Head Chef

Head Chef – Salary: Competitive + Performance Bonus This restaurant is one of Southampton's most established and highly regarded independent restaurants, offering authentic Italian cuisine in a stunning location. Renowned for exceptional food and warm hospitality, we are seeking an experienced and passionate Head Chef to lead our kitchen team and continue delivering outstanding dining experiences, with the opportunity to push for accolades and awards. The Role As Head Chef, you will have overall responsibility for the day-to-day operation of the kitchen, autonomy over menus/dishes and suppliers, and for maintaining the highest standards of food quality, consistency, and presentation, while inspiring and developing your team. Key Responsibilities Lead and manage all aspects of the kitchen operation. Maintain exceptional food quality and presentation standards. Recruit, train and develop the kitchen brigade. Ensure excellent food hygiene and health & safety standards. Manage GP, stock control and labour costs effectively. Work closely with senior management to drive standards and business performance. Take ownership of menu development, seasonal specials and new dishes, bringing creativity and innovation while remaining true to authentic Italian heritage. Build strong relationships with suppliers and source the finest ingredients. About You Proven experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef in a high-quality restaurant environment. Strong leadership and people management skills. Passion for fresh produce and authentic cuisine. Commercial awareness with experience managing food costs and kitchen performance. Excellent organisational skills and the ability to thrive under pressure. A hands‑on approach and commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences. Experience with Italian cuisine would be advantageous, although not essential for the right candidate. What We Offer Competitive salary and performance‑related incentives. Genuine autonomy and creative input into menu development. Opportunity to lead a respected and established restaurant with an outstanding reputation. Support from an experienced management team. Staff meals and company benefits. Career development opportunities within the Mustang Group. If you are an ambitious chef with a passion for quality food and strong leadership, we would love to hear from you. Motivate, Inspire, and Develop - Be the driving force behind a talented team of chefs, fostering a collaborative and supportive kitchen culture. Embrace the Seasonal Rhythm - Adapt your culinary expertise to the ebb and flow of our busy summer terrace and quieter winter seasons, delivering exceptional dining experiences year‑round. Passion for Fresh, Seasonal Fare - Showcase your commitment to cooking with the finest, locally sourced ingredients, creating mouthwatering dishes that delight our guests. Preferred Requirements Extensive experience as a Head Chef, with a proven track record of leading and managing a kitchen team. Exceptional kitchen management and administrative skills, ensuring the smooth running of day‑to‑day operations. Demonstrated expertise in staff retention and development, fostering a positive and motivated work environment. Passion for fresh, seasonal cooking and a deep understanding of food trends and culinary innovations. Strong team player with excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Preferred Qualifications Formal culinary training or equivalent experience in a high‑quality, fast‑paced kitchen environment. Proficiency in kitchen management software and inventory control systems. Adaptability and the ability to thrive in a dynamic, seasonally driven operation. The Package £40,000 to £50,000 per year GP Bonus Generous Tips & Service Discounted or free food Employee discounts Free parking #J-18808-Ljbffr