Purpose of the role:
To ensure consistent quality, presentation and adherence to health, safety and hygiene standards while mentoring the kitchen staff and maintaining operational excellence.
The ideal candidate has a deep love for Italian cuisine, strong leadership skills, exceptional attention to detail, and thrives in a fast-paced, high-standard kitchen.
Key Responsibilities Include But Are Not Limited To:
Lead the kitchen operation with a strong focus on Italian cuisine, pasta dishes, desserts and traditional Italian meals
Demonstrate expert knowledge of pasta techniques, sauces, toppings and classic Italian preparations
Prepare, oversee and ensure consistent quality of pasta dishes, pizza toppings, desserts and other Italian menu items
Manage the kitchen team effectively through clear instruction, mentoring and delegation
Ensure strict adherence to health, safety and hygiene standards at all times
Control stock, rotate ingredients and manage inventory efficiently, ensuring all items are correctly labelled and stored
Develop, refine and maintain recipes and presentations in line with the restaurant's standards
Work closely with management to plan menus, specials and seasonal offerings
Troubleshoot operational or culinary challenges and implement effective solutions
Lead by example with professional appearance, a strong work ethic and hands-on involvement in food preparation
Maintain cleaning schedules and ensure all tasks are completed to standard
Communicate professionally and consistently with all team members and management
Foster a positive, collaborative and high-performance kitchen culture
Criteria
Proven experience as a senior chef in Italian cuisine with responsibility for pasta dishes, desserts and Italian meals
Minimum 5 - 7 years' hands-on experience in high-quality or fine-dining Italian kitchens
Demonstrated expertise in pasta preparation, sauces, toppings and classic Italian dessert techniques
Experience managing a kitchen team including mentoring, delegation, stock control and operational oversight
Strong knowledge of health, safety and hygiene standards in professional kitchens
Formal culinary training, diploma or degree in Culinary Arts or equivalent is preferred
Additional Italian cuisine or specialised pasta certifications are an advantage
Passionate about Italian cuisine with pride, dedication and attention to detail in all culinary work
Energetic, organised and methodical with excellent time management skills
Demonstrated leadership, mentoring and team-building abilities
Proactive problem-solving skills and ability to maintain kitchen efficiency under pressure
Excellent communication and professional presentation at all times
Ability to work effectively independently and collaboratively while maintaining high standards and consistency
Closing Date: 2026-02-07