Role: Head Chef, Solina Cardiff

Reports to: GM & Liaising with the Head Office Team

Salary & Benefits: £70K (OTE - Salary, Tronc & Bonus)

Solina is….. Fresh pasta, fine ingredients, and feel-good vibes. Solina is all about simple things done right - with warmth, flair, and a whole lot of flavour. This is a high volume, fast paced restaurant. If you dream of handmade spaghetti and high-quality service, Solina’s your place. Wit our flagship Solina in Bath - Cardiff is our next stop and we’re looking for a Head Chef to lead the way.

Who are we looking for?

You’ve spent the last few years building strong Brigades, in high-volume venues, fast paced Kitchens, and if you’ve navigated a few new openings, even better.
We’re looking for a Head Chef who is as obsessive about quality and produce as we are. You don't just "oversee" standards; you live them.
You lead from the front. For you, training and development aren't just boxes to tick—they’re at the core of the job.
Your attention to detail is unmatched. You value a strong system and process led kitchen as crucial to the foundation of a successful Brigade.
Simply put, you’re here to make people happy - Customers and Team alike.

Key Responsibilities - What does the day to day look like?

Driving force behind the kitchen operation and support the delivery of business KPI’s
Seek and maximise revenue opportunities whilst controlling costs
Accountable for the smooth operation of all kitchen areas, through good management & leadership
Work with the Executive Chef & Development chef on menu creation and ensures smooth execution through training and communication
Co-ordinate food purchasing, controls, administration and monitoring
Build and maintain a fully engaged & trained team
Ensure that any new policies and procedures are implemented in time frames required and adhered to
Ensure compliance to Health & Safety and Food Safety

Business & Profitability

Develop, co-ordinate and drive your team to promote the business, focus on guests, develop excellent product knowledge and seek and deliver sales opportunities
Ensure adequate staffing levels on all shifts to deliver quality product to specification when under pressure

People Management

Offer clear direction to the management team, establish clear communication
Arrange and attend training and team meetings, ensure team take full advantage of relevant learning and self-development opportunities
Be a leader with a hands-on approach, a positive force and role model to your team, lead from the front, uphold the company’s values, motivate and inspire individuals throughout the business
Encourage teamwork and communicate effectively with team colleagues and line managers
Recruit and develop talent from within and outside the organisation, liaising with the General Manager and Head Office.
Offer effective feedback, conduct regular appraisals, and consults with line manager for any disciplinary and grievance procedures to ensure legal compliance - supported by the Head of People & Culture
Monitor payroll information ensuring its accuracy and weekly delivery to Polaris
Monitor the recording of sickness, timekeeping, absenteeism and holidays within kitchen teams

Stock Management

Manage stock inventory to agreed levels and oversees the accuracy of monthly stock takes in line with company targets
Establish and maintain excellent relations with suppliers to ensure efficient, documented, accurate and timely deliveries
Ensures the quality, accuracy, rotation of stock and sufficient availability of stock

Compliance, Safety & Security

Maintains and monitors the highest standards of hygiene, Health & Safety , COSHH and Risk Assessments in accordance with all statutory, legal and company requirements
Ensure proper checks are being carried out as per our policy and recorded accurately on our Food Alert system
Oversee the response to all alleged food hygiene issues, within your department, namely food poisoning complaints in conjunction with the Executive Head Chef and General Manager
Ensure all team members are fully trained and up-to-date with any mandatory courses.
Conduct regular kitchen cleanliness and sanitation checks.
Ensure proper storage, labeling, and rotation of ingredients to minimize waste.
Maintain HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) standards.
Diligently follow our Allergen Management Procedures and ensure the kitchen team complies at all times.
Ensure that all kitchen equipment is maintained and safe to operate
Ensure that all company assets, stock, property and goods are well cared for and always secure

Experience of working with

Polaris, CPL, Tevalis, Alert 65, Talent Funnel, G Suite.