JOB SUMMARY

Buddies London is not your average chicken shop — we fuse American comfort food, Turkish doner, and Bangladeshi spice mastery to create something truly unforgettable. We are seeking an innovative and disciplined Executive Chef to lead our kitchen team and take our menu to the next level.
The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in fast-paced restaurant environments, deep knowledge of flavour trends, strong leadership skills, and a passion for delivering consistently outstanding food while keeping costs under control.
This is a hands-on, leadership role with the opportunity to shape a fast-growing halal brand with national ambitions.

QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS

• Proven success as an Executive Chef or Head Chef in a busy QSR, casual dining, or multi-site operation.
• Expertise in flavour balance, recipe costing, and high-volume service.
• Strong leadership and team-building skills with a focus on discipline, respect, and high morale.
• Familiarity with halal food preparation and cultural sensitivities is a plus.
• Highly organised with exceptional attention to detail.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work under pressure.
• Passion for hospitality, innovation, and creating memorable food experiences.

• Lead & Inspire: Manage, train, and motivate kitchen staff to perform at their best every service.
• Menu Innovation: Develop and refine dishes that reflect Buddies’ unique fusion style, ensuring every item is crave-worthy and Instagrammable.
• Operational Excellence: Oversee all food preparation, cooking, plating, and quality checks to maintain consistency across every shift.
• Food Cost Control: Monitor stock, reduce waste, and negotiate with suppliers to keep COGS in line with targets.
• Kitchen Hygiene: Maintain impeccable cleanliness and meet all health & safety regulations without compromise.
• Training & Standards: Upskill the team in both culinary techniques and service mindset to match Buddies’ brand values.
• Collaboration: Work closely with front-of-house and management to ensure smooth service flow and menu execution.
• Performance Tracking: Review kitchen KPIs weekly and implement improvements for efficiency, speed, and profitability.