ME London | The Strand, London
Reports to: Executive Chef
Full-time | Permanent
Salary: £50000 + up to £10,000 annual tronc
About Luciano
Luciano by Gino D’Acampo is the Italian restaurant at ME London, offering premium Italian dining in the heart of Central London. The menu focuses on authentic Italian cuisine, fresh ingredients and classic dishes across pasta, risotto, seafood, meat, grill, pizza and desserts.
The Role
We are looking for an experienced and passionate Head Chef to take full operational responsibility for the Luciano kitchen.
Reporting directly to the Executive Chef, you will have significant autonomy to lead the kitchen, manage the brigade and ensure the highest standards of food quality, consistency and service.
This is a hands-on leadership position for a chef who is confident running a busy Central London restaurant and who combines strong culinary skills with commercial and operational awareness.
Key Responsibilities
- Take full ownership of the daily kitchen operation and service.
- Lead, motivate and develop the kitchen brigade.
- Maintain consistently high standards of food quality, presentation and execution.
- Ensure all recipes, specifications and brand standards are followed.
- Manage food cost, stock, purchasing, waste and labour effectively.
- Take full responsibility for HACCP, food hygiene, allergens, COSHH and Health & Safety compliance.
- Work closely with the Executive Chef and Front of House team to deliver an excellent guest experience.
- Support menu development and introduce creative ideas and seasonal specials when appropriate.
- Identify operational improvements and take ownership of solving problems.
- Lead by example, remaining calm and professional during busy services.
About You
We are looking for someone with:
- Proven experience as a Head Chef or strong Senior Sous Chef in a quality restaurant or hotel.
- Strong knowledge of Italian cuisine.
- Excellent leadership and people-management skills.
- Proven experience managing food cost, labour and stock.
- Strong knowledge of food safety, HACCP and Health & Safety.
- The ability to work independently and make confident operational decisions.
- High attention to detail and a passion for consistency and quality.
- Creativity, commercial awareness and a genuine passion for hospitality.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary based on experience.
- Up to £10,000 per annum in tronc.
- Significant autonomy and ownership of the Luciano kitchen.
- Direct support and reporting line to the Executive Chef.
- The opportunity to lead an established premium Italian restaurant in Central London.
- Career development within the wider hotel culinary operation.
This is an opportunity for a Head Chef who wants genuine ownership of a kitchen, the freedom to operate and the support of an experienced Executive Chef.
Pay: £50,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
