At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead kitchen operations across two vibrant London restaurants and develop your team.
- Company: Dynamic independent restaurant group with a focus on fresh, ingredient-led cooking.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus structure, and opportunities for career growth.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with plans for expansion and genuine influence on kitchen evolution.
- Why this job: Shape a new role and make a real impact in a growing restaurant group.
- Qualifications: Proven kitchen management experience and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 45000 £ per year.
Senior kitchen leadership across two London restaurants — £45,000 per year including + Service & Tronc (Bonus Structure TBC). Hands-on, operational, built to grow. The role needs someone who has led a kitchen team and can carry the operational weight from day one. If you're a Head Chef or Kitchen Manager who has been waiting for the chance to be accountable for something, step into a senior position, and build something that lasts — this is the conversation to have.
We are accomplished restaurateurs now supporting forward-thinking, values-led, independent brands that we feel offer genuine career development opportunities in their growth plans.
The Opportunity
This is a newly created role — which means you'd be shaping it, not inheriting someone else's version of it. A growing independent restaurant group is looking for a senior kitchen leader to take operational ownership across two well-established London restaurants. The title is Kitchen Manager rather than Head Chef and you would be on shift over the busy service periods with your time shared across two kitchens. The role is hands-on leading compliance, cost control, standards, team development. Roughly 70% of your time is hands-on in service; the rest is the operational and strategic work that makes those services possible.
The Business
Two London restaurants, one group. Fresh, ingredient-led cooking with international influence. Both sites have established followings, strong weekly covers, and full drinks programmes including cocktails. The group is founder-led with a small, tight head office — decisions get made quickly, good ideas get heard, and the person in this role will have genuine influence on how the kitchens evolve. A third site and central production kitchen are in the plan for 2027, and the right person will be central to that build-out.
Key Responsibilities
- Run kitchen operations across two sites — audits, compliance, hygiene standards, consistency checks.
- Lead brigade development: one-to-ones, performance management, training plans, and bringing good people in.
- Manage labour and food costs to target, week in week out.
- Work closely with the Sous Chefs who hold each site day-to-day, giving them clear direction and genuine support.
- Contribute to menu development alongside the founders — this is a welcome part of the role, though not the primary brief.
About You
- You have a thoughtful career and developed up from role to role.
- You have proven accomplishments and reflect someone that develops year on year.
- You are not someone that changes jobs every year and has developed up year on year within the same brands.
- You are an exceptional communicator and demonstrate leadership and mentorship in teams.
- You have a strong understanding of kitchen management, compliance and standards underpinned by your ability to implement and improve process and procedure.
- You have taken the time to apply to this opportunity and feel that this is the next natural step for you in your development.
This role may also be known as: Area Chef, Group Head Chef, Head of Kitchens, Chef Manager, Multi-Site Head Chef, Senior Kitchen Manager, Kitchen Operations Manager, Working Head Chef, Hands-On Kitchen Manager, Food Operations Manager, Working Area Chef, Senior Chef, Executive Chef (small group), Kitchen and Ops Manager, or Multi-Site Kitchen Lead. If you have been searching under any of these titles, we want to hear from you.
Kitchen Manager Head Chef Multi-Site - London employer: The Restaurant Recruiter
Contact Detail:
The Restaurant Recruiter Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Kitchen Manager Head Chef Multi-Site - London
✨Tip Number 1
Get your hands dirty! When you’re in the kitchen, show off your skills and leadership. Be the one who’s not afraid to jump in during busy service times. This is your chance to demonstrate that you can handle the operational weight from day one.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with other chefs and kitchen managers in the industry. Attend events or workshops where you can meet people who might know about opportunities. Remember, it’s all about who you know as much as what you know!
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for the role! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, let them see how excited you are about shaping the kitchen operations. Talk about your vision for the role and how you can contribute to their growth plans.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for talented individuals like you. It’s a great way to ensure your application gets noticed and shows you’re serious about joining the team.
We think you need these skills to ace Kitchen Manager Head Chef Multi-Site - London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When you're writing your application, let your passion for cooking and kitchen management shine through. We want to see that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about creating amazing dining experiences.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role. Highlight your experience in managing kitchen teams, compliance, and cost control. We love seeing how your past roles have prepared you for this exciting opportunity!
Be Authentic: Don’t be afraid to show your personality in your application. We’re looking for someone who can lead with authenticity and connect with their team. Share your journey and what makes you unique as a kitchen leader.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates about the role. Let’s get started on this journey together!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Restaurant Recruiter
✨Know Your Numbers
Make sure you’re well-versed in kitchen management metrics like labour costs, food costs, and compliance standards. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed these in your previous roles, as this will show that you can handle the operational weight from day one.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare examples of how you've developed kitchen teams in the past. Talk about your approach to mentorship, performance management, and training plans. This role is all about leading a brigade, so demonstrating your leadership style will be key.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Menu Development
While menu development isn’t the primary focus, it’s still an important part of the role. Think about how you’ve contributed to menu changes or innovations in the past and be prepared to share your ideas on how you could enhance the existing offerings.
✨Emphasise Your Adaptability
This position requires someone who can thrive in a hands-on environment with minimal support. Share experiences where you’ve had to adapt quickly to changing circumstances or take initiative in a small team setting. This will highlight your readiness for a genuine step up.