Head Chef - Italian Restaurant, New Opening - Incipio Group Limited - London

Head Chef - Italian Restaurant, New Opening - Incipio Group Limited - London

Full-Time 45000 - 50000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
C

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a talented kitchen team and create innovative Italian menus.
  • Company: Exciting new Italian restaurant, Juno, in West London.
  • Benefits: Health insurance, gym discounts, free therapy, and bonus opportunities.
  • Other info: Enjoy career growth, incentive trips, and a 50% discount on food and drink.
  • Why this job: Showcase your culinary skills and make a real impact in a vibrant environment.
  • Qualifications: Extensive experience as a Head Chef in high-volume Italian restaurants.

The predicted salary is between 45000 - 50000 £ per year.

As Head Chef, you’ll be the heart of the kitchen, leading a talented team and shaping an innovative menu that captures the energy and precision of Italian cuisine in a high‑volume, yet elevated, environment. You will showcase your expertise in pizza, pasta and other traditional Italian dishes while incorporating contemporary trends and seasonal ingredients. You are a master of delegation, expert in setting the tone and creating a harmonious environment for your team to thrive.

Responsibilities

  • Collaborate with the Food Team and General Manager to curate and develop both core and seasonal menus with innovative Italian concepts.
  • Dramatise the guest experience utilising our live pizza counter.
  • Own and deliver GP to budget, determining food inventory needs including managing stock, waste and ordering.
  • Take total responsibility for ensuring the kitchen meets all regulations, including sanitary and food safety guidelines.
  • Ensure strict adherence to food hygiene practices and maintain the highest standards of cleanliness and safety.
  • Manage and own the kitchen labour spend, rota planning to budget.
  • Ensure recruitment is in line with company guidelines, recruiting brilliant skills and the correct people to elevate the team’s delivery.
  • Conduct bi‑annual team performance reviews, consistently train the team, encourage development and company engagement with initiatives such as Kitchen Collabs and Apprenticeship Schemes.
  • Demonstrate proactive, warm leadership, high energy and a passion for bringing people together.

Qualifications and Traits

  • Extensive experience as a Head Chef in a high‑volume Italian restaurant.
  • Passionate about Neapolitan pizza.
  • Have a keen eye for standards and take pride in every dish served.
  • Creative, innovative and forward‑thinking.
  • Multitasker, expert delegator and enjoys being in the thick of it.
  • Remains calm when tickets ramp up and service is in full flow.
  • Obsessed with communication; constantly speaks to the team, communicates the bigger picture as well as venue‑specific details and helps the team understand why their roles are so important to the venue’s success.

Company

Juno is a contemporary Italian restaurant and bar launching at Olympia, a space that blends the ease of neighbourhood dining with the energy of a West London destination. Rooted in simple, produce‑led cooking, Juno’s hospitality will be warm, generous and effortlessly stylish. It is a restaurant designed to feel both familiar and fresh, with a menu built around seasonal plates, handmade pizza, and a confident drinks menu anchored by spritzes, negronis, and a considered Italian wine list.

Benefits & Best Bits

  • Vitality Package: Dental, Optical and Health insurance, Gym membership discounts + other rewards.
  • Self Space: Free therapy through Self Space, accessible to anyone who works for Incipio.
  • Hugely exciting career development, with opportunities to grow and expand in this role as the business grows.
  • Bonus capacity paid annually.
  • Company awards and events.
  • Sickness & Compassionate Pay.
  • Incentive trips (think wine trips to Portugal and ski trips to France).
  • Enhanced Maternity, Paternity and Adoption leave.
  • Incipio FC + Seasonal Socials.
  • 50% discount for food and drink in all our venues.

Salary: £45,000 - £50,000 per year.

Head Chef - Italian Restaurant, New Opening - Incipio Group Limited - London employer: Chef & Cook

Incipio Group Limited is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that celebrates creativity and collaboration in the heart of London. As the Head Chef at Juno, you will not only lead a passionate team but also enjoy extensive career development opportunities, a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance and wellness initiatives, and unique perks like incentive trips and generous discounts across all venues. Join us to shape an innovative Italian dining experience while thriving in a supportive environment that values your contributions.

C

Contact Details:

Chef & Cook Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Head Chef - Italian Restaurant, New Opening - Incipio Group Limited - London

Get a Taste of the Scene

Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!

Network at Food Festivals

Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!

Show Off Your Skills

Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Chef & Cook. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!

Reach Out Directly to Chef & Cook

Don't be shy about reaching out to Chef & Cook directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!

We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef - Italian Restaurant, New Opening - Incipio Group Limited - London

Leadership
Menu Development
Italian Cuisine Expertise
Food Safety Regulations
Stock Management
Budget Management
Team Training and Development

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.

Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!

Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Chef & Cook and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!

Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!

How to prepare for a job interview at Chef & Cook

Show Your People Skills

In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!

Know Your Menu Inside Out

Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!

Demonstrate Your Team Spirit

Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'

Get Ready for a Practical Test

In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!