Job Description

Kiez is a Berlin-inspired neighbourhood restaurant in Notting Hill, built around a tight kebab-led menu, curated cocktails, German and Austrian natural wines, and a world-class sound system—all within a seriously design-led space.

We are looking for a thoughtful and ambitious Head Chef who can bring creativity and structure to the kitchen. You will lead a strong team, deliver excellent food and play an important part in shaping what Kiez becomes next.

You will:

• Set and develop the culinary vision for Kiez while respecting the restaurant’s established identity
• Evolve our kebab-led menu through thoughtful seasonal dishes, specials and new ideas
• Take full ownership of food quality, consistency, presentation and speed of service
• Contribute ideas for collaborations, special menus, takeovers and events that extend Kiez beyond the restaurant
• Recruit, train, schedule and retain a skilled and reliable kitchen team
• Own food GP, kitchen labour, purchasing, stock control, waste and portion management
• Produce accurate rotas that meet forecast sales and agreed labour targets
• Manage ordering, supplier relationships, stock counts and inventory systems
• Establish clear recipes, specifications, preparation systems and kitchen procedures
• Maintain excellent standards of food safety, allergen management, health and safety, and due diligence
• Work closely with the General Manager and directors on budgets, events, menu development and the wider direction of the business
• Lead from the front during busy services, remaining calm, organised and accountable under pressure

Job Requirements

We are looking for an accomplished and ambitious chef who can balance creativity, team leadership and commercial performance.

You will ideally have:

• Previous experience as a Head Chef, or as a strong Senior Sous Chef ready to take full ownership of a kitchen
• Experience working in a high-quality, high-volume restaurant with a fresh-food operation
• A background in Middle Eastern, Turkish, Eastern Mediterranean, grill or live-fire cooking is highly desirable
• Strong knowledge of food costing, GP management, labour control, ordering, stock management and waste reduction
• Excellent attention to detail and a commitment to consistency
• Strong food safety, allergen and health and safety knowledge
• The ability to introduce systems and hold the team accountable to them
• Confidence working closely and transparently with senior management
• A practical, hands-on leadership style—you will be present in the kitchen and involved in service
• The resilience and organisation needed to lead busy evenings, weekends and events
• Creativity balanced with commercial awareness and respect for Kiez’s established identity
• A calm, direct and respectful communication style

Most importantly, we want a Head Chef who takes ownership: someone who sees a problem, addresses it and follows it through.

This is an opportunity for an ambitious individual who wants genuine ownership and the freedom to make an impact. You will have the chance to shape the food, develop the team, represent Kiez outside the restaurant and help build it into one of West London’s most exciting neighbourhood food spots.