Profile

I am looking for the Head Chef position at my neighbourhood restaurant in Battersea, Archway. We’re looking for someone with a genuine passion for high-quality ingredients and a desire to showcase them at their best. Currently, we specialize in Italian cuisine, and while I'd love to maintain that focus, I'm also open to incorporating a modern European approach.

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who is passionate about great food and is eager to lead a neighborhood restaurant. I've attached the job description for more details.

Archway Battersea, a Michelin Guide-listed neighbourhood Italian restaurant, is seeking a passionate and experienced Head Chef to lead our culinary team. The Head Chef will oversee the kitchen's operations, maintain our high standards for seasonal cuisine, and ensure an exceptional dining experience for our guests. This role requires a strong leader who excels in managing staff, controlling costs, and driving innovation in our ever-changing menu.

Key Responsibilities

• Team Leadership & Staff Management:
  • Lead and mentor the kitchen team, including recruitment, training, and ongoing development of junior chefs.
  • Oversee rota management, ensuring efficient staff scheduling while maintaining a work-life balance for the team.
  • Manage kitchen staff attendance, handle staff issues such as sick leave, and take disciplinary actions when necessary.
• Menu Development & Culinary Creativity:
  • Design, develop, and update a seasonal menu that aligns with Archway’s ethos of celebrating the finest ingredients.
  • Introduce simple, seasonal dishes that appeal to our clientele, while maintaining a balance between creativity and consistency.
• Operational Excellence:
  • Maintain the highest standards of food quality, hygiene, and cleanliness across the kitchen.
  • Ensure that all kitchen processes are up-to-date and that staff follow best practices.
  • Manage inventory and control stock levels, ensuring optimal use of ingredients with minimal wastage.
  • Oversee maintenance of kitchen equipment, arranging repairs when necessary to keep the kitchen running smoothly.
• Supplier Relations & Budget Management:
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, ensuring we receive quality goods at competitive prices.
  • Manage the kitchen’s budget, ensuring efficient cost control and profitability while maintaining our high-quality standards.
• Customer Experience:
  • Work closely with front-of-house teams to ensure guests enjoy an outstanding dining experience, addressing any issues promptly and professionally.
• Reporting & Communication:
  • Attend Management meetings, providing updates on kitchen performance, menu development, and staff management.
  • Collaborate with the general manager to align on business goals and customer service improvements.

Qualifications & Experience

• Expertise in Italian cuisine and seasonal menu development.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent understanding of health and safety, food hygiene, and kitchen operations.
• Budget management experience, with the ability to control costs while delivering high-quality dishes.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with the front-of-house team.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Opportunities for professional development and creative freedom in menu design.
• A supportive team culture with a focus on work-life balance.
• 50% off at Archway and other employee perks, including daily meals and supplier trips.