Head Chef

El Chico's Mexicant Restaurant & Cocktail Bar; London; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

A vibrant, high-volume Mexican restaurant in London seeks an experienced Head Chef to manage kitchen operations and lead a talented team. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in Mexican cuisine, exceptional leadership skills, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment. This position offers a competitive salary and the opportunity to shape the menu within a supportive management structure.

Benefits

Share of service charge

Performance-based bonuses

Career progression opportunities

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years' experience as a Head Chef in the UK.
• Experience in a high-volume setting.
• Strong background or passion for Mexican cuisine.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day kitchen operations and staff management.
• Ensure food quality, consistency, and hygiene.
• Manage kitchen budgets and control food costs.

Skills

Leadership

Team Management

Food Safety

Calm Under Pressure

Creativity

Mexican Cuisine Passion

Job description

**About Us:**. We are an exciting, high-volume Mexican restaurant known for bold flavours, vibrant atmosphere, and top-tier hospitality. We are now looking for a talented and passionate Head Chef to lead our kitchen team as we continue to grow and deliver exceptional dining experiences.. ** The Role:**. As Head Chef, you will be responsible for managing all aspects of the kitchen, ensuring high standards of food quality, consistency, and hygiene. This is a fast-paced, high-volume environment serving up to 300 covers daily, so strong leadership, calm under pressure, and efficient organisation are essential.. ** Key Responsibilities:**. Lead and manage the day-to-day kitchen operations. . Ensure consistency and quality across all dishes. . Oversee food preparation, stock control, ordering, and waste management. . Recruit, train, and mentor kitchen staff. . Maintain excellent standards of hygiene and health & safety compliance. . Work with the management team to develop seasonal and promotional menus. . Manage kitchen budgets and control food costs effectively. . . ** Requirements:**. Minimum 3 years' experience as a Head Chef in the UK, ideally in a high-volume setting. . Strong background in Mexican cuisine or a proven passion for Latin American flavours. . Excellent leadership and team management skills. . Experience in managing a kitchen capable of handling 300+ covers. . Strong understanding of food safety and kitchen compliance standards. . Ability to remain calm, efficient, and positive under pressure. . Creativity and a commitment to quality and innovation. . . ** What We Offer:**. Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses. . Opportunity to shape the menu and influence the direction of the kitchen. . Supportive management team and a positive working environment. . Career progression opportunities within a growing brand

Experience: Required
Languages: English – Advanced
Employment: Full-time
Salary: £32,000 – £38,000 yearly
Benefits: share of service charge

About El Chico's Mexicant Restaurant & Cocktail Bar:

We've been around since 1998 serving customers fresh Mexican food, delicious cocktails and good vibes. Now expanded to be one of London's biggest Mexican restaurant