Horrendous - Chef Solent Forts Employee Review

Pays decent wages for a non-London based job (and without the commute). The properties really are incredible and I've been fortunate to visit them all despite being in an office-based role. I get to work with some great people. Recruitment hasn't always been spot on - because of the decent wages and the owners deep pockets there have been a fair few ‘talk the talk’ hires (who really couldn’t ‘walk the walk’) milking it for what they could but it's getting there now with some solid hires over the past year + who have the relevant industry experience and the company seems to be shaping up nicely... The company does have an entrepreneurial feel to it...it can be pretty fast paced which isn't for everyone but hard work isn't just encouraged - it's rewarded too. There have been vast improvements over the past couple of months and many of the 'less positive' elements have been greatly improved upon...more flexibility, better sick leave policy, a Friday drinks trolley and ‘dress down every day of the week…

There were some 'darker days' in the past as the company struggled to do everything at once and there was a management structure in place that didn't work as well as it should have done...think of two steam engines pulling in opposite directions and you'll get the drift. The owner of the business (now only present 1 day a week) thinks of the company as his train set and does have the occasional tendency to derail it....you've just got to deal with it.

Higher than average wages in management positions Company looks great in the brochure or website but unfortunately that where it ends Staff benefits are ok Unfortunately not all venues provide meals on duty

Morale low Fledgling company big ideas no clue how to get there Jobs created and filled by outside the staff that work for company staff do not even know position available until interviewees turn up No staff in right areas 180k wage budget in sales no sales so no money to support wages in ops which has been slashed to supplement high wage casts in other areas One manager is a tyrant and was caught drinking on shift HR and higher management are informed do nothing Then we come to CSO one person needs to go he comes up with policy and procurement which can not work Takes pictures and snitches then completely undermines the GM Unfortunately CSo then come in changes everything proper seagull management If you value your career don't join its going to take along time to rebuild after this