<p></p><div><h1><strong>Head Chef - Fareham | Contract Catering | £16.35 p/h + Benefits</strong></h1><p><strong>Job Type:</strong> Full-time, Permanent<br /> <strong>Hours:</strong> 37.5 per week (52‑week contract)<br /> <strong>Team Size:</strong> 6 Staff<br /> <strong>Shifts:</strong> 05:30-13:30 or 11:00-19:00</p><hr /><h2><strong>Schedule</strong></h2><ul><li><strong>Predominantly Monday-Friday</strong></li><li><strong>Occasional weekends when required</strong></li><li><strong>18 additional functions per year (paid extra - approx. £2,000)</strong></li><li>Christmas, Easter and summer downtime included</li></ul><hr /><h2><strong>Benefits</strong></h2><ul><li>Employee discount schemes</li><li>Free on‑site parking</li><li>Company pension</li><li>Free meal on shift</li><li>Uniform provided</li></ul><hr /><h2><strong>About the Role</strong></h2><p>We are recruiting a Head Chef for a busy contract catering site in Fareham, responsible for delivering high‑quality meals to a large and consistent customer base of <strong>200+ covers</strong>.</p><p>This is a <strong>structured, stable and well‑organised kitchen</strong>, offering excellent work-life balance with mainly weekday working and a reduced workload during holiday periods.</p><p>You will manage and develop a team of <strong>6 staff</strong>, ensuring high standards, strong leadership, and smooth service across all meal periods. The <strong>Sous Chef will take the lead with main cooking</strong>, allowing the Head Chef to focus on leadership, quality control, and operational oversight.</p><p>This role suits an experienced, confident and organised Head Chef with strong team‑development skills and the ability to run a high‑volume, consistent catering operation.</p><hr /><h2><strong>Service Times</strong></h2><ul><li><strong>Breakfast:</strong> 06:30 - 08:30</li><li><strong>Lunch:</strong> 11:30 - 13:30</li><li><strong>Evening Meal:</strong> 17:30 - 19:30</li></ul><hr /><h2><strong>Shift Patterns</strong></h2><ul><li><strong>Early:</strong> 05:30 - 13:30</li><li><strong>Late:</strong> 11:00 - 19:00<br /> <em>A typical week includes a mix of both.</em></li></ul><hr /><h2><strong>Key Responsibilities</strong></h2><ul><li>Lead, motivate and develop a team of 6 kitchen staff.</li><li>Oversee daily kitchen operations and ensure smooth service.</li><li>Support menu planning and ensure meals are well-presented and delivered on time.</li><li>Manage rotas, attendance and staff performance.</li><li>Deliver and support <strong>18 paid functions throughout the year</strong>.</li><li>Control stock levels, ordering and food waste.</li><li>Maintain full compliance with food hygiene and health &amp; safety legislation.</li><li>Confidently use catering and rota management systems (computer literacy essential).</li><li>Maintain high standards across all service periods in a 200-cover environment.</li></ul><hr /><h2><strong>About You</strong></h2><p>You will:</p><ul><li>Have experience as a Head Chef or in a similar senior role (essential).</li><li>Be confident leading, developing and mentoring a team.</li><li>Be computer literate and comfortable with kitchen software.</li><li>Have excellent communication and organisational skills.</li><li>Be flexible to support occasional weekend or seasonal events.</li><li>Hold relevant catering qualifications (desirable).</li></ul><hr /><h2><strong>What We Offer</strong></h2><ul><li><strong>£16.35 per hour</strong></li><li>Free parking</li><li>Free meal on shift</li><li>Uniform provided</li><li>Reduced workload during Christmas, Easter and summer</li><li>Access to employee benefits including:<ul><li>Contributory pension</li><li>Career development programmes</li><li>Digital GP services</li><li>Discounts at major supermarkets</li><li>Travel discounts (TUI, Expedia, Booking.com)</li><li>Up to 44% off cinema tickets</li><li>Wellness and mindfulness classes</li><li>Shareable discounts for friends and family</li></ul></li></ul></div><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>Blue Arrow is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to helping find great work opportunities for great people.</p>

Thank You! We've got your application.

More jobs like this

Where to next?

Jobs

Recruitment Solutions

Become a Recruitment Superhero

Company

Corporate Governance