Head Chef

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts

Join a dynamic team and be part of a network of 90 spectacular properties, and 34 more in the pipeline, in 30 countries around the globe. Our properties are located from the beaches of Hawaii to the unspoiled national parks of Canada, to the heart of London, to the deserts of the United Arab Emirates.

About Fairmont Southampton

Are you ready to join a team that thrives on excellence and embraces limitless potential? Fairmont Southampton, Bermuda’s largest resort, invites exceptional individuals to be part of our award-winning team and shape the future of hospitality.

Following a multi-million-dollar renovation, our 593-room resort is Bermuda's largest, featuring nine restaurants, a 30,000-square-foot spa, an 18-hole par three golf course and a captivating Beach Club. Opportunities for growth and success are boundless.

Our culture emphasizes respect, teamwork, and professionalism, supported by comprehensive benefits. Join our diverse and inclusive team, where your unique talents and perspectives are celebrated. Dare to go beyond the ordinary, unlock your potential and make a lasting impact at Fairmont Southampton. Together, let's create memories that exceed expectations. #BeLimitless

About the Application Process:

At Fairmont, we want to bring out your highest potential. Shortly after applying, you will receive an email from our partner AssessFirst prompting you to create a profile and complete a questionnaire. This is a mandatory step for your candidacy to be considered as it enables us to explore your compatibility with this role and our culture of luxury excellence.

We invite you to join the world of luxury hospitality at Fairmont Southampton as our new Head Chef. The Head Chef is responsible for leading all aspects of kitchen operations, ensuring excellence in culinary quality, food safety, profitability, and team performance. This is a hands-on leadership role requiring operational expertise, creative menu development, strong financial acumen, and the ability to inspire and develop a high-performing culinary team.

Success in this role requires exceptional culinary acumen, strong organizational and leadership capabilities, and a passion for delivering memorable dining experiences consistent with Fairmont and Accor brand standards.

What you will be doing:

Culinary Operations & Quality Management

• Lead and manage daily kitchen operations across all meal periods, catering functions, and events with consistency, efficiency, and high standards of execution.
• Direct food preparation, production, presentation, and service to deliver exceptional quality and guest satisfaction.
• Supervise kitchen staff through effective scheduling, clear communication, coaching, and performance management.
• Foster a collaborative, respectful, and inclusive culture aligned with company values and brand expectations.
• Provide operational support across multiple outlets, banquets, and special events as required by business needs.
• Ensure allergen management, dietary requirements, and special menu requests are consistently implemented and communicated across all kitchens.
• Support service recovery by addressing culinary-related guest issues promptly and professionally.

Menu Development & Innovation

• Support the creation, testing, and implementation of innovative menus across all outlets and events.
• Analyze market trends, guest preferences, and cultural influences to design offerings that balance local cuisine with global culinary trends.
• Collaborate with the Executive Chef and F&B leadership to conceptualize seasonal promotions and signature experiences.
• Ensure standardized recipes, yield tests, and plating guides are documented and followed consistently across all outlets.

Financial Management & Cost Control

• Assist with preparing and managing annual budgets, reviewing variances, and adjusting operations based on business needs.
• Oversee inventory control systems, including ordering, waste management, and cost-effective purchasing.
• Implement and monitor portion control, production schedules, and recipe standardization to achieve financial targets.
• Utilize kitchen systems and tools, including recipe costing, inventory management, ordering platforms, and internal reporting systems, to drive efficiency and accuracy.
• Analyze food cost variances, waste trends, and productivity metrics, implementing corrective actions where required.
• Support forecasting, long-term planning, and capital expenditure requirements for kitchen operations.

Leadership, Training & Talent Development

• Lead and inspire culinary colleagues through coaching, motivation, and daily supervision.
• Oversee recruitment, onboarding, scheduling, performance evaluation, and colleague development.
• Execute training programs for all culinary teams, including spearheading the Culinary Apprenticeship Programme.
• Foster a culture of respect, teamwork, and continuous improvement aligned with Accor values.
• Identify high-potential team members and support succession planning and internal promotion.
• Lead by example, reinforcing Fairmont values of Respect, Belonging, Integrity, Empowerment, and Excellence.
• Provide real-time coaching and corrective feedback during service and production periods.
• Address performance or conduct issues in line with company procedures and escalate when required.

Compliance, Safety & Maintenance

• Ensure full compliance with all health & safety standards, HACCP requirements, and food handling regulations.
• Oversee kitchen equipment functionality and manage preventative maintenance programs.
• Maintain accurate documentation related to safety, sanitation, operational checklists, and audit requirements.
• Ensure completion and accuracy of temperature logs, cleaning schedules, and compliance documentation.
• Enforce safe equipment use and workplace safety practices consistently.

