FM Head Pizzaiolo

Franco Manca Exeter; Topsham; On-site; GBP 19,837 - 25,347; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Quarterly bonus

Free pizzas

28 days holiday

Pension scheme

GP access 24/7

Discounts

Staff referral scheme

Franco Academy

Job summary

Franco Manca Exeter is seeking a Head Chef to lead our kitchen and deliver high-quality, authentic sourdough pizza in a fast-paced setting.

You will inspire and manage a talented team, ensuring every dish meets our standards of quality, while maintaining efficient operations and a welcoming guest experience across all shifts.

Qualifications

• Experience leading a kitchen team in a busy restaurant.
• Passion for Italian cooking and high standards.
• Strong organisational skills and ability to keep service running smoothly.

Responsibilities

• Be the master of the kitchen, leading your team to create exceptional dishes.
• Take charge of the kitchen, ensuring every pizza and dish meets high standards.
• Inspire and develop your team, helping them grow their skills and passion.
• Manage kitchen operations, from prep and stock to hygiene and safety.
• Be hands-on—craft pizzas, train your team, and continually improve the kitchen.
• Collaborate with the Restaurant Manager to deliver an exceptional guest experience.

Skills

Kitchen leadership

Italian cooking

Organisational skills

Team development

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.