Head Chef - Exciting New Venue (Near Winchester) Salary: £42,000 per year We're supporting an exciting new hospitality venue just outside Winchester - a relaxed, welcoming space currently open for weekday lunches and available for private events and live music evenings. As the business grows, we'll be introducing breakfast service, Saturday openings and an expanded live events calendar. To lead this next stage, we're looking for a creative and driven Head Chef to take full ownership of the food offering and build a small, high-performing kitchen team. About the Role As Head Chef, you'll be the driving force behind the kitchen - leading from the front, setting standards and developing a food offering that reflects the venue's laid-back, locally inspired ethos. You'll initially be working with a small brigade (including a Commis / Apprentice), with the opportunity to recruit and shape your own team as the business grows. This is a fantastic role for a Head Chef who loves being hands-on, wants real input into menus and concepts, and enjoys the idea of growing with a young, evolving venue. Key Responsibilities Lead all aspects of kitchen operation - from service to management and planning Develop and deliver high-quality, fresh, seasonal menus for weekday lunches and events Create new dishes, specials and event menus that suit the venue's brand and atmosphere Manage ordering, stock control, GP and kitchen budgets Maintain excellent food safety and hygiene standards Train, mentor and motivate junior team members Work closely with management on future concepts - including breakfasts, dinners and an expanded events offering Help recruit and build the kitchen team as trade and opening hours increase Hours & Working Pattern Currently: Monday to Friday, approx. 9:00am - 5:30pm (lunch service) Occasional evening shifts for live music or private events Planned Expansion: Saturday openings Increased evening and event work as the calendar grows We're looking for someone flexible and enthusiastic who's excited to be part of a venue that's still finding - and defining - its rhythm. The Ideal Candidate Experienced Head Chef, or a very strong Senior Sous ready to step up Passionate about fresh, seasonal and locally influenced food Creative and proactive, with the confidence to lead from the front Organised and commercially aware - understands GP, cost control and menu engineering Calm under pressure, with a positive, supportive management style Keen to grow with the business and leave a real mark on its development What's on Offer £42,000 salary The chance to shape the entire food direction of a new and growing venue Daytime-focused hours to start, with gradual move into more events and evenings Autonomy, creativity and genuine input into the venue's future A relaxed, friendly working environment with room to progress as the business expands If you're an ambitious Head Chef who wants creativity, responsibility and the opportunity to build something special from the ground up, we'd love to hear from you. To apply, contact Mark Purton at Host Staffing - please send your CV and a short note about your experience and availability.