Head Chef

Bella Italia Castleford; Castleford; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A popular Italian restaurant in Castleford is seeking a Head Chef to lead the kitchen team. You will be responsible for managing kitchen operations, maintaining hygiene standards, and ensuring a high-quality guest experience. The ideal candidate will have strong leadership skills, a passion for food, and the ability to develop their team. The restaurant offers a competitive package, including bonuses, career growth opportunities, and various employee perks. Join a recognized workplace that celebrates individuality and fosters a great team environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary

50% off food and drink

Quarterly bonus

Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• Experience in a fast-paced kitchen environment.
• Ability to lead and develop a team.
• Strong understanding of kitchen hygiene standards.

Responsibilities

• Manage the kitchen and achieve restaurant goals.
• Ensure dishes are cooked to perfection.
• Maintain cleanliness and hygiene standards.
• Create a motivating team environment.
• Make financial decisions to drive efficiency.

Skills

Leadership

Strong communication

Passion for food

Team development

Job description

At Bella Italia, we believe that the best moments in life are spent with loved ones—sharing food, friendship, laughter, and the joy of the Italian table. If you have a passion for pizza, pasta, and leading a fantastic team, then this is the job for you! Come and be part of the Bella Italia family as a Head Chef.

Why Join Bella?

We know that happy teams create the best experiences, so we offer:

• A Place for Everyone – We celebrate individuality and believe our differences make us stronger. Whoever you are, if you bring passion and leadership, there’s a place for you in our kitchen!
• A Competitive Package – 45‑hour contract, and quarterly bonus.
• Amazing Discounts – 50% off food and drink across all Big Table Group brands and 25% for friends & family.
• Career Growth – Fully funded apprenticeships in Hospitality Management (Level 4).
• Salary Sacrifice Scheme – Make the most of tax‑efficient savings on National Insurance, pension contributions, and a range of lifestyle benefits.
• Wellbeing & Support – Our Employee Assistance Programme includes a 24/7 virtual GP, mental health support, healthcare cash plan, dental plan, a second medical opinion service, and more.
• Perks & Rewards – Access to wages before payday, discounted gym memberships, and savings on theme parks, shopping, and more!
• Team Competitions & Events – Win a trip to Italy, team parties, and even a chance to win e‑points to spend on your favourite retailers.

What You’ll Do as a Head Chef:

• Work closely with the management team to achieve restaurant goals.
• Lead the guest experience by ensuring every dish is cooked to perfection.
• Maintain the highest standards of cleanliness and kitchen hygiene.
• Create a fun, motivating team environment, with a focus on developing and nurturing talent.
• Be commercially minded—analysing profit & loss accounts to make strong financial decisions and drive efficiency.

Who We’re Looking For:

At Bella Italia, we don’t just look for experience we look for leaders. If you’re a strong communicator, passionate about food and developing people and thrive in a fast‑paced environment, we want to hear from you.

At Bella Italia, everyone is welcome. We are committed to creating a workplace where you can be yourself and thrive. If you need any adjustments during the hiring process, just let us know we’re happy to help.

Join the Bella Italia family today and work somewhere awesome! Don’t just take our word for it we’ve been recognised in the Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2025!

Apply now and bring your leadership to the Bella Italia kitchen!