High-Volume Head Chef — Lead Kitchen & Team

Confidential; Chipping Barnet; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Confidential in North London is seeking an experienced Head Chef to take full responsibility for a busy, established restaurant. You will lead a high-volume kitchen, ensuring food quality and standards while delivering fast-paced service.

Role requires managing people, service, standards and commercial performance, with strong leadership and a focus on training and progression for kitchen teams. This is a full-time opportunity in a growing hospitality business.

Qualifications

• Significant experience as Head Chef or Senior position in a high-volume restaurant.
• Proven ability to lead kitchen teams to deliver quality at pace.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the entire kitchen team.
• Run consistently busy, high-volume services.
• Maintain food quality, presentation and portion control.
• Recruitment, onboarding and training of kitchen staff.
• Develop Sous Chefs and junior chefs for future leadership.
• Manage kitchen rotas, labour planning and productivity.
• Control food cost, GP, purchasing, stock and wastage.
• Prepare for forecasted trade and ensure adequate preparation levels.
• Develop menus, specials and new dishes.
• Maintain recipe, specification and plating standards.
• Manage supplier relationships, orders and product quality.
• Ensure food safety, hygiene and allergen compliance.
• Oversee kitchen equipment, maintenance and cleanliness.
• Develop and improve kitchen systems and procedures.
• Create a professional kitchen culture with clear standards.

Skills

High-volume leadership

People management

Food cost management

Menu development

Staff training

Job description

Confidential in North London is seeking an experienced Head Chef to take full responsibility for a busy, established restaurant. You will lead a high-volume kitchen, ensuring food quality and standards while delivering fast-paced service.

Role requires managing people, service, standards and commercial performance, with strong leadership and a focus on training and progression for kitchen teams. This is a full-time opportunity in a growing hospitality business.