At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a vibrant kitchen team and create delicious Italian dishes.
- Company: Join the renowned San Carlo family with over 30 years of culinary excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy free meals, discounts, and access to training and global opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team with exciting international opportunities.
- Why this job: Make your mark in a dynamic kitchen and grow your culinary career.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Head Chef with strong leadership and problem-solving skills.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Flying Pizza are hiring a Head Chef! Competitive Industry pay (based on salary & Tronc)
Our story: The Distefano family, spanning two generations, started San Carlo over 30 years ago and seen it grow to twenty-five authentic Italian restaurants across the UK – from Covent Garden, Piccadilly and Knightsbridge in London to Bristol, Leicester, Liverpool, Leeds, Cheshire and Manchester and with a growing number overseas – including Kuwait, Bangkok and Qatar and with new sites set to open in Miami.
Colleague Benefits:
- Free Meals on Duty – Delicious, healthy meals, all free
- 50% Staff Discount – For you and your friends and family, in any of our restaurants around the UK
- Refer a Friend – Bring your friends and earn up to £1,000 per person
- Elevate Training Academy – Commitment to training and continuing professional development with our San Carlo training app
- Volunteering Days – Give back with dedicated volunteering days, making a positive impact in your community
- Squadra App – Offering you discounts and rewards with thousands of companies worldwide
- Wagestream – Access to earned pay at any point of the month
- Legal and Financial Advice – Free legal and financial advice for you and your family
- Colleague of the Month – Monthly recognition awards where all San Carlo colleagues are celebrated
- San Carlo Awards – Our annual San Carlo Awards, dedicated to celebrating the incredible talent and hard work of our colleagues
- Global Opportunities – The chance to work at one of our many international restaurants, from Dubai to Miami
- Best in Class Pension – San Carlo are partnered with an industry‑leading pension provider, ensuring your hard work today supports your tomorrow
Key Responsibilities:
- Responsible and accountable in all areas of successfully running the restaurant kitchen
- Organising and overseeing all kitchen staff, delegating and sharing tasks
- Responsible and accountable for the restaurant food hygiene rating (EHO inspection)
- Ensure all food is prepared in line with San Carlos food specs
- Adhere to all allergen policy at all times, ensuring your team are trained to do the same
- Undertake the responsibilities of any role within the kitchen, when needed
- Deliver KPI’s to company targets
- Recruitment of kitchen team, maintaining a reasonable level of staff to run the kitchen effectively
- Train and develop the kitchen team, to encourage a succession plan for the kitchen department, as and when you progress within the company
- Encourage the team development of wider kitchen team, driven by the Sous Chefs
- Lead on talent planning in all areas of the kitchen team
- Responsible and accountable for Health and Safety, following all company compliance and policy
- Ensure a good working relationship with front of house and back of house team members
- Managing staff and corrective actions as necessary with support from the head office HR team
- Managing team rotas, holidays and absences
- Ensure compliance with internal company policies and industry regulations
- Collaborate with other senior stakeholders to drive innovation and continuous improvement
- Represent the company at industry events and engage with key stakeholders
Required Qualifications & Experience:
- Previous experience in a Head Chef role for a similar sized restaurant
- High level of attention to detail
- Excellent leadership, team‑building, and interpersonal skills
- Experience in inventory management, supply chain management, and scheduling
- Knowledge of industry regulations and guidelines
- Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and decision‑making skills
Head Chef in Leeds employer: San Carlo Restaurant Group
Flying Pizza is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and growth of its team members. With a vibrant work culture that celebrates culinary excellence, employees enjoy benefits such as free meals on duty, extensive training opportunities through the Elevate Training Academy, and the chance to work internationally in locations like Miami and Dubai. The company fosters a supportive environment where recognition and personal development are at the forefront, making it a rewarding place for passionate chefs to thrive.
Contact Details:
San Carlo Restaurant Group Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef in Leeds
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the culinary world, attend industry events, and don’t be shy about letting people know you’re on the hunt for a Head Chef role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, organise a tasting event or a pop-up kitchen to showcase your culinary talents. This not only gives potential employers a taste of what you can do but also helps you build your personal brand in the industry.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply – engage! When you find a job listing that excites you, reach out directly to the hiring manager or someone in the kitchen team. A friendly message expressing your enthusiasm can set you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 4
Keep learning and adapting! Stay updated with the latest culinary trends and techniques. Consider enrolling in workshops or online courses to enhance your skills. This shows potential employers that you’re committed to growth and excellence in your craft.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food:When writing your application, let your love for cooking and food shine through! Share your culinary journey and what inspires you in the kitchen. We want to see that you're not just a chef, but a true foodie at heart.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head Chef role. Highlight your relevant experience, especially in managing kitchen teams and maintaining high food hygiene standards. We’re looking for someone who can lead and inspire, so showcase those leadership skills!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the good stuff without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining the San Carlo family!
How to prepare for a job interview at San Carlo Restaurant Group
✨Know Your Ingredients
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of Italian cuisine and the specific dishes that San Carlo is known for. Being able to discuss their menu and how you would enhance it shows your passion and expertise.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head Chef, you'll need to lead a team effectively. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed kitchen staff in the past, including any training or development initiatives you've implemented.
✨Understand Food Safety Regulations
Familiarise yourself with food hygiene standards and allergen policies. Be ready to discuss how you ensure compliance in your kitchen, as this is crucial for maintaining San Carlo's reputation.
✨Engage with the Company Culture
Research San Carlo's values and benefits, like the Elevate Training Academy and community volunteering days. Show enthusiasm for these initiatives during your interview to demonstrate that you're a good cultural fit.
