Head Chef and Kitchen Manager

Are you a natural kitchen leader with a passion for people, quality food, and operational excellence?

Were looking for a Kitchen Manager to run the back-of-house operation at our lively North London pub. Known for its community spirit, live music, and high-quality food, this venue is ready for a skilled chef-manager who can bring structure, flavour, and positive energy to the heart of the kitchen.

What Youll Be Doing

Youll be responsible for the smooth day-to-day running of the kitchen, delivering high-quality dishes, managing your team, and ensuring compliance and profitability. This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who thrives in a fast-paced, standards-driven environment.

Your Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Management

• Lead, train, and motivate the kitchen team to deliver excellent service and food standards.
• Manage staff rotas and labour costs efficiently.
• Conduct regular one-to-ones and performance reviews.

Operational Excellence

• Maintain consistently high-quality food across all service periods.
• Oversee kitchen cleanliness and hygiene (daily, weekly, and deep cleans).
• Ensure accurate daily prep levels and smooth open/close procedures.

Food Safety & Compliance

• Take full ownership of food hygiene (HACCP), COSHH, and EHO standards.
• Keep all compliance documentation up to date and auditable.
• Train and supervise team on food safety and allergens.

Financial Control

• Achieve agreed GP% targets through cost-effective stock management and supplier ordering.
• Monitor and reduce wastage.
• Complete monthly stocktakes and variance reporting.

Menu & Product Development

• Maintain consistency across the menu.
• Contribute to seasonal changes, specials, and event offerings.
• Ensure accurate allergen labelling and recipe control.

Collaboration & Communication

• Work closely with the Pub General Manager and Front of House team to ensure seamless service.
• Attend management meetings and contribute to operational planning.

Performance Measures

• 5* EHO hygiene compliance
• GP% and labour cost targets met
• Low staff turnover and high morale
• Minimal wastage
• Positive customer feedback and review scores

What Were Looking For

• Experienced leader with a proven background as a Kitchen Manager, Head Chef, or Senior Sous in a high-volume pub, bar, or casual dining environment.
• A confident operator who understands what it takes to run a compliant kitchen to Environmental Health Officer (EHO) standards.
• Holds Level 3 Food Safety & Hygiene certification (or higher), and ideally up to date with allergen awareness and HACCP principles.
• Solid knowledge of Health & Safety, stock control, and kitchen finance (GP, labour percentages, etc.).
• A calm, organised presence in service who leads from the front and sets high standards for the team.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, able to work closely with FOH and management to deliver a seamless experience for guests.

Why Join Us?

• £35,000 salary
• Flexible working and strong team culture
• Meals on shift + family and friends discounts across the venue
• Genuine autonomy and opportunity to make your mark
• A sociable, energetic pub with live events and a loyal customer base
• Work place pension
• Dome London venue guest list for music lovers

Apply Now
If youre ready to lead a kitchen with character, ambition, and real energyhit apply or send your CV.