from Scratch
Knowledge of Seasonal Ingredients
Quality Control
Menu Planning
Food Safety and Hygiene Standards
Coaching and Mentoring
Creativity in Food Presentation
Ability to Thrive in a Fast-Paced Environment
Problem-Solving Skills
Communication Skills
Time Management
Adaptability
Passion for Culinary Arts

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience as a Sous Chef or Head Chef. Focus on your leadership skills, ability to work in a fast-paced environment, and any relevant achievements in cooking with quality, seasonal ingredients.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for cooking and your leadership style. Mention specific examples of how you've inspired and coached your team in previous roles, and express your enthusiasm for joining Upham Inns.

Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, emphasise your skills in maintaining high standards of hygiene, consistency, and quality. Discuss your experience in managing kitchen operations and how you thrive under pressure.

Showcase Your Personality: Upham Inns values individuality, so let your personality shine through in your application. Use a friendly tone and convey your energy and positivity, making it clear that you're ready to take on the challenges of a busy kitchen.

How to prepare for a job interview at Harper's Steakhouse

✨Showcase Your Passion for Cooking

During the interview, make sure to express your love for cooking from scratch with quality ingredients. Share specific examples of dishes you've created and how you source seasonal produce, as this aligns with the company's values.

✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills

As a Head Chef Designate, you'll need to inspire and coach your team. Prepare to discuss your leadership style and provide examples of how you've successfully managed a kitchen or mentored junior chefs in the past.

✨Emphasise Your Adaptability

The role requires thriving in a fast-paced environment. Be ready to talk about how you've handled busy service periods and maintained high standards under pressure. Highlight any strategies you use to keep your team motivated during peak times.

✨Discuss Your Commitment to Hygiene Standards

5-star hygiene is crucial in any kitchen. Be prepared to discuss your approach to maintaining cleanliness and safety in the kitchen, including any relevant certifications or training you've completed.

Head Chef Designate
Harper's Steakhouse
Location: Southampton
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