At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the kitchen team and create mouth-watering Neapolitan pizzas.
- Company: Join the vibrant Pizza Pilgrims family with a fun and inclusive culture.
- Benefits: Earn £14.95 ph, enjoy free pizza, and get extra holidays for every year worked.
- Other info: Enjoy team trips to Naples and company-wide parties!
- Why this job: Be part of an exciting opening team and develop your culinary skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in a kitchen and a passion for pizza are essential.
The predicted salary is between 14.95 - 14.95 £ per hour.
About Us
This August we'll be opening the doors to our newest pizzeria in Wimbledon, and we can't wait to meet our new team, our neighbours and all the amazing guests we'll be serving. Right now, we're looking for great Senior Chefs to join us and be part of the opening team from day one.
14 years ago Thom & James drove a Piaggio ape Tuk Tuk all the way from Sicily to London on a 'Pizza Pilgrimage' to learn the secrets of perfect Italian pizza. They went on to set up a market stall in Soho with an oven in the back of the van before opening their first actual pizzeria on Dean Street. Nowadays we have over 20 award-winning pizzerias across the UK, we've got our own Pizza Academy where we run training workshops every day, and we're also a BCORP - something we're extremely proud about achieving. We pride ourselves on using the best ingredients from Naples including Caputo flour, fresh fior di latte, salsiccia e friarielle, to make the best Neapolitan pizza every day.
At Pizza Pilgrims, we aspire to create an inclusive environment where everyone can be themselves, feel genuinely cared for and have equal opportunities for growth and progression. We are committed to building a diverse team that includes and respects a variety of voices, identities, backgrounds, experiences and perspectives; which creates proper happiness, just like our pizzas do!
Role: Senior Chef
As a Senior Chef, you'll be a specialist in creating the best Neapolitan pizzas, and for every guest to leave with a full belly, and already planning their next visit. You'll also be accountable for:
- Team leadership.
- Health & safety compliance.
- Stock management.
- Successful guest pizza launches.
- Kitchen maintenance management.
- Pizza quality.
Whilst skills are important, representing our values is just as important too. These shape our team culture:
- Push Yourself because we believe learning new skills and coming out of your comfort zone will help us improve as a team.
- Be Yourself means you can bring your own personality to work. Your hair colour is yours, not ours. We think tattoos are cool. And we love hearing about your interests outside of work.
- Respect Others because everyone is welcome at Pilgrims and we're committed to creating an inclusive environment where people feel they belong.
- Enjoy Yourself because hospitality is an industry we love, and we want every Pilgrim to create happiness for each other and to have fun at work.
Company Culture
Don't take our word for it. In our most recent 'happiness survey' (team feedback survey)... Over 200 people said the thing they love most about working at Pilgrims is their team. Over 100 people said their favourite pizza perk was the amount of free pizza they get. And nearly 150 people said they love the culture, development opportunities and pizza quality at Pilgrims.
What's in it for you?
- £14.95 ph + tronc.
- Serious career development - We are opening 4 pizzerias this year & next.
- On top of the standard 28 days holiday (full time), you will get an extra day for every year you work for us (up to 5 Years).
- After 5 years with us, you get a paid 4-week sabbatical on top of your 33 days holiday!
- Some of our favourite Pizza Perks include:
- 1 extra day holiday as 'Happiness Day' so you can do something that you love and makes you happy about outside of work.
- Team trips to Naples & beyond to meet suppliers & try new pizzerias.
- A tasty bonus every time you refer a friend to join.
- Free food & espresso every day - whole menu available & also deals with other restaurants.
- A free after-work drinks (soft, beer or gin).
- 2 huge company-wide parties every year to celebrate Christmas and Ferragosto (We close all the pizzerias for these!).
- Free pizza when you visit any Pizza Pilgrims when you are not at work for you & up to 3 friends.
Senior Chef - Pizza Pilgrims - London employer: Chef & Cook
At Pizza Pilgrims, we are not just about serving delicious Neapolitan pizzas; we are dedicated to creating a vibrant and inclusive work environment where every team member can thrive. With exciting growth opportunities as we expand our pizzerias, employees enjoy generous benefits including extra holidays for loyalty, team trips to Naples, and a culture that celebrates individuality and teamwork. Join us in Wimbledon and be part of a passionate team that values your contributions and fosters personal and professional development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Chef - Pizza Pilgrims - 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 Senior Chef - Pizza Pilgrims - London
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!
