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NEW - Business Development / Lead Chef

Hampshire, UK

Job Type

Full Time - Permanent

Place of Work

On Site / WFH & Location Based with Travel

About the Role

Building lasting partnerships – connecting exceptional leaders with venues where both can thrive.
The Opportunity

We’re looking for a superstar chef - someone deeply passionate about food, independents, small chains, and hospitality - to play a pivotal role in representing a new supplier partnership platform.

This is not a traditional kitchen role. Instead, it’s an opportunity for a highly respected, high-profile chef to leverage their culinary background beyond the pass, shaping product, partnerships, and customer relationships in a fast-growing, owner-led start-up.

You’ll be a trusted voice to chefs, producers, and business owners alike, helping us build a customer-obsessed business rooted in great food, great people, and meaningful industry relationships.

No boards | No shareholders | No distractions | Just impact.

About You
You’ll be instantly credible in the room - the kind of chef whose CV speaks for itself.
From a recognisable, high-profile restaurant background
15+ years’ senior experience in aspirational kitchens
Well-known and respected within the industry
Highly connected - able to pick up the phone and open doors
Equally comfortable with chefs, producers, and business owners
Passionate about independent hospitality, quality ingredients, and doing things properly
Energised by variety, pace, and building something meaningful

The Role
This is a wide-ranging, high-energy role with real influence across the business.
You will be involved in:

Product Development – internal and external NPD
Supplier NPD – working closely with producers / shaping our future offer
Business Development at key customer locations
Sales Support – adding credibility and expertise where it matters
Content Creation – sharing insight, inspiration, and expertise
Market Expertise – being our culinary authority
Development Sessions & Range Building
Acting as a senior culinary presence across the South Central region with growth in mind

Features & Benefits
Work directly with artisan and local producers
Sell into premium, independent restaurants and small chains
Owner-operated business with fast decision-making
Real autonomy and influence
A role built around your reputation, experience, and product / passion
The chance to shape something from the ground up

The Future
This role has genuine long-term potential:
Progression into a UK-wide role
Opportunity to help build and lead a regional / national team
A platform to extend your impact well beyond one kitchen

Reports To: Owner Directly

Requirements

Ability to commute/relocate:

SO / PO / RG Postcode: Reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work in Hampshire (required) with some travel required with some WFH opportunities also


Experience:

Minimum 15 years Senior Chef Operational experience in Hotels/Restaurants or close to.

Ability to lead a room for presentation and even operationally hands on, commitment and leadership, outgoing confidence and articulate - great positive team influence.

Strong use of presentation PC software and systems

CRM / POS & EPOS / costings and finance controls


Work authorisation:

United Kingdom (required)


The Chef Hub is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse work environment. We do not discriminate based on race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by law. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any of these factors.

We encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, please contact us directly, should you have any further questions, please ask


Eligibility to Work in the UK

At The Chef Hub, we are committed to ensuring all our team members have the legal right to work in the United Kingdom. As part of our recruitment process, all applicants must provide valid documentation demonstrating their eligibility to work in the UK in accordance with current Home Office regulations. This may include, but is not limited to, a British or Irish passport, settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, or a valid visa that permits work in the UK.

£60,000+ Subject to Experience

Apply Now
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