Job Description

Job Summary

Buddies London is not your average chicken shop -- we fuse

American comfort food

,

Turkish doner

, and

Bangladeshi spice mastery

to create something truly unforgettable. We are seeking an

innovative and disciplined Executive Chef

to lead our kitchen team and take our menu to the next level.

The ideal candidate will have a

proven track record in fast-paced restaurant environments

, deep knowledge of flavour trends, strong leadership skills, and a passion for delivering consistently outstanding food while keeping costs under control.

This is a

hands-on, leadership role

with the opportunity to shape a fast-growing halal brand with national ambitions.

Key Responsibilities

Lead & Inspire:

Manage, train, and motivate kitchen staff to perform at their best every service.

Menu Innovation:

Develop and refine dishes that reflect Buddies' unique fusion style, ensuring every item is crave-worthy and Instagrammable.

Operational Excellence:

Oversee all food preparation, cooking, plating, and quality checks to maintain consistency across every shift.

Food Cost Control:

Monitor stock, reduce waste, and negotiate with suppliers to keep COGS in line with targets.

Kitchen Hygiene:

Maintain impeccable cleanliness and meet all health & safety regulations without compromise.

Training & Standards:

Upskill the team in both culinary techniques and service mindset to match Buddies' brand values.

Collaboration:

Work closely with front-of-house and management to ensure smooth service flow and menu execution.

Performance Tracking:

Review kitchen KPIs weekly and implement improvements for efficiency, speed, and profitability.

Qualifications & Skills

Proven success as an

Executive Chef

or

Head Chef

in a busy QSR, casual dining, or multi-site operation. Expertise in

flavour balance

,

recipe costing

, and

high-volume service

. Strong leadership and team-building skills with a focus on discipline, respect, and high morale. Familiarity with halal food preparation and cultural sensitivities is a plus. Highly organised with exceptional attention to detail. Excellent communication skills and ability to work under pressure. Passion for hospitality, innovation, and creating memorable food experiences.

Why Join Buddies?

Be part of a

fast-growing, ambitious halal QSR brand

with plans for multiple locations. Freedom to

innovate

and leave your mark on a signature menu. Work with a

supportive leadership team

led by an experienced entrepreneur with a track record in scaling businesses. Competitive pay with potential performance bonuses as well as share plan.
If you're ready to

make Buddies the benchmark for halal comfort food in the UK

, we want to hear from you!

Job Types: Full-time, Temp to perm
Contract length: 3 months

Pay: From 37,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Discounted or free food Employee stock ownership plan Employee stock purchase plan Sick pay
Ability to commute/relocate:

London E3: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Education:

Diploma of Higher Education (required)
Experience:

Restaurant management: 10 years (required)
Location:

London E3 (preferred)
Work Location: In person

Expected start date: 18/08/2025