At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire kitchen teams to deliver exceptional food experiences across diverse venues.
- Company: Join Upham Inns, a vibrant hospitality group with a passion for great food and service.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, and the chance to shape culinary standards.
- Other info: Dynamic role with extensive travel and opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on food quality and develop the next generation of chefs.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Head Chef or Operations Chef, with strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
An exceptional opportunity has arisen for a passionate and experienced Senior Operations Chef to join Upham Inns. Operating across 25 diverse managed venues, you will help deliver brilliant food experiences through four distinct menu formats, alongside locally driven specials, events, breakfasts, dinners, takeaway and buffet menus across our growing collection of premium pubs, inns and steakhouses. This is a highly visible, field‑based role where you will play a critical part in ensuring our kitchens consistently deliver exceptional food, outstanding safety standards and operational excellence.
Key Responsibilities
- Embed best practice across stock control and ordering systems.
- Drive prep and production planning.
- Maintain portion control and specification guides.
- Ensure site‑specific cleaning and food safety systems.
- Optimize kitchen organisation and labour efficiency.
- Lead chef recruitment, development and succession planning.
As an Operations Chef you will:
- Lead from the front and roll up your sleeves to support any of our kitchens.
- Cover absence, support new openings and deliver service during peak trading periods.
- Coach and develop chefs at every level, from head chefs to commis.
- Provide hands‑on support across all key dayparts – breakfasts, lunch, late‑night Friday and Saturday, and Sunday roast.
- Help teams run services flawlessly, develop great people and deliver exceptional food.
Developing Great Chefs
You will support the induction and development of new Head Chefs and Sous Chefs, coach Commis Chefs and Chef de Parties through the ranks, and deliver both structured training programmes and hands‑on coaching. You’ll conduct off‑site training workshops as well as support teams during busy service times.
Core Qualifications
- Proven experience as a Head Chef, Executive Chef, Operations Chef or Multi‑Site Chef.
- Experience across both branded and independent hospitality businesses is advantageous.
- Strong operational, commercial and food safety knowledge.
- A passion for developing and coaching chefs at all levels.
- Excellent leadership and communication skills.
- A hands‑on approach with a genuine love of being in kitchens.
- Full UK driving licence.
- Flexibility to travel extensively across Hampshire, Berkshire and the Home Counties.
- Willingness to undertake occasional overnight stays.
- Availability to support key trading periods including weekends and peak seasonal events.
Why Upham Inns?
At Upham Inns we’re passionate about serving up great memories through heartfelt hospitality, exceptional food and beautiful pubs. This is a unique opportunity to influence food standards across an entire collection of premium pubs, develop the next generation of great chefs and help shape the future of one of the South’s most exciting hospitality businesses. If you’re passionate about food, obsessed with standards and happiest when you’re in chef whites helping teams deliver their very best, we would love to hear from you.
operations chef in Havant employer: Upham Inns
Upham Inns is an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant work culture centred around heartfelt hospitality and culinary excellence. With a commitment to employee growth, you will have the opportunity to develop your skills through structured training programmes and hands-on coaching while working across a diverse range of premium venues in Hampshire, Berkshire, and the Home Counties. Join us to be part of a passionate team dedicated to delivering outstanding food experiences and creating lasting memories for our guests.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land operations chef in Havant
✨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 Upham Inns. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Upham Inns
Don't be shy about reaching out to Upham Inns 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 operations chef in Havant
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 Upham Inns 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 Upham Inns
✨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!
