Pizza Head Chef

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

Benefits offered by this job

Pension scheme

Free pizzas and soft drinks on every…

Discounts on dining

Franco Academy development

Annual social events

Staff discount 50% in restaurants

Job summary

Franco Manca is hiring a Head Chef to lead the kitchen, guide a busy team, and ensure every dish reflects our commitment to quality and authenticity. You will drive operations, manage stock, maintain hygiene standards, and mentor staff to grow their skills.

Based in the UK, you’ll work in a fast-paced, quality-focused environment where sourdough pizza and fresh ingredients define every service. Join a team that values community, opportunity, and professional growth within Franco Manca.

Qualifications

• Head Chef experience leading a kitchen team in a busy restaurant.
• Passion for Italian cooking and high standards of quality.
• Strong leadership and team development skills.
• Excellent organizational skills to keep kitchen operations smooth.

Responsibilities

• Lead the kitchen team to create high-quality pizzas and dishes.
• Ensure every pizza and dish meets our standards of excellence.
• 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 safety.
• Be hands-on — craft pizzas, train your team, and improve kitchen efficiency.
• Collaborate with the Restaurant Manager to deliver exceptional guest experiences.

Skills

Head Chef

Kitchen leadership

Italian cooking

Team development

Organizational skills

Quality focus

Job description

What you'll get:

• £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

About Us:

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.

What You'll Do

• 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.

What You'll Bring

• We're looking for a Head Chef who knows their way around a kitchen and has a genuine love for great food.
• 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.

If you have the skills & passion to become a Franco Manca Pizza Head Chef, then click apply and jump on board with the pioneers of Sourdough Pizza!

Franco Manca is proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all our people. We welcome applications from everyone and recruit based on skills, experience, and potential. If you need any adjustments during the application or interview process, please let us know and we'll be happy to support you.