Pizza Head Chef - Exeter

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

Benefits offered by this job

Quarterly Bonus scheme

Free pizzas & drinks on shift

28 days holiday (pro rata)

Pension scheme

Wellbeing support

Job summary

Franco Manca Exeter is seeking a Head Chef to lead the kitchen, directing food prep, cooking pizzas, and maintaining the highest standards for every dish. You will mentor staff, optimize stock control, and ensure smooth service with the Restaurant Manager.

The role requires hands-on leadership, passion for Italian cooking, and strong organizational skills to keep operations running efficiently during peak periods.

Qualifications

• Experience leading a kitchen team in a busy restaurant.
• Passion for Italian cooking and high-quality standards.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills.
• Hands-on leader, able to train and develop staff.
• Commitment to safety and hygiene.

Responsibilities

• Oversee kitchen operations, prep, stock control, and hygiene.
• Lead and train the team, ensuring consistent quality.
• Cook pizzas and dishes to Franco Manca standards.
• Collaborate with Restaurant Manager to deliver great guest experience.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Italian cooking

Organizational skills

Job description

• 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.

  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.

  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.

• 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