At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a vibrant kitchen team, ensuring exceptional food quality and guest satisfaction.
- Company: Join Piccolino Grande Manchester, a top-rated Italian dining destination.
- Benefits: Enjoy 50% off meals, enhanced family leave, and comprehensive training.
- Other info: Be part of a collection of industry-leading restaurants with excellent career growth.
- Why this job: Shape the culinary experience in a dynamic, people-first environment.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in high-volume kitchens and a passion for Italian cuisine.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
At Piccolino Grande Manchester, we're known for delivering premium Italian dining in a vibrant, high-energy environment. We are now looking for an experienced and inspiring Executive Chef to lead our kitchen operation, drive performance, and raise standards across the business.
As Executive Chef, you'll take full strategic and operational ownership of the kitchen. Leading a large brigade, you'll be responsible for shaping the food offering, driving financial performance, and developing a strong, engaged team. This is a hands-on leadership role with a clear focus on consistency, quality, and continuous improvement.
Responsibilities
- Provide overall leadership and direction to the kitchen team, building a high performing culture
- Drive exceptional food quality, consistency, and presentation across all services
- Take full accountability for kitchen financials including GP, stock control, labour, and waste
- Lead recruitment, development, and succession planning within the kitchen team
- Deliver operational excellence, ensuring smooth service and high guest satisfaction
- Maintain the highest standards of food safety, hygiene, and compliance
- Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, standards, and team performance
Qualifications
- Proven experience as an Executive Chef or established Head Chef in a premium, high-volume environment
- Strong leadership skills with experience managing large kitchen teams
- Commercially focused, with a solid understanding of kitchen financials
- Passion for Italian cuisine and delivering exceptional guest experiences
- Ability to balance strategic thinking with a hands-on approach during service
- Excellent organisational skills and a proactive, solution-focused mindset
When you join Individual Restaurants, you're not just joining one team. You're joining a collection of industry-leading restaurants, all with a stellar reputation for quality service and exceptional food.
Benefits
- The Sunday Times – Best place to work 2024 & 2025
- Full in-house training provided through our bespoke RISE programme
- 50% off your food and drink bill at any of our restaurants, at any time, for up to 8 people
- Enhanced Maternity and Paternity packages
- Access to up to 40% of earnt wages and financial wellbeing tools through Wagestream
- Employee Assistance Programme through The Drinks Trust, providing 24/7 support and access to counselling services
- Employer pension contribution
- Team meals on shift
- 15% off your grocery bill at Iceland Foods
- Health Care Cash Plan
- Opportunity to lead one of our flagship restaurants
- A people first culture with strong team engagement
At Piccolino, we pride ourselves on quality, energy, and hospitality. As Executive Chef, you'll have the opportunity to shape the kitchen, influence the food offering, and be part of a business that's always raising the standard.
If you're passionate about delivering exceptional standards and want to be part of a forward-thinking team, we invite you to apply.
Executive Chef in Manchester employer: Individual Restaurants
At Piccolino Grande Manchester, we pride ourselves on being a top employer in the hospitality sector, offering a vibrant work environment where creativity and passion for Italian cuisine thrive. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through our bespoke RISE training programme, competitive benefits including generous discounts and enhanced family leave, and a people-first culture that fosters team engagement and operational excellence. Join us to lead one of our flagship restaurants and make a meaningful impact in a dynamic team dedicated to delivering exceptional dining experiences.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive Chef in Manchester
✨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 Individual Restaurants. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Individual Restaurants
Don't be shy about reaching out to Individual Restaurants 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 Executive Chef in Manchester
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 Individual Restaurants 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 Individual Restaurants
✨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!
