About Company
Join the vibrant world of Las Iguanas! We are a leading Latin American restaurant group known for our spirited atmosphere, delicious food, and award-winning cocktails. With over 50 locations across the UK, we pride ourselves on bringing the authentic tastes and lively energy of South America to our guests. At Las Iguanas, we believe in passion, quality, and creating memorable experiences, not just meals. We foster a dynamic and inclusive work environment where every team member is valued and encouraged to grow. Our Coventry branch is a bustling hub in the heart of the city, renowned for its energetic vibe and fantastic culinary offerings. Come be a part of our exciting journey, where every shift is a fiesta and every dish tells a story of vibrant Latin culture!
Job Description
Are you a culinary maestro with a passion for Latin American flavours and a flair for leadership? Las Iguanas Coventry is urgently seeking an exceptional Head Chef to lead our dynamic kitchen team. This pivotal role requires not only outstanding cooking skills but also strong management capabilities, creativity, and a relentless commitment to quality and efficiency. As our Head Chef, you will be the driving force behind our kitchen operations, ensuring every dish that leaves our pass meets our high standards of taste, presentation, and consistency. You’ll inspire and develop your team, meticulously manage inventory, uphold strict hygiene and safety practices, and contribute significantly to our restaurant’s success and esteemed reputation within Coventry’s vibrant dining scene. We are looking for an innovative leader who can maintain our brand’s authenticity while also bringing fresh ideas to the table. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment, possess an unyielding spirit for culinary excellence, and are ready to infuse your passion into every plate, we want to hear from you. This is more than just a job; it’s an opportunity to shape our culinary future and make a real impact in a brand that celebrates food, culture, and people.
Key Responsibilities
- Oversee all kitchen operations, including food preparation, cooking, and presentation, ensuring the highest standards of quality and consistency for all menu items.
- Lead, mentor, and motivate the kitchen team, fostering a positive, productive, and respectful work environment that encourages growth and learning.
- Develop and implement menus, special dishes, and seasonal offerings in collaboration with management, staying abreast of culinary trends and guest preferences.
- Manage inventory, ordering, and stock rotation meticulously to minimise waste, control costs, and maintain optimal freshness and availability of ingredients.
- Ensure strict adherence to all food safety, hygiene (HACCP), and health and safety regulations, conducting regular checks and comprehensive team training.
- Monitor and manage kitchen finances, including labour costs, food costs, and operational budgets, striving for efficiency and profitability.
- Conduct performance reviews, provide constructive feedback, and identify training needs for kitchen staff to ensure continuous development and high performance.
- Maintain all kitchen equipment, ensuring it is clean, well-maintained, and fully operational, coordinating repairs as needed.
- Collaborate closely with the front-of-house team to ensure seamless service, efficient communication, and an exceptional guest experience.
- Handle and resolve any kitchen-related issues or customer feedback promptly and professionally, upholding the restaurant's reputation.
Required Skills
- Proven experience (minimum 5 years) as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef in a high-volume, quality-driven restaurant setting.
- In-depth knowledge of Latin American cuisine, authentic ingredients, and advanced cooking techniques.
- Strong leadership and team management skills, with a demonstrated ability to inspire, develop, and retain staff.
- Excellent organisational and time management abilities, capable of thriving under pressure and managing multiple priorities.
- Demonstrated financial acumen for budgeting, inventory control, and cost management to achieve profitability targets.
- Comprehensive understanding and practical application of food safety regulations (e.g., HACCP) and health & safety standards.
- Creativity and innovation in menu development, dish presentation, and problem-solving.
- Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, capable of liaising effectively with both kitchen and front-of-house teams.
Preferred Qualifications
- Relevant culinary qualifications (e.g., NVQ Level 3 in Professional Cookery or equivalent certification).
- Experience working with P&L statements and actively contributing to kitchen profitability metrics.
- A genuine passion for Latin American culture, ingredients, and culinary traditions.
- Experience within high-volume, multi-site restaurant groups.
- Current First Aid and Level 3 Food Hygiene certification.
Perks & Benefits
- Competitive salary and attractive performance-based bonus scheme.
- Comprehensive training and continuous development programs to foster career growth.
- Significant opportunities for career progression within a leading and expanding restaurant group.
- Generous staff discount on food and drinks across all our brands.
- Free meals on duty, ensuring you're well-fed during your shifts.
- Access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and robust wellbeing support.
- Exclusive access to Perkbox discounts and various lifestyle benefits.
- Company pension scheme to help you plan for the future.
- A vibrant, inclusive, and fun work environment.
How to Apply
If you’re ready to bring your culinary expertise and passion to Las Iguanas Coventry and lead our amazing kitchen team, we invite you to apply! Please click on the application link below to submit your CV and a compelling cover letter detailing your relevant experience, leadership style, and why you are the perfect fit for this exciting Head Chef role. We are eager to review your application and potentially welcome you to our fiesta!