Portofino is a busy, well-established Italian restaurant in the heart of Wellswood, Torquay. A true local favourite, we are known for our warm hospitality, loyal customer base, fresh food, and fantastic team culture.
As part of the Ollie's Group, Portofino sits alongside Ollie's Restaurant, The Bit on the Side Cocktail Bar, and TIDES Restaurant & Bar at Abbey Sands. We are a growing family-run hospitality group with a passion for great food, exceptional service, and developing our teams.
Due to continued growth, we are looking for an experienced and passionate Head Chef to lead our kitchen team.
What We Offer
- Excellent tips
- Full-time permanent position
- Supportive family-run business
- Staff discounts across all venues within the group
- Opportunities for progression within a growing restaurant group
- A strong and established kitchen team
The Role
As Head Chef, you will be responsible for leading the kitchen and maintaining the high standards that have made Portofino a favourite with locals for many years.
Responsibilities include:
- Leading, training, and motivating the kitchen team
- Delivering consistently high-quality food
- Managing stock control, ordering, and gross profit margins
- Maintaining excellent food hygiene and EHO standards
- Creating exciting weekly specials using seasonal ingredients
- Working closely with suppliers to source the best produce
- Building relationships with local suppliers and producers
- Negotiating prices and supply agreements to ensure quality and value
- Contributing to menu development and innovation
- Ensuring smooth and efficient service during busy periods
Portofino hosts a variety of successful events throughout the year, including live music nights, themed dining events, street party, wine evenings, and seasonal celebrations. We are looking for a chef who enjoys being creative and bringing fresh ideas to both our menus and events.
We believe dining out should be an experience. We bring theatre to the restaurant, and our chefs play a key role in that. The successful candidate will be confident presenting dishes to guests, talking about specials, working alongside front-of-house teams during events, and becoming a recognisable face within the business. We want our customers to know and trust the person behind the food.
About You
- Previous experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef
- Strong leadership and communication skills
- Passion for fresh food and hospitality
- Commercially aware with experience managing food costs and GP
- Creative and enthusiastic about menu development and event planning
- Enjoys working with local suppliers and developing new dishes
- Confident interacting with customers and representing the restaurant
- Organised, reliable, and hardworking
- Comfortable leading a busy kitchen operation
This is an exciting opportunity to join one of Torquay's most respected independent hospitality groups and play a key role in the continued success of a much-loved local restaurant.
Apply now with your CV and a brief introduction.
Job Type: Full-time
Location: Wellswood, Torquay
Pay: From £32,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Employee discount
Work Location: In person
