LEAD CHEF - INDEPENDENT GARDEN CENTRE - BASED IN THE NEW FOREST, NEAR LYMINGTON - £30,000 TO £32,000 SALARY (DOE) - NO LATE NIGHTS Leisure Solutions specialise in the recruitment of Leisure and Hospitality professionals across the UK, working with a range of businesses to attract the right people, helping businesses thrive and improving lives. We are assisting in the recruitment of a chef to join the catering team at this independent garden centre and nursery based in the New Forest. Join a friendly, well-established independent garden centre with a large multi-use eating area and a well-equipped kitchen. Following extensive refurbishment, they’ve built a strong reputation for fresh, seasonal dishes alongside much-loved staples. They are now looking for a Head Chef who can lead the kitchen while being very much part of a small, supportive, front-and-back-of-house team. You’ll report to the Operations Manager, take day-to-day responsibility for the kitchen, and work closely with FOH to deliver great food and warm, efficient service. The role: * Lead the kitchen through prep and service, setting the tone for a calm, organised, friendly operation. * Cook and oversee a jointly agreed menu of fresh, seasonal dishes plus popular classics and snacks; contribute specials and cakes when time allows. * Collaborate with FOH and management to ensure smooth service, clear communication and happy customers. * Own kitchen standards: food production, labelling, stock rotation, allergen control, hygiene and daily/weekly checks. * Manage efficient and economical ordering and stock counts with agreed waste targets. * Maintain accurate kitchen paperwork; support with EHO/HACCP documentation can be provided, as can ordering support via our EPOS. * Train and mentor junior team members in kitchen operations. * About you * Experienced chef with solid commercial kitchen exposure and the ability to run a kitchen during busy daytime service. * Organised, consistent and hands-on, with excellent attention to detail and a pride in cleanliness and food safety. * Comfortable working as a leader and a teammate—you don’t become an island; you communicate and collaborate. * Confident across multiple sections. * Professional communicator with colleagues and customers. * Knowledge of kitchen health & safety, allergens and best-practice compliance (we’ll help with paperwork as needed). What's on offer: * Sociable daytime hours – no late nights. * A permanent, full-time role (c.40 hours). * Salary £30,000–£32,000 DOE. * A supportive environment where chefs can express themselves within agreed guidelines—think seasonal plates and menu input. * Benefits: company pension, employee discount, discounted/free staff meals, free parking. * Due to location, access to a vehicle is essential. In line with the requirements of the Asylum and Immigration Act 1996, all applicants must be eligible to live and work in the UK and will be asked to provide documented evidence of eligibility. In line with the requirements of the Employment Agencies Act 1973 we are prohibited from charging work-seekers for work finding services