At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare and present high-quality food while leading a dynamic kitchen team.
- Company: Join Lamington Group, a pioneering B-Corp redefining sustainable hospitality.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, free stays, discounts, and paid volunteer days.
- Other info: Enjoy a vibrant work culture with opportunities for growth and learning.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team committed to sustainability and culinary excellence.
- Qualifications: Experience in cooking, strong teamwork, and a passion for quality food.
The predicted salary is between 29300 - 29300 £ per year.
Chef room2 Southampton 32 hours per week to include some weekends.
Lamington Group is a pioneering property and hospitality company based in the UK, best known for its room2 hometel brand. As a certified B-Corp, we focus on long-term value creation, place-making, and working with like-minded stakeholders to redefine sustainable hospitality and are committed to operating in a way that benefits People, Places and Planet. Our core values are at the heart of everything we stand for. We foster a culture of welcoming new ideas, being proactive and embracing innovation, and welcome those who feel they can bring their passion and ideas to Lamington Group. With a target pipeline of 5,000 room keys across the UK, this is the perfect opportunity to develop your knowledge and experience as we grow into key regional cities across the UK.
Purpose of the role
As a Chef you will be responsible for preparing, cooking, and presenting high-quality food while adhering to safety standards in our restaurants and hotels. The Chef manages 'on shift' kitchen operations, supervising and training staff, and developing menus, which may include creating new recipes and adjusting dishes as needed. Our Chefs also oversee the kitchen budget and ensure compliance with hygiene and food safety local regulations.
Key Responsibilities
- People
- Team-Oriented - Fosters a collaborative and respectful working environment.
- Strong Leadership & Communication - Lead and motivate the 'on shift' kitchen team. Mentor, and develop staff to maximise their skills and professional growth. Assign and delegate prep tasks effectively to ensure timely service setup. Maintain prep lists and schedules for current and upcoming service days. Foster strong communication with the FOH team and management for seamless service. Train, supervise, and support the team in food safety and health procedures. Conduct pre-service briefings to align the team and address key updates. Communicate any challenges, conflicts, or updates to the management team. Monitor and record staff food to analyse and justify stock variances.
- Places
- Maintain the highest food standards by ensuring adherence to recipes, specifications, and plating guidelines. Ensure all dishes are prepared with consistency, following proper cooking methods and presentation standards. Conduct regular taste tests. Monitor food quality during service. Follow the "Menu changes" policy. Ensure full compliance with food safety regulations (HACCP), hygiene standards, and allergen management. Ensure cleaning schedules are completed and documented, including deep cleans. Ensure proper PPE use (COSHH). Provide first aid and document accidents. Maintain the First Aid Kit. Oversee daily kitchen operations, ensuring smooth and efficient workflow. Ensure proper care, cleaning, and storage of all kitchen equipment and materials. Report maintenance or repair needs.
- Planet
- Enthusiastic About Room2's Brand & Vision - Aligns with Winnie's and Room2's values of sustainability. Passionate About Food & Sustainability - A genuine love for cooking and a commitment to sustainable practices. Follow HACCP and food safety regulations, including proper storage and labelling. Support HC and Kitchen supervisor with daily due diligence and record keeping.
Direct Reports
On Shift Kitchen Team
Skills and Qualities
- Respect for Sustainability & Local Ingredients - Aligns with Winnie's values of responsible sourcing and waste reduction.
- Team-Oriented - Fosters a collaborative and respectful working environment.
- Passionate About Cooking & Quality Food - Loves preparing and serving great food.
- Calm Under Pressure - Works efficiently in a fast-paced kitchen environment.
- Strong Work Ethic - Punctual, reliable, and committed to high standards.
- Positive Attitude & Willingness to Learn - Open to training and improving skills.
- Ability to communicate clearly with the Head Chef, sous chefs, and fellow kitchen staff.
- Strong teamwork and adaptability to support colleagues and ensure smooth service.
- Openness to feedback and continuous learning.
- Good knowledge of cooking techniques, knife skills, and ingredient preparation.
- Ability to follow recipes and plating standards consistently.
- Understanding of food safety, hygiene, and allergen protocols.
- Ability to work quickly and accurately during busy service periods.
- Strong time management to prioritise tasks and ensure smooth kitchen flow.
- Ability to multi-task and stay organised under pressure.
- Ensuring accurate portion control and consistent plating of dishes.
- Checking food quality, freshness, and presentation before service.
- Maintaining cleanliness and organization of the workstation.
Pay range and compensation package
Competitive salary up to 14.12ph and discretionary bonus scheme. 1 free night stay annually at our properties, with generous employee discounts thereafter. Loyalty rewards and referral bonuses. Company sick pay scheme. 2 paid volunteer days per year and annual fundraisers. Additional annual leave with length of service. Cycle to work scheme and use of gym facilities in our hotels. Access to activity workshops and an Employee Assistance Programme. Regular social activities.
Chef - Southampton in Hampshire employer: room2
At Lamington Group, we pride ourselves on being a forward-thinking employer that champions sustainability and innovation within the hospitality sector. Our supportive work culture encourages collaboration and personal growth, offering Chefs the opportunity to develop their culinary skills while contributing to our mission of redefining sustainable hospitality. With competitive pay, generous employee benefits, and a commitment to community engagement, working at our Southampton location is not just a job; it's a chance to be part of something meaningful.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef - Southampton in Hampshire
✨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 room2. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to room2
Don't be shy about reaching out to room2 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 Chef - Southampton in Hampshire
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 room2 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 room2
✨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!
