Head Chef, New Opening, South West London

Salary: Circa £45,000

Location: South West London

Contract: Full-time, permanent

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a talented Head Chef to join an ambitious hospitality group ahead of the launch of its first venue.

This beautifully restored neighbourhood pub will combine excellent food, quality coffee, comfortable workspaces, private events and guest accommodation, creating a genuine hub for the local community.

The kitchen will focus on seasonal British cooking, with an emphasis on carefully sourced ingredients from trusted local suppliers. The menu will feature breakfast dishes, freshly prepared lunches, an elevated evening offering and traditional Sunday roasts.

This role offers the rare chance to join before launch and help shape the operation from the ground up.

The role

As Head Chef, you will have genuine creative freedom and full ownership of the food offering. You'll work closely with the senior leadership team to develop menus, recruit and train the brigade, establish systems and oversee the kitchen through launch and beyond.

This is an ideal opportunity for an experienced Head Chef looking for greater autonomy or a strong Sous Chef who is ready to take the next step.

Responsibilities

• Develop seasonal breakfast, lunch and dinner menus, along with weekly specials and event menus.
• Write recipes, cost dishes accurately and ensure consistency across the entire operation.
• Recruit, train and develop the kitchen team.
• Establish stock control procedures, ordering systems and wastage management processes.
• Work alongside the project team to advise on equipment, kitchen design and workflow.
• Build strong relationships with local producers and suppliers.
• Maintain the highest standards of food safety, compliance and cleanliness.
• Lead the team through training, soft launch and a busy opening period.

About you

• You have experience working within quality-led pubs, gastropubs or restaurant environments.
• You are a confident leader who enjoys building and developing teams.
• You have a strong understanding of food costs, gross profit, stock control and labour management.
• You are passionate about seasonal British produce and ingredient-led cooking.
• Previous opening experience would be beneficial, although it is not essential.
• You hold a Level 2 Food Hygiene qualification as a minimum.

What's on offer?

• Salary of around £45,000 per year.
• Complete ownership of the food offering.
• The opportunity to influence the design and layout of a brand-new kitchen.
• Clear progression opportunities as the business expands.
• Staff meals, discounts and the chance to become part of an exciting new venture from the very beginning.