Opening Head Chef New European Restaurant
11 days ago
London South East
Opening Head Chef European Restaurant specialising in Wiener Schnitzels, Argentine Milanesas and Spanish Cachopos. Location: Peckham, London SE15 Salary: £40,000£50,000 per year (depending on experience), plus a monthly share of the service charge (distributed fairly through our tronc system based on hours worked) and a performance-related bonus. About Us We are opening an exciting new independent restaurant in the heart of Peckham, inspired by some of Europe's most iconic comfort dishes. Our menu will celebrate Austrian Wiener Schnitzels, Argentine Milanesas, Spanish Cachopos, and a rotating selection of starters and desserts, all made with high-quality ingredients, classic techniques and a modern approach. We're looking for an ambitious and passionate Opening Head Chef to help bring this concept to life. This is a rare opportunity to play a key role in launching a new restaurant, helping shape the menu, build the kitchen team and establish the standards that will define our business from day one. The Role As Opening Head Chef, you will take full responsibility for the day-to-day management of the kitchen while working closely with the owners during the opening and beyond. Your responsibilities will include: Leading, motivating and developing the kitchen team Delivering consistently high-quality food and presentation Managing stock, ordering and supplier relationships Controlling food costs, labour and kitchen budgets Maintaining excellent food safety, HACCP and Health & Safety standards Recruiting, training and mentoring the kitchen brigade Helping develop seasonal specials and rotating menus Creating kitchen systems and procedures to support a successful opening Driving a positive, professional and collaborative kitchen culture About You We're looking for someone who is passionate about quality food, enjoys leading people and wants to be part of building something from the ground up. You will ideally have: Previous experience as a Head Chef, or a strong Senior Sous Chef ready to step into your first Head Chef role Experience working in a busy fresh-food restaurant Excellent knowledge of kitchen operations, food cost control and stock management Strong leadership and team development skills Excellent organisational and communication abilities A calm, hands-on approach under pressure A genuine passion for great food and hospitality Experience with Austrian, German, Spanish, Argentine or wider European cuisine would be an advantage, but it is not essential. We value strong cooking skills, leadership and the right attitude above all else. What We Offer Competitive salary of £40,000£50,000 , depending on experience Monthly share of the service charge through our tronc system, distributed fairly based on hours worked Performance-related bonus 28 days' paid holiday Staff meals on duty Staff discount Genuine creative input into menu development Opportunity to recruit and build your own kitchen team Salary review following the successful opening and completion of probation Excellent opportunities for career progression as the business grows Why Join Us? This is more than a Head Chef roleit's an opportunity to help create a new restaurant with a distinctive identity. You'll have the freedom to contribute ideas, influence the menu, build your own brigade and establish the kitchen culture from the very beginning. We believe in transparency and fairness. Our service charge is shared across the entire team through a tronc system based on hours worked, ensuring everyone benefits from the restaurant's success. If you're looking for a role where your ideas are valued, your leadership matters and you can grow alongside an exciting new business, we'd love to hear from you. Apply now with your CV and a short cover letter telling us why you'd like to lead our opening kitchen team. TPBN1_UKCT