THE OPPORTUNITY
We're seeking a talented Head Chef with a passion for breakfast and brunch cuisine who thrives in a dynamic environment while expertly managing kitchen operations and costs. With opening hours from 7am to 5pm daily, we offer a refreshing alternative to the late-night hospitality grind.
Popin is a beloved independent café in West Kensington that has built a reputation for exceptional coffee and globally-inspired brunch. Our intimate 20-seat space features an open-plan design where cooking happens at a shared front-of-house counter rather than in a separate kitchen. You'll be creating dishes alongside our front-of-house team in full view of our guests - perfect for chefs who enjoy the social aspect of food preparation and direct customer interaction.
YOUR KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Run the kitchen overseeing daily service and delivering exceptional breakfast and brunch dishes that delight our guests
Ordering stock & financial management tracking inventory, optimizing purchasing, and maintaining food costs to ensure profitability
Labour & rota management creating staff schedules and meeting KPIs
Lead your team guiding kitchen staff with clear direction and positive reinforcement
Streamline processes developing workflows that improve efficiency during peak service times
Maintain standards ensuring all health, safety and food handling procedures are followed meticulously
Enhance guest experience creating a welcoming environment that encourages repeat visits
Develop menus creating innovative dishes that showcase seasonal ingredients and global influences
WHAT WE OFFER
We're committed to creating a rewarding work environment. Your benefits include:
£36,000-£40,000 (inclusive of tronc, depending on experience)
Daytime schedule only enjoy your evenings!
28 days holiday allowance
Company pension scheme
Staff referral programme
Staff meals and drinks
50% staff discount
After your first anniversary, you'll receive 4 paid sick days annually, plus we add an extra holiday day each year you stay with us.
WORKING HOURS
Our café welcomes guests seven days a week from 7am-5pm. Your 45-hour weekly schedule will be arranged within these hours, providing work-life balance.
WHO YOU ARE
An experienced chef with at least 2+ years kitchen experience who's comfortable connecting with guests while preparing food
Someone who is equally passionate about culinary excellence and guest satisfaction
A natural leader who brings out the best in your team
Well-organised with solid business sense and financial awareness
Cool under pressure when the weekend brunch rush hits
Genuinely passionate about global flavours and the evolving brunch scene
A leader with genuine empathy who can implement strong systems while coaching and mentoring team members
Get in touch!
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