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- Tasks: Lead a vibrant kitchen team, ensuring top-quality dishes and a positive work culture.
- Company: Join Vida Plena, a dynamic hospitality group with a passion for exceptional experiences.
- Benefits: Be part of a supportive community, with opportunities for growth and culinary training in Lisbon.
- Why this job: Bring your love for burgers to life and make a real impact in a new London location.
- Qualifications: Experience in kitchen leadership and a passion for casual dining.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity to learn from the best before launching in Shoreditch.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ 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 flag bearer of Dallas in London.
Head Chef - Kitchen Operations employer: VIDA PLENA
Contact Detail:
VIDA PLENA Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef - Kitchen Operations
✨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 skills! If you can, organise a tasting session or a pop-up event showcasing your burger creations. This not only demonstrates your culinary talent but also your passion for casual dining.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job openings; reach out directly to Vida Plena. Express your enthusiasm for the Head Chef role and share how you can contribute to their mission of creating exceptional dining experiences.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay positive and be yourself! During interviews, let your personality shine through. Vida Plena values joy and a laid-back approach, so show them how you embody these qualities while leading a kitchen team.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef - Kitchen Operations
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food: When you're writing your application, let your love for burgers and casual dining shine through! Share any experiences that highlight your culinary skills and passion for creating exceptional dishes. We want to see what makes you tick in the kitchen!
Be Yourself: At Vida Plena, we value authenticity and a positive attitude. Don’t be afraid to let your personality come through in your application. Share stories that reflect your leadership style and how you foster a fun and respectful environment in the kitchen.
Highlight Your Experience: Make sure to detail your progressive kitchen leadership experience and any relevant achievements. We’re looking for someone who can maintain quality control and manage stock effectively, so don’t hold back on showcasing your successes in these areas!
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 get to know you better. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our community at Vida Plena!
How to prepare for a job interview at VIDA PLENA
✨Know Your Dishes Inside Out
As a Head Chef, you’ll need to demonstrate your passion for burgers and casual dining. Make sure you’re familiar with the recipes and standards that Vida Plena upholds. Practise discussing how you would prepare and cook their beloved dishes, and be ready to share your own creative ideas for enhancing the menu.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role requires a positive leader who thrives under pressure. Be prepared to discuss your leadership approach and how you motivate and train your team. Share specific examples of how you've fostered a positive kitchen culture in previous roles, as this aligns with Vida Plena's values.
✨Understand the Business Side
You’ll be responsible for food-cost, labour, and quality targets. Brush up on your knowledge of stock management and supplier partnerships. During the interview, highlight your experience in these areas and how you’ve successfully managed costs while maintaining high-quality standards.
✨Embrace the Company Culture
Vida Plena values joy, respect, and a laid-back approach to hospitality. Research the company’s ethos and be ready to discuss how your personal values align with theirs. Show enthusiasm for being part of a community that prioritises exceptional service and a fun working environment.
