Senior Pizza Head Chef

Franco Manca group; Hove; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading pizza restaurant chain in Hove is seeking a Senior Pizza Head Chef. You'll lead the kitchen team to create high-quality sourdough pizzas while managing operations effectively. The ideal candidate has a passion for Italian cooking, experience in a busy restaurant, and strong leadership skills. Benefits include a competitive hourly rate, bonuses, free staff meals, and opportunities for personal growth within the company.

Benefits

Free staff meals

Employee Assistance Programme

Pension scheme

28 days holiday

Employee referral scheme

Career growth opportunities

Annual social events

Staff discount at various restaurants

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a busy restaurant environment as a Head Chef.
• Passionate about Italian food with attention to detail.
• Strong organizational skills to manage kitchen operations.

Responsibilities

• Lead the kitchen team to create high-quality food.
• Ensure adherence to hygiene and safety standards.
• Inspire and develop team members.

Skills

Italian cooking

Kitchen management

Team leadership

Food quality assurance

Organizational skills

Job description

Hourly Rate: £14.80 + Top Up Bonus (Guaranteed min £18.05 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 Senior Pizza 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 Senior Head Chef who knows their way around a kitchen and has a genuine love for great Italian 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 Senior Head Chef, then click apply and jump on board with the pioneers of Sourdough Pizza!