Sustainability & Responsible Sourcing

• Support sustainability initiatives aligned with Fairmont and Accor commitments, including responsible sourcing, local purchasing where possible, food waste reduction, and sustainability reporting.
• Actively participate in waste tracking, recycling programs, and initiatives that reduce environmental impact while maintaining culinary excellence.
• Promote sustainable practices within daily kitchen operations without compromising quality or consistency.

Guest Interaction & Stakeholder Engagement

• Meet with guests, clients, and partners as needed to support events, handle culinary questions, and gather feedback.
• Collaborate closely with Food & Beverage, Events, Procurement, Stewarding, and other departments to ensure seamless service delivery.
• Work alongside Sales, Marketing, Events, and Revenue teams to support promotions, special dining experiences, and menu initiatives.
• Respond promptly to guest concerns or complaints, implementing corrective actions when necessary.
• Maintain discretion and professionalism during all guest-facing, VIP, and stakeholder interactions.

Other Duties

• Support strategic culinary initiatives in line with Accor and Fairmont brand goals.
• Perform additional responsibilities as required by the Executive Chef.
• Flexibly support operations across multiple kitchens or outlets within the resort at management discretion based on operational needs.

What will you bring to this role?

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions: ·

Experience

• Minimum 7+ years of progressive culinary experience, ideally within luxury hotels, resorts, or fine-dining environments.
• At least 2 years in a senior leadership role such as Head Chef or Sous Chef in a luxury or high-standard culinary environment.
• Proven experience managing high-volume and multi-outlet culinary operations.
• Experience leading banquets, large-scale events, and multi-venue resort operations is an advantage.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Culinary Arts or related field, or equivalent professional certification/experience.

Competencies, Knowledge & Skills

• Strong understanding of high-volume kitchen operations and culinary management.
• Proven ability to develop and implement innovative menus and promotions.
• Exceptional leadership, coaching, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated culinary creativity and technical skill.
• Solid experience with budgeting, food cost management, and labor planning.
• Strong understanding of food safety regulations and HACCP standards.
• Excellent communication skills (verbal and written), fluent in English.
• Strong decision-making and task prioritization skills in high-pressure, high-volume environments.
• Create an environment where colleagues are empowered, supported and recognized.
• Drive top performance to achieve exceptional results.

Personal Attributes

• Highly responsible, reliable, and committed to excellence.
• Adaptable and thrives in fast-paced, high-pressure environments.
• Strong collaborative mindset with a commitment to inclusivity and professionalism.
• Embrace the Fairmont brand promise and luxury in your role and in all your interactions.
• Foster an inclusive environment where every individual feels valued and respected.

Circumstances

• Flexibility to work a variety of shifts including evenings, weekends, holidays, and extended hours as required by operational needs.
• Ability to stand for extended periods, lift moderate weights, and work in hot, fast-paced kitchen environments.
• Role requires physical stamina, prolonged standing, and the ability to work in hot, fast-paced kitchen environments.

Employee Benefits:

Join our team and enjoy a range of exclusive colleague perks, including complimentary upgrades, extended stays, discounted stays across Fairmont & Raffles properties, special dining and wellness discounts, and added luxuries to enhance your experience. We believe in taking care of our team, ensuring that your hard work is rewarded with exceptional benefits.

What’s in it for you?

As part of Accor, a global hospitality leader with over 5,500 hotels worldwide, you’ll enjoy:

• Opportunities for growth and development, mentorship, and international mobility
• Health insurance, retirement savings plans, and comprehensive wellness programs
• Worldwide travel discounts and preferred rates across the Accor portfolio
• A supportive, inclusive culture grounded in respect, teamwork, and professional development

Start your journey with us today and explore the possibilities! #BeLimitless

Our Values

Respect: We value the needs, ideas and individuality of others. We treat everyone with fairness and dignity.

Excellence: We make genuine connections, and we cherish every opportunity to make the people around us feel special.

Belonging: We celebrate our differences. We support each other and we always stand together.

Empowerment: We have authority to take initiative and anticipate moments that create unforgettable experiences.

Integrity: We build trust through mutual respect and being authentic.

Your team and working environment:

Fairmont Southampton is a premier luxury resort and regarded as a leader in the hospitality industry.  Our mission is to turn moments into memories for our Guests.  An exciting hospitality career awaits you if you are committed to providing our Guests with an authentically local experience through providing warm and engaging service.

Our Heartists work cohesively as part of the team in a demanding, multi-cultural diverse environment.

Our commitment to Diversity & Inclusion:

Fairmont is committed to creating an inclusive environment where diverse talent thrives. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds to join our team.