Head Chef

The Role
We are seeking an experienced, strategic, and hands-on Head Chef to take full ownership of our kitchen operations. This is a key leadership position, responsible not only for day-to-day service but also for shaping the culinary identity, maintaining standards, and supporting future growth.
The restaurant operates Monday to Sunday, with working hours of approximately forty to forty-five hours per week based on a rota. The Head Chef will report directly to the ownership and will have full day-to-day autonomy over the kitchen operation.
The kitchen delivers lunch and dinner service with a seafood-led Italian menu focused on simplicity, quality ingredients, and precise execution. Service is high quality but manageable, with an emphasis on consistency, attention to detail, and calm professional standards.
Key Responsibilities
Lead and manage all aspects of the kitchen operation
Design and deliver seasonal Italian menus with a strong focus on fresh seafood
Prepare and oversee high-quality Italian dishes, including Neapolitan-style pizza dough, with experience using a gas pizza oven
Maintain consistently high standards of food quality, presentation, and authenticity
Ensure full compliance with food safety, hygiene, and HACCP requirements
Drive consistency, efficiency, and service excellence, particularly during busy services
Recruit, train, develop, and motivate the kitchen team, fostering a positive, professional, and respectful kitchen culture
Manage ordering, stock control, food costs, and waste control
Work closely with ownership and management to ensure the food offering aligns with commercial objectives
Contribute to the long-term development and potential expansion of the restaurant
The Ideal Candidate
Proven experience as a Head Chef, ideally within Italian and seafood-focused kitchens
Strong knowledge of Italian cuisine, seafood handling, and seasonality
Confident and skilled in Neapolitan pizza dough preparation and baking using a gas oven
Strong leadership, organisational, and cost-control skills
Excellent understanding of food safety, hygiene, and HACCP systems
Calm, reliable, and consistent under pressure
Effective communicator with both kitchen and front-of-house teams
What We Offer
Competitive salary of £45,000 to £50,000, plus performance-related bonus
Genuine autonomy to shape menus and influence the food direction of the restaurant
Professional, supportive, and collaborative working environment
Strong emphasis on work-life balance
Contributory pension scheme
Clear career progression opportunities for a Head Chef wishing to grow with the business
Recruitment and Legal Information
Candidates must have the right to work in the UK
The role is available with a reasonable notice period for the right candidate
All applications and discussions will be treated in the strictest confidence
Our Values
We are committed to creating a working environment where everyone feels respected, valued, and empowered. We operate a professional kitchen built on mutual respect and do not tolerate aggressive or abusive behaviour.
We celebrate diversity and believe that different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives strengthen both our team and our business.