Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team of chefs in creating delicious Mexican dishes and managing kitchen operations.
- Company: Join a well-established independent Mexican restaurant and cocktail bar in Streatham Hill.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, a vibrant work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team, create memorable dining experiences, and showcase your culinary skills.
- Qualifications: Proven experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef, preferably with Mexican cuisine expertise.
- Other info: Open for lunch and dinner, with flexible hours and a supportive management team.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 36000 £ per year.
Head Chef
Salary: £36,000 to £39,000 per annum
Location: Streatham Hill High Street SW16
Job Type: Full-time
Position: Head Chef
We are looking for:
We are seeking an accomplished Senior Sous Chef from a large‑known brand or an experienced Head Chef/Kitchen Manager to lead an independently owned, recently fully refurbished Mexican cuisine restaurant and cocktail bar in Streatham Hill. The opportunity is full time, 48 hours per week working 5 days on and 2 days off, requires you to be fully flexible, hands‑on and on shift over the busy service periods.
About us:
El Chico’s, an independent brand established almost 30 years ago, has recently refurbished the entire business from the ground up. The restaurant now seats up to 150 guests in the main restaurant and extends to an outdoor terrace area for up to 100 guests. The brigade comprises four to five chefs, eight to ten front‑of‑house servers and cocktail bartenders. You would lead a Sous Chef, potentially up to three CDP chefs/Commis Chef and a Kitchen Porter. The restaurant operates from 12:00 noon to 23:30 on weekdays and just after midnight on weekends.
Responsibilities:
- Lead a brigade of four to five chefs in an established brand serving fresh Mexican fusion food prepared in‑house.
- Oversee daily kitchen operations, ensuring efficient food production and service.
- Supervise and mentor kitchen staff to foster teamwork and professional development.
- Develop and implement innovative menus that reflect current culinary trends while meeting customer preferences.
- Ensure compliance with food safety standards and regulations, maintaining a clean and organised kitchen environment.
- Manage inventory, order supplies and control food costs to maximise profitability.
- Collaborate with front‑of‑house staff to ensure seamless service and customer satisfaction.
- Assist in training new staff members on cooking techniques, food safety practices and kitchen procedures.
Requirements:
- Proven experience as a Head Chef (or accomplished Sous Chef from a large‑known high street brand).
- Experience in mixed grill; Mexican or Tex‑Mex cuisine.
- Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and manage a diverse team.
- Extensive knowledge of food production techniques, culinary trends and kitchen management.
- Familiarity with food safety regulations and best practices in a professional kitchen setting.
- Excellent organisational skills with the ability to multitask in a fast‑paced environment.
- A passion for cooking and creating memorable dining experiences for guests.
Look forward to supporting you.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Head Chef - Mexican Restaurant employer: The Restaurant Recruiter
Contact Detail:
The Restaurant Recruiter Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef - Mexican Restaurant
✨Tip Number 1
Network with other chefs and industry professionals in the area. Attend local culinary events or workshops to meet people who might have insights into the restaurant scene in Streatham Hill.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the specific Mexican cuisine trends and popular dishes in London. This knowledge will help you stand out during discussions about menu development and culinary creativity.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you've successfully managed kitchen teams in the past. Be ready to share examples of how you've motivated staff and handled challenges in a fast-paced environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the restaurant's history and its family ownership. Understanding their values and vision will allow you to align your ideas with theirs, making you a more appealing candidate for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef - Mexican Restaurant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in leading kitchen teams, particularly in Mexican or Tex Mex cuisine. Include specific achievements and responsibilities that demonstrate your leadership skills and culinary expertise.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your passion for cooking and your vision for the restaurant. Mention your familiarity with food safety regulations and your ability to create innovative menus that resonate with customer preferences.
Showcase Leadership Experience: In your application, emphasise your experience in managing diverse teams. Provide examples of how you've motivated staff and fostered teamwork in previous roles, as this is crucial for the Head Chef position.
Highlight Relevant Skills: List your organisational skills and ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment. Mention any specific culinary trends you are familiar with and how you can implement them in the restaurant's menu.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Restaurant Recruiter
✨Showcase Your Culinary Passion
Make sure to express your love for cooking, especially Mexican cuisine. Share specific dishes you enjoy preparing and any unique twists you've added to traditional recipes. This will demonstrate your enthusiasm and creativity in the kitchen.
✨Highlight Leadership Experience
Discuss your previous roles where you led a team, focusing on how you motivated and developed your staff. Provide examples of how you handled challenges and fostered teamwork, as strong leadership is crucial for this position.
✨Prepare for Menu Development Questions
Be ready to talk about your approach to creating menus. Think about current culinary trends and how you can incorporate them into innovative dishes that align with customer preferences. This shows your ability to adapt and stay relevant in the industry.
✨Demonstrate Knowledge of Food Safety
Familiarise yourself with food safety regulations and best practices. Be prepared to discuss how you ensure compliance in the kitchen and maintain a clean environment, as this is essential for running a successful restaurant.
