Pizza Head Chef

Franco Manca; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 19,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Quarterly bonus scheme

Free pizzas and soft drinks on every/1

Free sourdough bread to cook at home

28 days holiday

Pension scheme

24/7 virtual GP access and counselling

Discounts and vouchers

Gym and cinema discounts

Annual social events

Staff discount 50%

Referral scheme up to £500

Franco Academy development

Job summary

Franco Manca is seeking a Head Chef in Cambridge to lead the kitchen and drive outstanding food quality. You will ensure every pizza is cooked to perfection, manage stock, and maintain high standards across the menu.

You'll inspire and develop your team, guide operations, and work closely with the Restaurant Manager to create an exceptional guest experience in a fast-paced setting.

Qualifications

• Experience leading a kitchen team in a busy restaurant.
• Passion for Italian cooking with attention to detail.
• Ability to inspire and develop kitchen staff.
• Strong organisational and operational skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the kitchen team and manage daily operations.
• Ensure pizzas and dishes meet high standards of quality.
• Train and develop staff while maintaining safety and hygiene.
• Work hands-on and collaborate with the Restaurant Manager to deliver exceptional service.

Skills

Head chef leadership

Italian cooking

Organisational skills

Team development

Hands-on kitchen management

Job description

• £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
• 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

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.

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.