Hove
• Head Chef * Full Creative Control & Kitchen Autonomy * £40,000 - 45,000 + circa £4,000 service charge * 45 hours | Monday & Tuesday off We are currently working alongside an independent neighbourhood restaurant on the South Coast entering an exciting new chapter. This is an opportunity for a Head Chef to redefine the direction of a well-loved local site and truly put their stamp on it. You will lead a small, tight-knit team (2-3 chefs on shift), delivering simple, bold, well-executed food with an Italian influence across brunch, lunch, and dinner. The foundations are in place, what's needed now is strong leadership, clarity of vision, and the ability to raise standards across menu, execution, and overall kitchen identity. This role suits either a current Head Chef ready for a fresh challenge or a strong Senior Sous looking to step into their first full leadership role. You'll need to be commercially aware, standards-driven, calm under pressure, and passionate about making simple food exceptional. What's on offer: * 45-hour working week * Fixed days off: Monday & Tuesday * Genuine autonomy to shape menu direction and identity * Opportunity to reposition and elevate an independent restaurant This is a role for a chef who wants ownership, not just a title, and the chance to build something with purpose and direction. Search is an equal opportunities recruiter and we welcome applications from all suitably skilled or qualified applicants, regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/beliefs, sexual orientation or age. TPBN1_UKCT