Head of Restaurants - New Opening

Company of Cooks; London; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A hospitality leader is sought for the Head of Restaurants position at an iconic venue in London. You will manage two unique restaurant concepts and lead a team of over 80 professionals. The role emphasizes strategic leadership, operational efficiency, and a guest-first culture. Ideal candidates will have experience in high-volume settings and a passion for mentoring and training staff.

Benefits

Personal Development and Training opportunities

Life assurance scheme

Pension scheme

Holiday allowance

Private medical eligibility

Eye care

Wellbeing strategy with Employee Assistance Programme

Regular social events

Holiday purchase scheme

Volunteering days

Professional subscriptions

Recognition schemes

Access to high street discount vouchers

Qualifications

• Proven leadership in high-end or high-volume restaurants.
• Ability to run premium operations with a guest-first mentality.
• Experience leading teams of 60+.

Responsibilities

• Oversee full operation of two restaurant concepts.
• Drive commercial performance and cost control.
• Shape and execute the pre-opening strategy.

Skills

Leadership in high-end restaurants

Guest-focused mindset

Team mentoring and training

Collaborative approach

Agility in high-energy environments

Job description

Head of Restaurants - Guinness Open Gate Brewery, London

Salary: £55,000-£60,000 per annum

Shift pattern: 40 hours per week, 5 over 7

Opening December 2025

Guinness Open Gate Brewery London - a groundbreaking, four-floor destination in the heart of the capital, opening December 2025. At the heart of this iconic space will be two unique restaurant concepts, designed to deliver world-class food experiences that celebrate innovation, storytelling, and the spirit of Guinness.

We’re looking for a Head of Restaurants to lead from the front, drive excellence, and build a truly iconic hospitality team.

About the Role

As the Head of Restaurants, you will oversee the full operation of two distinct restaurant concepts, managing a dynamic team of over 80 passionate hospitality professionals across four floors of service.

You will be responsible for:

• Strategic leadership of both restaurants, ensuring exceptional guest experiences, operational efficiency, and a culture of excellence.
• Building, coaching, and inspiring high-performing teams, fostering a guest-first mentality at every level.
• Partnering closely with kitchen, drinks, and brewery teams to deliver memorable, on-brand dining experiences.
• Driving commercial performance, cost control, service standards, and brand alignment.
• Shaping and executing the pre-opening strategy, including recruitment, training, systems setup, and launch.

About You

You’re an ambitious and experienced hospitality leader who knows how to run premium, high-volume operations with finesse and warmth. You balance operational acumen with a genuine passion for people - both guests and your team.

You will bring:

• Proven leadership in high-end or high-volume restaurants, ideally with multi-site or multi-concept experience.
• A guest-obsessed mindset and deep understanding of what makes an unforgettable hospitality experience.
• Experience leading large teams (60+), with a passion for mentoring, training, and inspiring others.
• A collaborative and strategic approach, with experience working cross-functionally on ambitious projects.
• The agility and resilience to thrive in a high-energy, evolving environment - especially during pre-opening and launch phases

What's in it for you?

Working with us has its perks! People are at the heart of everything we do, so we've developed a range of benefits to keep you happy.

• Personal Development and Training opportunities
• Life assurance scheme
• Pension scheme
• Holiday allowance
• Private medical eligibility
• Eye care
• A great wellbeing strategy - including access to our Employee Assistance Programme, salary finance
• Family friendly support

• Regular social events and communication with our leaders
• A holiday purchase scheme
• Volunteering days
• Professional subscriptions
• Recognition schemes and people awards
• Long service awards
• Access to some great high street discount vouchers