Job Description

Job Overview

We are seeking an experienced and passionate Head Chef to lead our kitchen team in delivering exceptional culinary experiences. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills and a deep understanding of food preparation, production, and kitchen management. As the Head Chef, you will be responsible for overseeing all kitchen operations, ensuring that our dishes meet the highest standards of quality and presentation while fostering a positive and collaborative environment for your team.

We're Hiring: Head Chef at Pranzo Restaurant - Whitley Bay.

Start Date: 15 September 2025

Salary: 32,000 + Equal Share of Card & Cash Tips (FOH & BOH)

Hours: 45-50 hours/week

Holidays: 25 days/year

Pranzo Restaurant is the only authentic Italian restaurant in the North East, proudly serving traditional regional dishes, curated wines, and proper Italian cocktails in a warm, intimate setting.

With 32 seats inside and 22 al fresco, we offer an experience rooted in Italian heritage -- and now we're looking for an experienced Head Chef to lead our kitchen team.

What We're Looking For:

Someone who has:

Minimum of 10 years experience as a chef. 2-3 years proven experience as a head chef. Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and manage a diverse team effectively. Excellent organisational skills with a keen attention to detail in food presentation. In-depth knowledge of food preparation techniques, culinary trends, and kitchen operations including costing skills.
Someone who can:

Lead and manage the kitchen team, providing guidance and support to ensure efficient food production. Develop and design innovative menus that reflect authentic Italian recipes while meeting customer preferences for allergies and intolerances. Managing kitchen rotas Overseeing weekly menu development (regional menus every Wed & Thurs, seasonal weekend specials, once per month Italian roasts - Sunday).
Someone who knows how to:

Handle food costing and kitchen orders. Lead a passionate BOH team in delivering consistent, high-quality, authentic Italian cuisine. Oversee food preparation processes to guarantee quality, consistency, and adherence to health and safety regulations.

Supervise kitchen staff, including training new team members in culinary techniques and restaurant standards.

Maintain inventory levels, ordering supplies as necessary to ensure smooth operations. Collaborate with front-of-house staff to ensure seamless service and customer satisfaction. Monitor kitchen performance, implementing improvements where necessary to enhance efficiency and productivity. Ensure cleanliness and organisation of the kitchen area in compliance with health regulations.
Someone who has:

Passion for real Italian food and culture. Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment while maintaining high standards. A passion for hospitality and delivering exceptional dining experiences. Culinary qualifications or certifications required in Food Hygiene Level 3. Allergen Awareness course to have been completed. All other management, HACCP or relevant course certificates may be submitted with your CV but are not mandatory as these course can be facilitated by the company.
If you are ready to take on this exciting opportunity as our Head Chef, if you answered yes I can do that to all of the job description, if you can do it better than anyone else, we encourage you to apply and join our dynamic team dedicated to culinary excellence.

Why Join Pranzo?

Be part of a small, proud and passionate team. Help shape and evolve a truly authentic Italian menu. Enjoy a fair and equal tip-sharing system. Take pride in working in a restaurant that values quality, tradition, innovation and you!
Apply now to be part of something truly special at Pranzo - where Italian tradition meets North East soul.

To apply: Send your CV and cover letter via indeed or drop by the restaurant (16 Station Road, Whitley Bay, NE26 2RA) and ask for one of the owners.

N.B (please make sure your contact details are up to date - the next call might be to you!)

Grazie mille

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 32,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Company pension Discounted or free food Employee discount
Ability to commute/relocate:

Whitley Bay, NE26 2RA: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Experience:

Chef: 10 years (required)
Work authorisation:

United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person