At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a passionate kitchen team and create stunning Italian dishes with quality ingredients.
- Company: GiGi's Manchester, a glamorous Italian Grill Room & Bar.
- Benefits: Opportunity to shape a new kitchen and showcase your culinary skills.
- Other info: Be part of an exciting opening team with a focus on craft and pride.
- Why this job: Join us to elevate Italian dining and make every dish unforgettable.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in high-quality kitchens and deep knowledge of Italian cuisine.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
GiGi is a love letter to Italian dining at its most glamorous - inspired by the spirit of the golden age of the Italian New Wave. A place of grandeur, mastery and occasion. Built for the pleasure of staying out.
At the heart of it all is the food. Handmade pasta, live-fire grills, steak Fiorentina, crudo, focaccia, rare breed meats - sourced from the UK and Europe, cooked with care and served with style. Every dough is fermented with intention. Every sauce built from scratch. Every piece of meat and fish treated with respect for where it came from.
THE ROLE
We are looking for an exceptional senior chef to join the opening team and lead the Gusto Griglia kitchen. This is a role for someone who has never stopped caring about what goes on the plate - who holds the pass with authority, builds a brigade with pride, and understands that in this kitchen, quality is non-negotiable.
Working closely with the Culinary Director, you will own the day-to-day culinary operation: the food, the team, the standard. You will be the reason every dish that leaves the pass is worth talking about.
WHAT YOU WILL DO
- Own the quality of every dish leaving the kitchen - the pass stops with you
- Lead, train and develop the brigade with a culture built on craft, consistency and pride
- Work closely with the Culinary Director on menu development, seasonal changes and the ongoing refinement of the food offer
- Manage all culinary operations day to day - ordering, stock, rota, compliance and cost control
- Hold the highest standard on signature dishes - steak Fiorentina, live-fire meats, handmade pasta, slow-fermented dough
- Build and maintain supplier relationships with an unwavering focus on provenance and quality
- Ensure full compliance across food safety, hygiene and health & safety
- Represent the kitchen with guests when called upon - knowledgeable, confident and proud of the food
WHO YOU ARE
- A chef whose first instinct, always, is the food - its quality, its integrity, its consistency on the plate
- Technically excellent, with a deep command of Italian cooking and grill technique
- Calm and exacting at the pass - nothing leaves that isn't right
- A leader who raises the standard of everyone around them, through example not authority
- Obsessive about ingredients - sourcing and provenance are the starting point, not an afterthought
- Commercially sharp without ever letting margin become an excuse for a lesser plate
- Proud of the kitchen you run and the brigade you build
EXPERIENCE
- Proven senior kitchen leadership in a high-quality, high-volume restaurant environment
- Deep knowledge of Italian cuisine - pasta, grill cookery and provenance-led sourcing
- A track record of food quality and consistency under pressure
- Strong people skills - mentoring junior chefs and building kitchen culture
- Up to date with industry-standard systems for compliance, hygiene and kitchen management
To express your interest, please get in touch.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land GiGi's Manchester - Head Chef - 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 leisurejobs. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to leisurejobs
Don't be shy about reaching out to leisurejobs 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 GiGi's Manchester - Head Chef - 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 leisurejobs 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 leisurejobs
✨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!
