Head Chef in Southampton

Head Chef in Southampton

Southampton Full-Time 22200 - 37000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
Oak View Group

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the kitchen at a new restaurant, creating innovative menus and managing operations.
  • Company: Join Oak View Group, a leader in hospitality and sports entertainment.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary up to £37,000, creative freedom, and career growth opportunities.
  • Why this job: Make your mark on a flagship venue and inspire a passionate kitchen team.
  • Qualifications: Proven Head Chef experience with strong leadership and organisational skills.
  • Other info: Exciting opportunity to redefine dining experiences at Southampton FC.

The predicted salary is between 22200 - 37000 £ per year.

Oak View Group (OVG) is the world's leading development, management, and hospitality company founded in 2015 to positively disrupt business as usual. As the largest developer of sports and entertainment facilities in the world, OVG prioritises the way we do business focusing on making long-term investments in our people and our planet.

With an expanding footprint in the United Kingdom, OVG is redefining how fans experience live events through innovative hospitality. OVG's first UK project, Co-op Live in Manchester, revolutionised fan experiences through innovative hospitality. We are ready to build on this as we gear up to manage further venues across the UK.

We're fanatical about transforming food and beverage services across sports and entertainment venues by prioritising culinary innovation, local concepts, and seamless technological integration.

Role Purpose

An incredible opportunity has arisen for a Head Chef to take the reins at the brand new Level 1 Restaurant at St Marys Stadium, the home of Southampton FC. This is your chance to lead from the front and put your stamp on an exciting new dining destination.

The Role

As Head Chef, you'll have full responsibility for the kitchen operation from shaping and delivering menus to leading and inspiring your brigade. You'll ensure the smooth day-to-day running of a 7-day operation (5 on, 2 off), balancing creativity with operational excellence to deliver a dining experience that exceeds expectations.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Full ownership of all kitchen operations, including planning, service, and staff management.
  • Leading the kitchen team with clear direction, motivation, and a focus on excellence.
  • Designing and developing menus that are innovative, seasonal, and customer-focused.
  • Managing purchasing, ordering, and stock control to deliver consistency and cost efficiency.
  • Maintaining the highest standards of food safety, hygiene, and H&S compliance.
  • Working closely with senior management to ensure the Level 1 Restaurant meets its culinary and commercial goals.

About You

  • A proven track record as a Head Chef.
  • Strong leadership and communication skills able to inspire, mentor, and get the best out of your team.
  • Highly organised with the ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
  • A passion for great food, seasonal produce, and delivering outstanding dining experiences.
  • Commercially aware with experience managing budgets, GP, and cost control.

Why Join Us?

This isn't just another kitchen job; it's the chance to take ownership of a high-profile new restaurant at Southampton FC. You'll have the freedom to be creative, the platform to lead, and the opportunity to make a lasting mark on a flagship venue. Salary up to £37,000 DOE.

Head Chef in Southampton employer: Oak View Group

Oak View Group is an exceptional employer that champions culinary innovation and employee growth within a vibrant work culture. As the Head Chef at the new Level 1 Restaurant in St Mary’s Stadium, you will enjoy the freedom to express your creativity while leading a passionate team in a dynamic environment, all backed by a company committed to investing in its people and the planet.
Oak View Group

Contact Detail:

Oak View Group Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

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

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend culinary events, join local chef groups, or even hit up social media platforms to engage with fellow chefs and potential employers. You never know who might have the inside scoop on your dream job!

✨Tip Number 2

Show off your skills! Consider hosting a pop-up event or a tasting session to showcase your culinary creations. This not only gives you a chance to demonstrate your talent but also helps you build a following and get noticed by the right people.

✨Tip Number 3

Don’t just apply—make it personal! When you find a role that excites you, reach out directly to the hiring manager or someone in the company. A quick email expressing your enthusiasm and sharing your vision for the kitchen can set you apart from the crowd.

✨Tip Number 4

Keep learning and evolving! Stay updated on the latest culinary trends and techniques. Whether it's through online courses or workshops, showing that you're committed to growth can make you a more attractive candidate. And remember, check out our website for exciting opportunities!

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

Leadership Skills
Communication Skills
Menu Design
Staff Management
Food Safety Standards
Hygiene Compliance
Operational Excellence
Budget Management
Cost Control
Creativity
Organisational Skills
Ability to Work Under Pressure
Customer Focus
Culinary Innovation

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for Food: When writing your application, let your love for culinary innovation shine through. Share your experiences and what excites you about creating memorable dining experiences. We want to see your personality and passion for great food!

Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Head Chef role. Highlight your leadership skills, kitchen management experience, and any innovative menu designs you've created. We appreciate when applicants take the time to align their skills with our needs.

Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon that might confuse us. We’re looking for someone who can communicate effectively, so show us you can do that right from the start!

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 the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at OVG!

How to prepare for a job interview at Oak View Group

✨Know Your Menu Inside Out

Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with the types of dishes that could be served at the Level 1 Restaurant. Research seasonal ingredients and think about how you can incorporate local flavours into your menu ideas. This shows your passion for culinary innovation and your understanding of the venue's ethos.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Style

As a Head Chef, your ability to lead and inspire a team is crucial. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed kitchen teams in the past. Think about specific challenges you faced and how you motivated your brigade to overcome them. This will demonstrate your strong leadership skills.

✨Discuss Cost Control Strategies

Be ready to talk about your experience with managing budgets and controlling costs. Share specific strategies you’ve implemented in previous roles to maintain food quality while keeping expenses in check. This will highlight your commercial awareness and operational excellence.

✨Emphasise Food Safety and Hygiene Standards

Make sure to discuss your commitment to maintaining high standards of food safety and hygiene. Be prepared to share your knowledge of relevant regulations and any systems you’ve put in place to ensure compliance. This is essential for any kitchen operation and will show your professionalism.

Head Chef in Southampton
Oak View Group
Location: Southampton

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