At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a busy kitchen, ensuring top-notch food quality and smooth service.
- Company: Dan & Decarlo, a vibrant independent coffee shop in East Finchley.
- Benefits: Starting wage of £14.50, free food, tips, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Enjoy early finishes, balanced shifts, and a fun team atmosphere.
- Why this job: Take ownership of the kitchen and make a real impact on our delicious offerings.
- Qualifications: 2+ years in a similar role with strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 35000 £ per year.
We're looking for a reliable and experienced chef to lead the kitchen at Dan & Decarlo, a busy independent coffee shop in East Finchley. At Dan & Decarlo we pride ourselves on serving the very best traditional breakfasts, and sandwiches, alongside our speciality coffee, pastries, and cakes. This is a hands-on role for someone who can take full ownership of the kitchen, maintain high standards, and keep service running smoothly day to day.
Responsibilities
- Oversee daily kitchen operations and service
- Manage and lead the kitchen team
- Ensure food quality, consistency, and presentation standards
- Plan and manage staff rotas
- Control stock, ordering, and supplier relationships
- Monitor and manage food costs and wastage
- Maintain cleanliness and organisation of the kitchen
- Ensure all food safety, hygiene, and HACCP standards are met
- Train, develop, and support kitchen staff
- Manage prep schedules and service flow
- Handle equipment maintenance and report issues
- Work closely with front-of-house to ensure smooth service
- Drive efficiency and improve kitchen processes
Qualifications
- Minimum 2 years' experience in a similar Kitchen Manager or Senior Chef role
- Strong leadership and organisational skills
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
- Good understanding of food safety and kitchen compliance
- Reliable, proactive, and hands-on approach
Benefits
- £14.50 starting wage
- Free food & drink on shift
- Stable, structured working environment
- Support from ownership and management
- Opportunity to take real ownership of a kitchen
- Share of TRONC
- Early finishes and balanced shift patterns
- Good card tips + cash tips & Spotify premium
If you're someone who takes pride in running a tight, efficient kitchen, we'd like to hear from you.
Chef Kitchen Manager - Permanent Full-time - Dan & Decarlo - London employer: Chef & Cook
Contact Detail:
Chef & Cook Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef Kitchen Manager - Permanent Full-time - Dan & Decarlo - London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Chat with fellow chefs, baristas, and anyone in the food scene. You never know who might have a lead on a kitchen manager role or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, whip up a dish or two and share it on social media. Tagging Dan & Decarlo could catch their eye and show them what you're made of!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by knowing the menu inside out. Familiarise yourself with their offerings and think about how you can elevate their kitchen operations. This shows you're serious about the role!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Chef Kitchen Manager - Permanent Full-time - Dan & Decarlo - London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food: When writing your application, let us see your love for cooking and the culinary arts. Share any experiences that highlight your passion for food, especially in a busy kitchen environment like ours at Dan & Decarlo.
Highlight Your Leadership Skills: As a Kitchen Manager, you'll be leading a team, so make sure to emphasise your leadership experience. Talk about how you've successfully managed a kitchen team before and how you keep everyone motivated and on track.
Be Specific About Your Experience: We want to know what you've done! Detail your previous roles, focusing on your responsibilities and achievements. Mention any specific kitchen operations you've overseen and how you maintained high standards of food quality and safety.
Apply Through Our Website: To make sure your application gets to us directly, apply through our website. It’s the best way for us to see your application and get you one step closer to joining our team at Dan & Decarlo!
How to prepare for a job interview at Chef & Cook
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with Dan & Decarlo's menu. Understand the ingredients, preparation methods, and presentation styles. This will show your passion for the role and help you discuss how you can maintain and elevate their food quality.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Kitchen Manager, you'll need to lead a team effectively. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed kitchen staff in the past, handled conflicts, or improved team performance. This will demonstrate your ability to take ownership and drive efficiency.
✨Discuss Food Safety Knowledge
Be ready to talk about your understanding of food safety, hygiene, and HACCP standards. Share specific experiences where you ensured compliance in previous roles. This is crucial for maintaining high standards in a busy kitchen environment.
✨Prepare Questions About Operations
Think of insightful questions to ask about the daily operations at Dan & Decarlo. Inquire about their current challenges, team dynamics, or how they measure success in the kitchen. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.