Head Chef

Franco Manca; Wimbledon; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Quarterly bonus

Free pizzas & drinks

Free sourdough bread

28 days holiday

Pension scheme

Wellbeing & GP access

Staff discounts

Referral scheme

Franco Academy access

Job summary

Franco Manca is seeking a Head Chef in Wimbledon to lead the kitchen, inspire the team, and ensure every dish reflects our simple, authentic Italian approach. You will manage prep, stock, hygiene and safety while delivering exceptional guest experiences.

You'll be hands-on with pizza crafting, training staff, and driving improvements to keep service smooth even during peak times. A passion for quality and leadership is essential.

Qualifications

• Experience leading a kitchen team in a busy restaurant.
• Passion for Italian cooking and attention to detail.
• Commitment to quality and high culinary standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead the kitchen and inspire the team to deliver consistent, high-quality dishes.
• Oversee food prep, stock control, hygiene and health & safety.
• Ensure pizzas and all dishes meet Franco Manca standards.
• Develop team skills and maintain a positive, productive kitchen environment.
• Work with the Restaurant Manager to deliver an exceptional guest experience.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Italian cooking

Quality focus

Organizational skills

Training & development

Job description

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• £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