Head Chef - Lead High-Volume Kitchen & Guest Experience

KUDU 7 (MARYLEBONE) LIMITED; Greater London; Remote; GBP 41,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Braai Bird, part of the Kudu Collective family, is expanding and seeking a Head Chef to lead daily kitchen operations and deliver an exceptional guest experience. Working with the General Manager, you will oversee service quality, staff performance, and budget controls in a high-volume setting.

You will drive standards, supervise HR processes, and maintain health and safety compliance, while inspiring a team to deliver consistent, excellent hospitality. Right to work in the UK required.

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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
• 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
• 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
• 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
• 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
• 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

Skills

High-volume experience

Labour control

Disciplinary support

Communication skills

Guest experience

Job description

Braai Bird, part of the Kudu Collective family, is expanding and seeking a Head Chef to lead daily kitchen operations and deliver an exceptional guest experience. Working with the General Manager, you will oversee service quality, staff performance, and budget controls in a high-volume setting.

You will drive standards, supervise HR processes, and maintain health and safety compliance, while inspiring a team to deliver consistent, excellent hospitality. Right to work in the UK required.