Head Chef

KUDU 7 (MARYLEBONE) LIMITED; Greater London; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Braai Bird in Peckham is seeking a Head Chef who will work closely with the General Manager to run the kitchen and deliver exceptional guest experiences. You will own daily kitchen operations, oversee service flow, and ensure warmth and quality across all meals.

The role requires leadership, strong HR and cost-control skills, and a passion for hospitality. Join a growing hospitality group where standards are high and team development is encouraged.

Qualifications

• Proven experience working in a high-volume restaurant environment.
• Strong understanding of labour control and rota planning.
• Confident in supporting disciplinary and HR processes.
• Excellent communication and conflict resolution skills.
• Detail-oriented with a passion for quality and consistency.
• Genuine love for hospitality and guest experience.

Responsibilities

• Manage food service with an eye for quality and detail.
• Anticipate service flow and adapt to the restaurant's demands.
• Attend and contribute to daily/weekly team meetings to maintain staff morale.
• Build a culture of accountability, professionalism, and pride.
• Handle team conflict with maturity and fairness.
• Drive productivity and efficiency across all service periods.
• Lead by example in creating memorable experiences.

Skills

High-volume kitchen experience

Leadership & people management

Cost control & labour planning

HR processes knowledge

Excellent communication

Job description

Head Chef

Braai Bird is part of the Kudu Collective family founded by husband and wife duo Amy & Patrick in 2017. Our South African roots inspire the food - rotisserie chicken, sides, sauces and plenty of flavour. We pride ourselves on friendly, intimate service with a keen attention to quality and detail.

After an incredible journey, we’re excited to be returning to the neighbourhood where our story began. Peckham has always been at the heart of Kudu, as we begin an exciting new chapter and return to our roots in Peckham, we’re looking for passionate, ambitious people who want to be part of a restaurant where hospitality comes first, standards are high, and every member of the team has the opportunity to grow.

The Role

Working closely with the General Manager, ensuring that every service reflects the quality and warmth of Braai Bird. Taking ownership of daily operations of running the kitchen and delivering an amazing experience for our guests.

Key Responsibilities

Service & Operations

• Manage food service with an eye for quality and detail

• Anticipate service flow and adapt to the demands of the restaurant

• Attend and contribute to daily/weekly team meetings to maintain staff morale

People & Culture

• Build a culture of accountability, professionalism, and pride

• Handle team conflict with maturity and fairness

• Strong leadership skills with an affinity for capacity development to manage, train and develop the team

Labour & Efficiency

• Ensure a smooth flow of inventory and coordinate with Suppliers.

• Maintain strong control over labour costs without compromising the quality of food

• Drive productivity and efficiency across all service periods

Guest Experience

• Ensure a fully equipped team regarding compliance and is well knowledgeable about the menu.

• Handle guest feedback and complaints with professionalism and care

• Build strong relationships with returning guests

• Lead by example in creating memorable experiences

Compliance & Standards

• Ensure full compliance with UK legislation and company policies

• Maintain excellence in health & safety, food safety, and licensing

• Uphold HR procedures with consistency and integrity

• Drive adherence to SOPs across the team

Systems & Administration

• Maintain accuracy across scheduling, HR, and operational systems

• Support payroll, absence management, and reporting processes

• Ensure all daily and weekly administrative duties are completed to a high standard

What We’re Looking For

• Proven experience in a high-volume restaurant environment

• Understanding of labour control and rota planning

• Confident in supporting the disciplinary and HR processes

• Excellent communication and conflict resolution skills

• Detail-oriented with a passion for quality and consistency

• A genuine love for hospitality and guest experience

What We Offer

• Salary package of £45,000.00 plus excess tronc.

• Career progression within a growing hospitality group.

• The opportunity to work alongside a passionate and talented team.

If you are passionate about food, hospitality, and leadership, we'd love to hear from you.

Right to Work in the UK required.