Pizza Head Chef

The Fulham Shore; Hove; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading restaurant group in Hove is looking for a Head Chef to lead the kitchen at Franco Manca. You will ensure exceptional food quality, inspire your team, and manage operations effectively. The ideal candidate has experience in a busy kitchen and a passion for Italian cuisine. This role offers a competitive hourly rate with additional bonuses and various benefits including free meals and opportunities for career growth, while fostering a positive working environment.

Benefits

Free pizzas and soft drinks on every shift

28 days holiday

Annual social events

Staff discount in restaurants

Qualifications

• Experience in a busy restaurant environment as a Head Chef.
• A commitment to quality and sharp eye for detail.
• Motivated to grow personally and professionally.

Responsibilities

• Lead kitchen operations, ensuring high standards.
• Inspire and develop your kitchen team.
• Work closely with the Restaurant Manager for smooth service.

Skills

Experience leading a kitchen team

Passion for Italian cooking

Excellent organizational skills

Ability to create a positive atmosphere

Job description

Hourly Rate: £13.80 + Top Up Bonus (Guaranteed min £16.80 per hour) + Service Charge

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.

What you’ll get

• Extra bonus based on internal audits
• Free yummy pizzas and soft drinks on every shift
• Free Sourdough bread to cook at home
• Ongoing personal growth and development with our Franco Academy
• 28 days holiday
• AXA Employee Assistance Programme with Health App
• A pension scheme to set you up for the future
• Annual social events
• Staff discount when dining in any Franco Manca, The Real Greek or Super Club Roma restaurants
• Employee referral scheme – earn from the great people you know
• Opportunities all over the UK to grow your career

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!