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 recognition for innovation and excellence in the hospitality industry.
- Why this job: Be part of a growing brand with endless career progression and creative culinary opportunities.
- Qualifications: Experience in kitchen management, strong leadership, and a passion for fresh ingredients.
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 and supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and growth. As the Head Chef at Casa Mayfair, you will enjoy benefits such as a 50% staff discount, free meals during shifts, and opportunities for career advancement within our expanding restaurant group. With a commitment to quality and creativity in the kitchen, you'll be part of a team that values collaboration and innovation, making it a rewarding place to develop your culinary skills.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the restaurant vibe! Before your interview, pop by Casa Mayfair and soak in the atmosphere. This will help you understand their style and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of the team.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your creativity! Prepare a few ideas for seasonal dishes that could fit the menu. This not only highlights your culinary skills but also demonstrates your passion for fresh ingredients and innovation.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your kitchen management skills! Be ready to discuss how you handle P&L, food costs, and team dynamics. They want to see that you can keep everything running smoothly while keeping morale high.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to ask questions! Show your interest in succession planning and team development. This will highlight your commitment to empowering the next generation of chefs and align with their values.
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 your enthusiasm for fresh ingredients and imaginative dishes!
Highlight Your Leadership Skills:As a Head Chef, you'll be leading a kitchen team. Make sure to mention any experience you have in developing and motivating others. We love seeing candidates who can inspire their teams!
Be Organised:Talk about your organisational skills and how you manage kitchen operations efficiently. Mention any systems you’ve used, like Marketman or Check365, to show us you're on top of BOH administration.
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 get to know you better. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Casa Do Frango
✨Know Your Ingredients
Make sure you’re well-versed in the fresh ingredients you’ll be working with. Research seasonal produce and be ready to discuss how you can incorporate them into imaginative dishes that align with the restaurant's ethos.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've developed and motivated kitchen teams in the past. Be ready to share your approach to training and succession planning, as this is key for a Head Chef role.
✨Master the Numbers
Brush up on your P&L management skills. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve managed food costs, labour, and invoice accuracy in previous roles. This will show your potential employer that you can keep the kitchen running efficiently.
✨Communicate Effectively
Think about how you’ve collaborated with front-of-house staff and leadership teams before. Prepare to discuss your communication style and how you resolve issues proactively, as teamwork is crucial in a busy kitchen environment.
