Head Chef

Head Chef

Full-Time 52000 - 52000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the bar kitchen, creating delicious small plates and managing a dynamic team.
  • Company: Join Spring Street Pizza, a vibrant venue expanding with an exciting new bar concept.
  • Benefits: Earn £50,000 - £52,000, enjoy staff meals, discounts, and 5.6 weeks holiday.
  • Other info: Enjoy a supportive culture with clear career progression and ongoing training.
  • Why this job: Be part of a Michelin-starred chef's ambitious project and make your mark.
  • Qualifications: Experience as a Senior Chef or Head Chef in fast-paced dining environments.

The predicted salary is between 52000 - 52000 £ per year.

Spring Street Pizza is expanding, with the launch of our bar next door opening this autumn. The bar develops the Spring Street Pizza experience, offering a New York Italian drinks and bar food menu - Negronis, martinis, spritzes, a short wine list on tap - alongside a small plates menu built for sharing: daily house-made focaccia, crudo, fritti, and our signature red-sauce meatballs, all made from scratch and made with the same care, attention and produce that we are known for.

We're looking for a Head Chef (Bar) to run and own the day-to-day operation of the bar kitchen. This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who wants full accountability for a small plates kitchen - its team, its standards, and its service - built around housemade produce and precise technique. You'll work alongside a Head Pizza Chef, who runs the pizza kitchen at Spring Street, with our Executive Chef supporting both teams on menu development and wider culinary direction. Ideal for a chef with small plates or bar-dining experience who's ready to lead and take genuine ownership of their own operation. This is a 50 hour full-time role.

Key Responsibilities

  • Own and run the day-to-day operation of The Bar at Spring Street kitchen, including team, standards, and service.
  • Lead day-to-day kitchen operations, running both prep and live service.
  • Own consistency and quality across the small plates menu.
  • Recruit, lead, train, and develop a small, agile team, building a strong and positive kitchen culture.
  • Manage kitchen rotas, ordering, stock control, and supplier relationships.
  • Own food costing and GP targets for the bar kitchen.
  • Support with prep for Spring Street Pizza.
  • Maintain the highest standards of food safety, hygiene, and HACCP compliance.
  • Work with the Executive Chef on recipe development and seasonal menu evolution.
  • Work alongside the Head Pizza Chef and the bar team to ensure a joined-up experience across both kitchens and the floor.
  • Act as the senior point of accountability for the bar kitchen, including opening, closing, and full service ownership.

What You’ll Bring

  • Proven experience as a Senior Chef, Sous Chef, or Head Chef, ideally within small plates, bar-dining, or similarly fast-paced concepts.
  • A track record of leading and developing a small, agile kitchen team.
  • Excellent technical skills and a genuine passion for fresh, housemade produce.
  • Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage costings, ordering, and rotas.
  • Solid understanding of food safety and hygiene standards, with relevant certification.
  • A calm, hands-on leadership style and the ability to perform confidently under pressure.
  • Confidence taking full ownership of a kitchen operation, rather than working within someone else’s structure.
  • A collaborative mindset and enthusiasm for being part of a growing, multi-venue hospitality group.

What We Offer

  • £50,000 - £52,000 per annum, depending on experience.
  • 5.6 weeks paid holiday (inclusive of public holidays).
  • Staff meals during shifts.
  • Staff discounts and team socials.
  • A welcoming, energetic team environment.
  • Ongoing training and opportunities for internal progression.

Why Work With Us

  • Exciting Concept: Be part of an ambitious new bar concept from a Michelin-starred chef.
  • Career Progression: Clear pathways and internal promotion opportunities as we grow.
  • Competitive Compensation: Fair pay with transparent tronc and performance recognition.
  • Work-Life Balance: Respectful rota planning and fair scheduling.
  • Development Opportunities: Ongoing learning and growth.
  • Inclusive Culture: A diverse, welcoming, and people-first environment.
  • Access to our benefits portal from day one: access to our benefits platform with high street discounts and 50% off food and drink from all our venues.

Head Chef employer: Spring St Pizza

Spring Street Pizza is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and supportive work culture where team members can thrive in a fast-paced environment. With benefits like 28 days paid holiday, pension contributions, and delicious staff meals, employees are encouraged to grow within the hospitality industry while enjoying a fun atmosphere curated by Michelin-starred chef Tom Kemble.

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Contact Details:

Spring St Pizza Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Head Chef

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 Spring St Pizza. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!

Reach Out Directly to Spring St Pizza

Don't be shy about reaching out to Spring St Pizza 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

Leadership Skills
Kitchen Management
Small Plates Experience
Food Safety Standards
HACCP Compliance
Recipe Development
Team Recruitment and Training

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 Spring St Pizza 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 Spring St Pizza

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!