At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a passionate kitchen team to create exceptional dishes and memorable guest experiences.
- Company: Join MJMK Restaurants, known for award-winning dining and a vibrant work culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy 50% staff discount, free meals, enhanced leave, and wellness support.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with a focus on team morale and professional development.
- Why this job: Be part of an expanding brand with endless career progression opportunities.
- Qualifications: Experience in kitchen management and a passion for fresh, imaginative cooking.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 € per year.
A passionate Head Chef committed to creating the best guest experience possible during service. An inspiring Head Chef who is confident in developing, training, and motivating a kitchen team. Confident working with fresh ingredients and supporting the creation and implementation of seasonal, imaginative dishes. Committed to quality, consistency, and attention to detail in food preparation and presentation. Organised and efficient in managing kitchen operations, including ordering, food safety, and maintenance reporting. Skilled in managing P&L, labour and food costs, and invoice accuracy. A strong communicator who works collaboratively with FOH, the Chef Patron, and wider leadership team. Proactive in resolving issues, upholding company HR standards, and supporting team morale. Able to use systems like Marketman and Check365, and keep on top of all BOH administration. A Head Chef focused on succession planning and empowering the next generation of chefs.
What We Offer Our Head Chef:
- 50% staff discount across all MJMK restaurants
- Free staff meals while on shift
- Opportunity to develop your career with MJMK Restaurants
- Enhanced maternity and paternity pay after your first year with us
- Extra day’s holiday every year you’re with us, up to 5 extra days
- 5 Days Company Sick Pay after a year with us
- Wide range of benefits from Hospitality Action - Including: mental health & well-being support, Benefits Hub with retail discounts, wellness podcast, nutrition-focused recipes, digital gym, mindfulness meditation, as well as Employee Assistance Program
- Up to £500 team referral bonus
About Casa: Our journey began in 2018 with the launch of Casa do Frango in London Bridge – a Portuguese grill concept inspired by Marco’s Portuguese heritage and fond memories of his upbringing in Southern Portugal. Offering a menu of fresh, wood charcoal-grilled dishes in a warm atmosphere, it quickly became a local favourite. Building on this success, we were fortunate to be able to expand Casa to the neighbourhoods of Mayfair (2022) and Victoria (2023). We’re looking for a Head Chef to join our team at Casa Mayfair where you will play a key role in delivering exceptional food and contributing to deliver outstanding guest experiences. The site welcomes around 1300 guests each week, a 125-cover dining space, 100 cover event space/bar, two private dining rooms and a summer terrace. We are passionate about creating memorable experiences for our guests and nurturing a positive, energetic work environment for our team. After winning Disruptor Brand at the 2023 Peach 20/20 Hero & Icon Awards and Emerging Concept at the MCA Hospitality Awards 2023, there’s never been a better time to join us. With our expansion continuing in 2025, career progression opportunities are endless.
About MJMK Restaurants: MJMK Restaurants own and operate a collection of award-winning restaurants. Founded in 2018 by lifelong friends Jake Kasumov and Marco Mendes, our journey began with Casa do Frango. In 2020, we partnered with chef patron Santiago Lastra to open KOL, a fine dining restaurant in Marylebone celebrating Mexican cuisine with British ingredients. KOL has since earned a Michelin Star, named as one of the World’s 50 Best Restaurants. 2024 saw the launch of two new ventures: Fonda, a contemporary Mexican concept in Mayfair—our second collaboration with Santiago Lastra—and AngloThai in Marylebone, the debut restaurant from husband-and-wife team John and Desiree Chantarasak, blending Thai flavours with British ingredients. Within three months of opening, AngloThai earned a Michelin star. At the 2025 National Restaurant Awards, AngloThai was named 'The Square Opening of the Year' in the Top 100 list, followed by KOL. September saw the opening of Luso, a contemporary Portuguese restaurant in Fitzrovia.
Head Chef employer: Casa Do Frango
MJMK Restaurants is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises creativity and collaboration. As the Head Chef at Casa Mayfair, you will enjoy a range of benefits including generous staff discounts, free meals during shifts, and opportunities for career development within a rapidly expanding company. With a commitment to employee well-being and a focus on nurturing talent, MJMK Restaurants provides a supportive environment where you can thrive and make a meaningful impact in the culinary world.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Get your chef skills on display! If you can, whip up a signature dish and share it with the team during your interview. It’s a great way to show off your creativity and passion for fresh ingredients.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with other chefs and industry professionals on social media or at local events. You never know who might have a lead on the perfect Head Chef position.
✨Tip Number 3
Show us your leadership chops! Be ready to discuss how you've trained and motivated kitchen teams in the past. We love candidates who can inspire others and create a positive work environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate chefs to join our growing family!
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for cooking and creating memorable guest experiences shine through. We want to see that you’re not just a chef, but someone who truly loves what they do!
Highlight Your Leadership Skills:As a Head Chef, you’ll be leading a team, so make sure to showcase your experience in developing and motivating others. Share examples of how you've inspired your kitchen crew in the past.
Be Detail-Oriented:We value quality and consistency, so pay attention to the details in your application. Whether it’s your food preparation skills or your ability to manage costs, make sure to highlight your meticulous approach.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Casa Do Frango
✨Know Your Ingredients
As a Head Chef, you’ll be working with fresh ingredients daily. Make sure to brush up on seasonal produce and how to incorporate them into imaginative dishes. This will not only show your passion but also your commitment to quality.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Be prepared to discuss how you’ve developed and motivated kitchen teams in the past. Share specific examples of training initiatives or team-building activities that have led to improved morale and performance.
✨Master the Numbers
Understanding P&L, labour, and food costs is crucial. Come ready to discuss how you’ve managed these aspects in previous roles. You might even want to bring along some examples of how you’ve improved efficiency or reduced waste.
✨Communicate Effectively
Collaboration with the front of house and leadership team is key. Prepare to demonstrate your communication style and how you resolve conflicts or issues in a busy kitchen environment. This will highlight your ability to maintain a positive work atmosphere.
