At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a talented kitchen team and create innovative Italian dishes.
- Company: Exciting new Italian restaurant, Juno, in West London.
- Benefits: Health insurance, gym discounts, free therapy, and bonus opportunities.
- Other info: Join a diverse team that celebrates individuality and inclusivity.
- Why this job: Be the heart of a vibrant kitchen and elevate dining experiences.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience as a Head Chef in high-volume Italian restaurants.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Bigger Bolder Hospitality is seeking a visionary Head Chef who brings both talent and heart to the role. Someone who is energised by creating elevated dining experiences and who understands how to turn moments into memories for our guests. 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’s 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. Juno will attract a broad audience, including local West Londoners, early evening pre-theatre diners and weekend groups looking for a place that feels fun but refined; a balance of accessibility and aspiration.
We are looking for a leader to embrace this brand and bring their team on a journey to deliver fun, elevated and exciting hospitality.
The Role
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’ll have the opportunity to showcase your expertise in pizza, pasta and other traditional Italian dishes while incorporating contemporary trends and seasonal ingredients. Master of delegation, expert in setting the tone and creating a harmonious environment for your team to thrive in.
We Expect You To
- Collaborate with the Food Team & 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.
- 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 our recruitment is in line with company guidelines, recruiting brilliant skills and the correct people to elevate your team’s delivery.
- Conduct biannual team performance reviews, consistently training your team, encouraging development and company engagement with initiatives such as Kitchen Collabs and Apprenticeship Schemes.
- Engage with the wider Incipio culture, living and breathing our values.
Who You’ll Be
- A proactive and warm leader, high energy and someone who loves to bring people together.
- 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 loves being in the thick of it.
- Someone who keeps calm when the tickets ramp up and service is in full flow.
- Obsessed with communication, constantly speaking to your team, with the ability to communicate the bigger picture as well as venue specific details and getting the team to understand why their roles are so important to the venue’s success.
- Someone who our chefs can aspire to be.
- Fun! Doesn’t take themselves too seriously and understands that hospitality is all about personality & heart.
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.
- Length in service; earn additional holiday after 2 years continuous service.
Incipio & Inclusivity
We’re all about celebrating individuality & inclusivity. At Incipio, we believe diverse teams make the best teams. That’s why we welcome applications from all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives; regardless of race, gender, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, or anything else that makes you uniquely you. If you need any adjustments during the application process, just let us know. We’ve got you!
Head Chef - Italian Restaurant, New Opening employer: Juno
At Juno, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and inclusive work culture. As a Head Chef in our new Italian restaurant at Olympia, you'll not only lead a passionate team but also enjoy extensive career development opportunities, a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance and wellness initiatives, and the chance to create memorable dining experiences in a dynamic environment. Join us in celebrating individuality and elevating hospitality with heart and creativity.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef - Italian Restaurant, New Opening
✨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 Juno. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Juno
Don't be shy about reaching out to Juno 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
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 Juno 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 Juno
✨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!
