Experienced Head Chef for Italian Restaurant

Clapham Manor Restaurants; Greater London; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Share of service charge

28 days annual leave

Staff discounts

PAYE monthly payment

Job summary

Clapham Manor Restaurants in London is seeking a dynamic Head Chef to lead our kitchen and uphold premium Italian dining standards. You will drive menu development, mentor the kitchen team, and control food costs to maximise margins while ensuring exceptional quality across pasta, sauces and artisan pizzas.

The role demands a proven track record in fast-paced Italian kitchens, strong pizza craftsmanship, and the ability to manage budgets under pressure.

Qualifications

• 3+ years as Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef in fast-paced Italian/Pizzeria environments.
• Exceptional pizza-making skills and ability to prepare pizzas from start to finish.
• Experience managing kitchen budgets and optimizing gross profit margins.
• Natural, composed leader capable of thriving under peak service pressure.
• Valid EU/UK Right to Work.

Responsibilities

• Menu development: design seasonal specials while preserving heart of Italian core menu.
• Quality control: oversee pasta, sauces, dough, and pizza production to ensure dish excellence.
• Team management: lead, train and induct new kitchen staff.
• Stock & cost control: manage food margins, minimize waste, liaise with suppliers.
• Health & safety: ensure HACCP and hygiene compliance.

Skills

Pizza expertise

Kitchen leadership

Budget management

Pressure handling

Right to work

Job description

Join Lievito Madre, a cherished independent Italian restaurant and pizzeria in Clapham, renowned for its warm hospitality and commitment to high-quality, scratch-made traditional Italian dishes and pizzas. We are actively seeking a dynamic and experienced Head Chef to take the helm of our kitchen, ensuring our premium food standards are not just met, but exceeded.. . As our Head Chef, you will be the culinary leader of our back-of-house operations, entrusted with maintaining the authenticity and excellence of our Italian cuisine. Your expertise will guide everything from menu innovation and team mentorship to stringent quality and cost control, playing a pivotal role in our continued success.. .

Key Responsibilities

• Menu Development: Design inspiring seasonal specials while preserving the heart of our classic Italian core menu..
• Quality Control: Oversee the meticulous preparation of fresh pasta, sauces, and the expert making and stretching of pizza dough, ensuring consistent excellence in every dish..
• Team Management: Lead, train, and inspire our kitchen brigade, including conducting interviews and comprehensive inductions for new team members..
• Stock & Cost Control: Efficiently manage food margins, minimize waste, and cultivate strong relationships with suppliers to source the finest ingredients..
• Health & Safety: Uphold full compliance with HACCP, food safety, and hygiene regulations, ensuring a safe and pristine kitchen environment..

What We're Looking For

• A minimum of 3 years of experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef within a fast-paced Italian/Pizzeria environment..
• Exceptional pizza-making skills are crucial; proficiency in preparing pizzas from start to finish is essential..
• Demonstrated ability to manage kitchen budgets effectively and optimize gross profit margins..
• A natural, composed leader capable of thriving under pressure during peak service periods..
• Valid EU/UK Right to Work..

What We Offer

• A competitive salary complemented by a share of the service charge..
• 28 days of annual leave annually..
• Generous staff discounts for you.
• Reliable monthly payment via PAYE

Experience: Required
Languages: English – Advanced
Employment: Full-time
Schedule: 45-50 hours a week
Salary: £42,000 – £44,000 yearly
Benefits: Salary based on experience, potential for performance related bonuses
Starting time: Immediate start!

About Clapham Manor Restaurants

We are a fully independent business with 2 restaurants based in Clapham SW4.