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- Tasks: Lead and inspire the kitchen team to create innovative, world-class seafood menus.
- Company: The Jetty is a top seafood restaurant in Southampton, known for its culinary excellence and vibrant marina setting.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, performance bonuses, discounts, and tailored career development programmes.
- Why this job: Join a prestigious restaurant and shape its future while nurturing the next generation of culinary talent.
- Qualifications: Proven experience as an Executive Chef or ambitious Head Chef in high-volume, premium restaurants.
- Other info: Be part of a brand committed to sustainability and local sourcing in a dynamic kitchen environment.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
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Job Title: Executive Chef – The Jetty Restaurant, Southampton Harbour HotelLocation: The Jetty, Ocean Village, Southampton
About Us:
The Jetty is the South Coast’s premier seafood dining destination, renowned for its vibrant marina setting and its 2 AA Rosette accolade. With nearly a decade of culinary excellence and a commitment to the very best in local and sustainable produce, The Jetty is a brand with ambition — and we are now entering an exciting new chapter. Working alongside Chef Patron Alex Aitken and our Head Chef, you will help shape the future of The Jetty as we aim to build the next chapter.
The Opportunity:
We’re looking for a visionary Executive Chef to lead, inspire, and elevate our kitchen operation to new heights. This is more than a head-of-kitchen role — it’s a chance to drive innovation, build on a solid foundation, and create a legacy of culinary excellence.
Working closely with our Head Chef and senior hotel leadership, you will be responsible for evolving the guest experience, developing new menus, nurturing the next generation of talent, and leading The Jetty into its next era of prestige. For the right person, this is a rare opportunity to put your stamp on one of the South’s most iconic restaurants.
Key Responsibilities:
Provide overall culinary leadership across The Jetty kitchen, working closely with the Head Chef to develop and deliver inspiring, world-class menus.
Champion creativity and innovation with a focus on fresh, local seafood and on-land produce, consistently pushing the boundaries of regional cuisine.
Set and uphold exacting standards of presentation, consistency, and guest satisfaction.
Lead, coach and mentor the kitchen brigade with a strong emphasis on training and progression, including apprenticeships and career development pathways.
Collaborate with the Chef Patron and the General Manager to align on guest experience and operational efficiency.
Oversee food costs, labour planning, ordering, and kitchen profitability — with an eye on waste reduction and sustainability.
Maintain strict compliance with food safety and hygiene standards, ensuring a safe and efficient working environment at all times.
Act as an ambassador for The Jetty brand, helping raise its profile within the industry and media.
What We’re Looking For:
A proven Executive Chef or ambitious Head Chef with experience at the highest level in a premium, high-volume restaurant.
Demonstrable track record of leading kitchens with accolades (e.g. AA Rosettes, Michelin Guide recognition).
Strong leadership and communication skills with the ability to inspire a team and foster a positive kitchen culture.
A passion for seafood and modern British cuisine, with a creative, forward-thinking approach to menu development.
Commercial acumen and a sound understanding of kitchen financials including GP, labour management and margin control.
A commitment to sustainability, local sourcing, and future-forward culinary practices.
Experience working collaboratively with FOH, senior hotel management, and external partners.
What’s inIt for You:
Highly competitive salary (negotiable based on experience).
Performance-based bonuses and excellent service charge.
Discounts across Harbour Hotels properties.
Tailored career development programmes.
Access to an employee assistance programme and team wellbeing platform .
Join Us:
If you’re an exceptional chef ready to help define the next chapter of The Jetty — a restaurant already at the top of its game — we would love to hear from you.
Please apply with your CV and a cover letter sharing your culinary philosophy and why you believe you are the right person to lead this evolution.
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Executive Chef employer: Southampton Harbour Hotel
Contact Detail:
Southampton Harbour Hotel Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Network with industry professionals and chefs who have experience in high-end restaurants. Attend culinary events or workshops where you can meet people connected to The Jetty or similar establishments, as personal connections can often lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your culinary creativity by developing a unique dish or menu concept that highlights local seafood and sustainable practices. This could be a great conversation starter during interviews and demonstrate your passion for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Research The Jetty's current menu and identify areas where you could innovate or enhance the guest experience. Being able to discuss specific ideas during your interview will show your commitment and understanding of their brand.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you would mentor and develop a kitchen team. Highlight any previous experiences where you've successfully led a team, as this is crucial for the Executive Chef role.
We think you need these skills to ace Executive Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and expectations of the Executive Chef position at The Jetty. Familiarise yourself with their culinary style and ethos to tailor your application accordingly.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should reflect your culinary philosophy and demonstrate why you're the ideal candidate for this role. Highlight your experience in leading kitchens, your passion for seafood, and any accolades you've achieved.
Showcase Your Experience: In your CV, emphasise your previous roles, particularly as an Executive Chef or Head Chef. Include specific achievements, such as awards or recognitions, and detail your experience with menu development and team leadership.
Highlight Your Leadership Skills: Since the role requires strong leadership and communication skills, provide examples of how you've successfully led a kitchen team. Mention any training or mentorship initiatives you've implemented to develop talent within your team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Southampton Harbour Hotel
✨Showcase Your Culinary Vision
Prepare to discuss your culinary philosophy and how it aligns with The Jetty's commitment to local and sustainable produce. Be ready to share innovative ideas for menu development that reflect modern British cuisine.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Highlight your experience in leading kitchen teams, focusing on how you've inspired and mentored staff in previous roles. Share specific examples of how you've fostered a positive kitchen culture and developed talent.
✨Discuss Financial Acumen
Be prepared to talk about your understanding of kitchen financials, including food costs, labour management, and margin control. Show how you have successfully managed these aspects in past positions to ensure profitability.
✨Emphasise Sustainability Practices
Given the restaurant's focus on sustainability, be ready to discuss your commitment to eco-friendly practices in the kitchen. Share any initiatives you've implemented to reduce waste and promote local sourcing.