Senior Prep Chef

Smoking Goat; Greater London; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A contemporary Thai barbecue restaurant in London seeks a skilled Kitchen Manager to oversee kitchen operations, ensuring high food quality and a positive team atmosphere. With a focus on training and development, the ideal candidate will bring 5 years of experience and a passion for culinary excellence. The role offers benefits like 28 days of leave and significant discounts at all restaurants in the group.

Benefits

28 days of annual leave

50% restaurant discount

Training and resource access

Enhanced maternity leave

Pension scheme

Cycle-to-work scheme

Qualifications

• 5 years of experience in a fast-paced kitchen.
• Right to work in the UK.
• Strong desire to learn and grow.

Responsibilities

• Manage kitchen preparation to meet business demands.
• Support Head Chef in creating a positive kitchen environment.
• Maintain high standards of food preparation and presentation.
• Conduct training sessions and tastings for the team.
• Ensure compliance with food safety standards.
• Assist in achieving P&L targets.

Skills

Passion for cooking

Ability to work in a team

Knowledge of food sourcing

Flexibility in shift work

Job description

About Us:

Smoking Goat is an open-fire Thai barbecue restaurant and bar, serving food inspired by the street food of Bangkok and the laab stalls of northern Thailand. We're a busy restaurant that works closely with exceptional farmers and offers a daily-changing menu. Our drinks programme includes unique beers, natural wines, and a growing vinyl record collection. We welcome applicants looking to grow and be inspired. Thai cooking experience is not required—just a passion for learning and being part of a strong, team-focused restaurant.

What you’ll be doing:

• Managing the main preparation kitchen to its highest possible standard and directing kitchen preparation in support of the demands of the business.
• Support the Head Chef in creating a harmonious and efficient kitchen environment where the team feels confident and the culture is strong.
• Maintain the highest standards of food preparation and presentation to ensure guest satisfaction.
• Assist with regular tastings, training sessions, and briefings to keep the front-of-house and junior kitchen teams informed.
• Foster teamwork and collaboration by participating in 1-2-1 meetings, appraisals, and development plans for junior chefs.
• Encourage full participation in training and development opportunities to enhance skills and knowledge.
• Work with the General Manager and Head Chef to maintain the organisational structure, succession planning and develop effective plans for nurturing future talent.
• Maintain in-depth knowledge of our produce and suppliers to ensure high-quality ingredient selection.
• Ensure compliance with food safety standards and legislative requirements to uphold a 5-star EHO rating.
• Assist the Head Chef and kitchen management team in delivering P&L responsibilities, helping to achieve gross profit, margin, and labour targets.

What you’ll bring:

• Passion and knowledge of restaurants, good cooking, good sourcing of food and drink are a great headstart. But most important is the appetite to learn, grow and be a part of building the most exciting restaurant group in London.
• 5 years of experience in a fast paced kitchen, where excellence is consistent on every plate.
• You enjoy being part of a kitchen team that thrives off good energy and exciting dishes.
• Flexibility to work varied shifts across 5 out of 7 days.
• Full UK right to work documents.

What’s in it for you:

• 28 days of annual leave, including bank holidays.
• Access to courses, resources, and training to enhance your career.
• 50% discount at all our restaurants, along with complimentary staff meals during your shifts.
• Discounted dining at various local establishments near Super 8 Restaurants.
• Enhanced maternity leave, pension scheme, subsidised mental health support, and a cycle-to-work scheme.
• Refer a Friend scheme—recommend someone to join Super 8 and receive a bonus!
• Opportunities for both international and national travel to visit our suppliers and learn about sourcing ingredients and beverages.
• £300 contribution towards the purchase of a work laptop for all salaried staff members.

If this role sounds like a great fit for you, we’d love to see your application!