Head Chef
| Posting date: | 31 December 2025 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | Not specified |
| Additional salary information: | Competitive |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 30 January 2026 |
| Location: | Beaulieu, SO42 7ZN |
| Company: | Compass Group |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | 207174 |
Summary
Job Title: Head Chef
Location: Beaulieu Motor Museum, Hampshire
Salary: Up to £45,000 per annum
Contract: Permanent, Full-Time, 5 out of 7 days per week
As the Head Chef at Beaulieu Motor Museum, you will join one of the UK’s most iconic heritage attractions to lead and elevate the culinary offer across this unique visitor destination. Working with Restaurant Associates Venues (part of Compass Group), you will be responsible for delivering exceptional food across a multi-outlet operation that includes restaurants, retail grab & go, premium hospitality, and large-scale event catering.
This role requires a chef with strong leadership capability, refined culinary standards, and the ability to balance high-volume visitor catering with high-quality food delivery across a busy, year-round attraction and events calendar.
Success in this role means visitors, members, and event guests consistently enjoy outstanding food across all outlets, with kitchens operating efficiently, safely, creatively, and profitably. Working in close partnership with the Beaulieu client team, you will ensure that food and hospitality are a key part of the museum’s overall visitor experience and reputation.
Responsibilities:Menu Development & Innovation – Design and evolve menus that reflect seasonality, sustainability, premium ingredients, and the Beaulieu brand. Develop a diverse range of offers from casual dining to premium hospitality and events, ensuring consistency and creativity across all outlets.
Operational Excellence – Oversee all kitchen operations, ensuring full compliance with food safety legislation, company policies, and contractual requirements. Maintain high standards of quality, presentation, and service.
Leadership & Team Development – Lead, train, and inspire a skilled brigade of chefs. Foster a positive, professional, and high-performing kitchen culture throughout peak visitor periods and special events.
Cost Control & Profitability – Manage budgets, control wastage, oversee ordering and stock management, and achieve GP targets while maintaining food quality and guest satisfaction.
Collaboration – Work closely with front-of-house teams, senior RA Venues stakeholders, and the Beaulieu client team to deliver a seamless and memorable visitor experience.
Event & Hospitality Delivery – Lead culinary delivery for private events, corporate functions, premium hospitality, and seasonal attractions across the museum’s events program.
The Ideal Candidate:Proven experience as a Head Chef in a high-volume, high-quality, multi-outlet environment
Background in visitor attractions, heritage venues, premium hospitality, or contract catering
Strong leadership and communication skills with the ability to motivate and develop teams
Excellent organisational skills and calm under pressure during busy operational periods
Strong knowledge of food trends, allergens, dietary requirements, and modern techniques
Demonstrated ability to achieve financial targets without compromising standards
IT-literate with good Microsoft Office skills
Passionate about food, hospitality, and visitor experience
Adaptable, resilient, and solution-focused
Creative, commercially aware, and results driven
Committed to sustainability, responsible sourcing, and Compass Group values
We ensure you’re rewarded for your hard work with a comprehensive benefits package including (but not limited to):
Free meals on shift
Free onsite parking
Contributory pension scheme
Career development through our Career Pathways and MyLearning programs
Digital GP access for you and your immediate family
Wider healthcare and wellbeing support
Exclusive travel discounts with TUI, Expedia, Booking.com and more
Supermarket savings with Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons and others
Up to 44% off cinema tickets
Cashback rewards across a wide range of brands
Free wellness, mindfulness, and exercise classes
Share discounts with friends and family
Part of Compass Group UK & Ireland, Restaurant Associates delivers exceptional hospitality through outstanding food, drink, and service. We work with some of the UK’s most respected cultural, heritage, and visitor destinations to create memorable experiences.
At Beaulieu Motor Museum, our mission is to enhance every visitor’s day through great food and warm hospitality — from casual café dining to premium events. Our teams take pride in quality, creativity, and service excellence.
Job Reference:
Compass Group UK & Ireland is committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone can be themselves and thrive. We celebrate diversity, champion inclusion, and empower our teams to reach their full potential — because diversity is our strength.