Head Chef - Fareham | Contract Catering | £16.35 p/h + Benefits

Job Type: Full-time, Permanent
Hours: 37.5 per week (52‑week contract)
Team Size: 6 Staff
Shifts: 05:30-13:30 or 11:00-19:00

Schedule

• Predominantly Monday-Friday
• Occasional weekends when required
• 18 additional functions per year (paid extra - approx. £2,000)
• Christmas, Easter and summer downtime included

Benefits

• Employee discount schemes
• Free on‑site parking
• Company pension
• Free meal on shift
• Uniform provided

About the Role

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 200+ covers.

This is a structured, stable and well‑organised kitchen, offering excellent work-life balance with mainly weekday working and a reduced workload during holiday periods.

You will manage and develop a team of 6 staff, ensuring high standards, strong leadership, and smooth service across all meal periods. The Sous Chef will take the lead with main cooking, allowing the Head Chef to focus on leadership, quality control, and operational oversight.

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.

Service Times

• Breakfast: 06:30 - 08:30
• Lunch: 11:30 - 13:30
• Evening Meal: 17:30 - 19:30

Shift Patterns

• Early: 05:30 - 13:30
• Late: 11:00 - 19:00
  A typical week includes a mix of both.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate and develop a team of 6 kitchen staff.
• Oversee daily kitchen operations and ensure smooth service.
• Support menu planning and ensure meals are well-presented and delivered on time.
• Manage rotas, attendance and staff performance.
• Deliver and support 18 paid functions throughout the year.
• Control stock levels, ordering and food waste.
• Maintain full compliance with food hygiene and health & safety legislation.
• Confidently use catering and rota management systems (computer literacy essential).
• Maintain high standards across all service periods in a 200-cover environment.

About You

You will:

• Have experience as a Head Chef or in a similar senior role (essential).
• Be confident leading, developing and mentoring a team.
• Be computer literate and comfortable with kitchen software.
• Have excellent communication and organisational skills.
• Be flexible to support occasional weekend or seasonal events.
• Hold relevant catering qualifications (desirable).

What We Offer

• £16.35 per hour
• Free parking
• Free meal on shift
• Uniform provided
• Reduced workload during Christmas, Easter and summer
• Access to employee benefits including:
  • Contributory pension
  • Career development programmes
  • Digital GP services
  • Discounts at major supermarkets
  • Travel discounts (TUI, Expedia, Booking.com)
  • Up to 44% off cinema tickets
  • Wellness and mindfulness classes
  • Shareable discounts for friends and family