Head Chef – Harpers Southampton Ready to take the reins of the kitchen in one of Southampton’s most vibrant and lively pubs? Harpers Southampton is on the hunt for a Head Chef with flair, fire, and a love for great food and great fun. We’re a pub with personality — packed with a buzzing atmosphere, big weekend energy, themed nights, and seasonal celebrations. We’re looking for a kitchen leader who thrives in a creative, fast-paced, team-first environment. If you’re passionate about delivering bold flavours, crafting standout menus, and building a kitchen culture that’s as energetic as our guests, this is your stage. Click Apply if you’re ready to lead, innovate, and have a great time doing it! What’s in it for you? Up to £45,000 per annum Bonus Share of Tronc (Can earn up to £8,000 per year) Flexible shift patterns Up to 33% off meals off duty (for you up to 6 guests) 33% off hotel accommodation & 20% for Friends & Family Development programme with clear career pathway Free Lifestyle Card with 5,000 discounts Service Awards Refer-a-friend & Chef recruitment incentives up to £1,000 Head Chef Requirements Excellent culinary and presentation skills Minimum 2 years experience as Head Chef Strong communication and interpersonal skills Energetic with a passion to excel Calm, inspirational leadership style Forward-thinking approach to stock and waste control Genuine passion for food Strong team player Excellent organisational skills Understanding of profit margins and food cost control Right to Work in the UK Key Responsibilities Plan, organise, and direct food preparation and cooking Deliver high-quality dishes quickly and efficiently Maintain top food hygiene and safety standards Manage ordering, stock control, and waste reduction Oversee day-to-day kitchen operations hands-on Lead, train, coach, and mentor chefs and KPs Maintain a clean, organised kitchen Ensure full allergen and dietary compliance Produce rotas and cleaning schedules ⭐ About You We’re looking for a passionate, dedicated Head Chef and natural leader to join us on our exciting journey. At Harpers, we’re serious about quality — especially our farm-to-fork steak offer — so our Head Chef must truly live and breathe great meat while coaching and developing the team. This role is not for the faint-hearted. We are busy and getting busier, so we need an experienced, high-volume operator who can lead from the front while delivering exceptional food quality.