Head Chef

Bella Italia; Croydon; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive package

Quarterly bonus

Tronc eligibility

50% food & drink discount

Apprenticeships funded

Salary sacrifice scheme

Wellbeing support

Early wage access

Job summary

Bella Italia in Croydon is seeking a Head Chef to lead a vibrant kitchen, bringing passion for pizza, pasta and a guest-focused dining experience. You will manage a dedicated team, ensure consistency, quality and hygiene, and drive profitability.

Join a supportive, high-energy environment with opportunities for growth, training, and a comprehensive benefits package including discounts across Big Table Group brands.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership in hospitality environments.
• Experience managing kitchen operations and staff development.
• Strong focus on guest experience and quality standards.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Hospitality

Food safety

Profit & loss

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.

Head Chef

Why Join Bella?

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

• Competitive Package – 45-hour contract quarterly bonus and opportunity to earn Tronc
• 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!
• 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

If you’ve got a real love for hospitality, enjoy bringing people together, and thrive in the buzz of a fast‑paced, guest‑first environment, you might just be the perfect fit for us.

At Bella Italia, our teams are like family. We put people at the heart of everything we do, creating a welcoming, inclusive workplace where you can be yourself, feel supported, and grow your career. If you need any reasonable adjustments during the hiring process, just let us know – we’ve got you.

Thinking about using AI tools for your application? They can be great for getting started, but what really makes an application shine is you, your energy, experience, personality, and leadership style.

What’s the process?

Application → CV review → friendly phone chat → first‑stage interview → second‑stage interview → offer and onboarding.

At Bella Italia, we don’t just look for experience – we look for people with a genuine love for hospitality who care about their teams and our guests. If that sounds like you, we’d love to welcome you to the family.

Join the Bella Italia family today and work somewhere awesome! Don’t just take our word for it we’re proud to be named in The Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2026.