Location: Southampton
Salary: £45,000 - £50,000 per annum + GP Bonus + Generous Tips & Service Charge
About the Role
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced and passionate Head Chef to lead the kitchen of one of Southampton's most established and highly regarded independent restaurants. Renowned for authentic Italian cuisine and exceptional hospitality, this respected venue offers the successful candidate genuine creative freedom and the opportunity to further enhance its excellent reputation.
As Head Chef, you will take full responsibility for the day-to-day management of the kitchen, leading a talented brigade while maintaining the highest standards of food quality, consistency, and presentation. You will have autonomy over menu development, supplier relationships, and seasonal offerings, helping drive the business towards future accolades and awards.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead, motivate and develop the kitchen team to deliver exceptional standards.
* Oversee all aspects of kitchen operations, ensuring efficiency and consistency.
* Create and develop seasonal menus, specials and new dishes.
* Maintain outstanding food quality, presentation and guest satisfaction.
* Manage food GP, labour costs, stock control and ordering processes.
* Ensure compliance with all food hygiene, health & safety and HACCP standards.
* Recruit, train and mentor kitchen staff, fostering a positive team culture.
* Build and maintain strong supplier relationships, sourcing the highest quality ingredients.
* Work closely with senior management to support business growth and performance.
* Adapt menus and operations to seasonal trading patterns while maintaining standards throughout the year.
About You
* Proven experience as a Head Chef or an ambitious Senior Sous Chef ready to step up.
* Rosette level experience.
* Strong leadership skills with a track record of building and developing successful teams.
* Passion for fresh, seasonal produce and high-quality cuisine.
* Commercially aware with experience managing food costs, labour budgets and kitchen performance.
* Excellent organisational and communication skills.
* Calm and effective under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
* Hands-on management style with a commitment to delivering outstanding guest experiences.
* Experience with Italian cuisine would be advantageous but is not essential.
What's on Offer?
* Competitive salary of £45,000 - £50,000 per annum DOE.
* Performance-related GP bonus.
* Generous tips and service charge.
* Genuine autonomy and creative input into menu development.
* Opportunity to lead a respected and established restaurant with an excellent reputation.
* Supportive and experienced management team.
* Staff meals provided.
* Employee discounts.
* Free on-site parking.
* Career development opportunities
If you are a driven and talented chef looking for the opportunity to lead a successful kitchen and make your mark within a respected independent restaurant, we would love to hear from you.
Apply now to take the next step in your culinary career or for further information
Salary description
£45000.00 - £50000.00 per year