At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a passionate kitchen team and create mouth-watering burgers in a vibrant environment.
- Company: Join Vida Plena, a dynamic hospitality group with a focus on joy and inclusivity.
- Benefits: Experience a supportive community, training in Lisbon, and opportunities for growth.
- Other info: Embrace a fun, respectful culture while crafting exceptional dining experiences.
- Why this job: Be the heart of our new Dallas Burger Joint in Shoreditch and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Proven kitchen leadership and a love for casual dining.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
Vida Plena is an innovative hospitality group founded in Lisbon in 2018, dedicated to making our guests and team feel truly at home. We pride ourselves on delivering warm, blissful experiences, fostering a diverse and inclusive atmosphere, serving top-quality fresh food, and providing exceptional service. Our foundation is built on passion, respect, kindness, ambition, and modernity, alongside a commitment to joy, positive energy, and a laid-back approach to enjoying life's best moments. At Vida Plena, we embrace the true essence of hospitality while adhering to our core values, creating a fun, respectful, and loving environment for all.
We are thrilled to take our much beloved Dallas Burger Joint from Lisbon to London, and excited to search for an experienced and ambitious individual to help preserve the reasons why Dallas has become so special. We’ll be opening this spring in the beating heart of Shoreditch and would love to discuss the opportunity with you if you think this job describes you!
The Role
As a Head Chef - Kitchen Operations, you will oversee quality control of the dishes, stock control and purchasing, and instill a positive culture within the kitchen. You lead the team with positivity and detail, maintaining operational excellence, and creating an exceptional dining experience. Your work drives guest satisfaction, team engagement, and profitable operations. As we continue to scale, we are looking for someone motivated to grow with us.
Your Key Responsibilities
- Prepare and cook our beloved burgers, sides, and sauces according to the recipes and standards to ensure every dish maintains its quality and taste.
- Set and track food-cost, labour, and quality targets.
- Motivate, train, and lead the line chefs in the kitchen.
- Maintain supplier partnerships, track pricing changes, and stay on top of purchasing requirements.
- Ensure full legal compliance (HACCP, allergen, food safety & handling).
- Collaborate with FOH and marketing on promotions and special events.
- Oversee inventory control and minimize food waste.
- Properly operate and maintain kitchen equipment.
What We Expect From You
- Experience: Progressive kitchen leadership, ideally in a similar concept.
- Proven track record in quality control and stock management.
- Positive leader who thrives under pressure.
- Team-oriented with a positive attitude.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
- Attention to detail and consistency.
- Passion for burgers and casual dining food.
What You'll Love About Working Here
At Vida Plena, you’re not just taking a position; you’re joining a community that values joy, respect, and a collective pursuit of excellence. If you’re prepared to bring your expertise, passion, and innovation to our team, we’re excited to welcome you into our fold.
Before opening, we’re excited to bring our chef over to Lisbon, where we are well established, to learn what makes us special directly from our HQ and on-site teams. You’ll learn the ropes, the recipes, and even the secrets that make our dishes so tasty, in hopes that you’ll be the flagbearer of Dallas in London.
Head Chef in London employer: Vida Plena Hospitality
At Vida Plena, we are more than just a hospitality group; we are a vibrant community that prioritises joy, respect, and excellence in everything we do. As we expand our beloved Dallas Burger Joint to the heart of Shoreditch, we offer an exciting opportunity for growth and development within a supportive and inclusive work culture. Join us to not only lead a passionate kitchen team but also to immerse yourself in our unique culinary traditions, ensuring every dish reflects our commitment to quality and guest satisfaction.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the hospitality industry, especially those who might know someone at Vida Plena. A friendly chat can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion for burgers! When you get the chance to meet the team or during interviews, share your love for casual dining and what makes a great burger experience. It’s all about that enthusiasm!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the kitchen culture! Research Vida Plena’s values and think about how you can contribute to their positive environment. Bring examples of how you've fostered teamwork and joy in your previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Vida Plena family.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When you're writing your application, let your love for food and hospitality shine through! We want to see your enthusiasm for burgers and casual dining, so don’t hold back on sharing what makes you tick in the kitchen.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with our values and the role. Highlight your leadership experience and any achievements in quality control and stock management. We love seeing how you’ve made a positive impact in previous roles!
Be Authentic:We’re all about creating a warm and inclusive atmosphere, so be yourself in your application. Share your unique story and what you can bring to our team. Authenticity goes a long way in helping us get to know you better!
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’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Vida Plena. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Vida Plena Hospitality
✨Know Your Ingredients
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of the ingredients and techniques used in the dishes you’ll be preparing. Be ready to discuss how you maintain quality control and manage stock effectively, as this will show your passion for food and attention to detail.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare examples of how you've motivated and trained kitchen staff in the past. Highlight your positive leadership approach and how you foster a collaborative environment. This is key for a role that requires instilling a positive culture within the kitchen.
✨Understand the Brand
Familiarise yourself with Vida Plena’s values and mission. Be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with theirs, especially around joy, respect, and creating exceptional dining experiences. This will demonstrate your commitment to their ethos.
✨Be Ready for Practical Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills in a fast-paced kitchen environment. Think about how you would handle inventory control, minimise food waste, or ensure compliance with food safety regulations. Showing your practical knowledge will set you apart.
