FM Head Pizzaiolo

Franco Manca Cambridge; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 1,983,744 - 2,534,784; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Quarterly bonus

Free pizzas

Bread for home

28 days holiday pro rata

Pension scheme

Wellbeing support (GP, counselling)

Discounts and vouchers

Staff dining 50% off

Referral scheme up to £500

Franco Academy training

Job summary

Franco Manca Cambridge is seeking a Head Chef to lead the kitchen and deliver exceptional Italian-inspired pizzas and dishes. You’ll steer a busy team, maintain high standards, and ensure every plate leaves the kitchen with quality and consistency.

You’ll inspire your crew, train staff, manage prep, stock, hygiene, and safety, and work closely with the Restaurant Manager to create a welcoming guest experience on every shift. Apply today to join our Franco Manca family.

Qualifications

• Experience leading a kitchen team in a busy restaurant.
• Passion for Italian cooking with attention to detail.
• Ability to lead by example and maintain a positive kitchen culture.
• Excellent organizational skills to run shifts smoothly.

Responsibilities

• Lead the kitchen team to create high-quality pizzas and dishes.
• Ensure every pizza is cooked to perfection and standards met.
• Inspire and develop the team, helping them grow.
• Manage kitchen operations: prep, stock control, hygiene and safety.
• Hands-on cooking, training, and continuous kitchen improvements.
• Collaborate with the Restaurant Manager to deliver an exceptional guest experience.

Skills

Kitchen leadership

Head Chef experience

Italian cooking passion

Organizational skills

Team development

Positive leadership

Job description

What you’ll get:

• £14.40 - 18.40 per hour OTE (including service charge and delivery bonus - our data says you can earn between £1 to £4 per hour on top of your pay)
• Quarterly Bonus scheme
• Free yummy pizzas and soft drinks on every shift
• Free Sourdough bread to cook at home
• 28 days holiday (pro rata)
• A pension scheme to set you up for the future
• 24/7 virtual GP access and confidential counselling sessions and advice on wellbeing, money, legal and personal matters.
• Cashback, online discounts and discounted shopping vouchers to help with everyday savings.
• Gym and fitness discounts, cinema tickets, family days out and exclusive hospitality perks.
• Annual social events, incentives and competitions
• 50% staff discount when dining in any Franco Manca restaurants
• Up to £500 employee referral scheme (T&C apply)
• Ongoing personal growth and development with our Franco Academy all over the UK

About Us:

At Franco Manca, we’re not just making sourdough pizza - we’re creating a movement. Our passion for simple, authentic, and delicious food is at the heart of everything we do. From our hand-stretched sourdough bases to the finest seasonal ingredients, every pizza tells a story of quality, care, and tradition. With nearly twenty years of pizza-making under our belt, we’ve built a loyal following of pizza lovers across the UK. But we’re more than just pizza - we’re about people, community, and creating a welcoming space where everyone feels at home.

What You’ll Do

• As Head Chef, you’ll be the master of the kitchen - leading your team to create incredible food while keeping everything running smoothly.
• You’ll take charge of the kitchen, ensuring every pizza is cooked to perfection and every dish meets our high standards.
• Inspire and develop your team, helping them grow their skills and passion for food.
• Manage kitchen operations, from food prep and stock control to hygiene and health & safety.
• Be hands-on - whether you’re crafting pizzas, training your team, or finding ways to make the kitchen even better.
• Work closely with the Restaurant Manager to ensure smooth service and an exceptional experience for every guest.

What You’ll Bring:

• We’re looking for a Head Chef who knows their way around a kitchen and has a genuine love for great food.
• You’ll have experience leading a kitchen team in a busy restaurant environment.
• Be passionate about Italian cooking, with a sharp eye for detail and a commitment to quality.
• Lead by example, creating a positive, supportive atmosphere in the kitchen.
• Have excellent organizational skills, keeping everything running like clockwork even during the busiest shifts.
• Be motivated to grow and develop, both personally and as part of the Franco Manca family.

Franco Manca is proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all our people. We welcome applications from everyone and recruit based on skills, experience, and potential. If you need any adjustments during the application or interview process, please let us know and we’ll be happy to support you.