Head Chef – Italian Restaurant

Location:

Leira, Portuguese areas, Portugal

Salary:

£37.8k – 39.5k per year + gross

Type:

Contract

Start Date:

ASAP

Contract Period:

As per contract

Main Industry:

Search Catering & Hospitality Jobs

Advertiser:

COREcruitment

Job ID:

133184182

Posted On:

13 July 2026

Job Title: Head Chef – Italian Restaurant
Location: Lisbon, Portugal
Salary: A‚¬43,000-A‚¬45,000, gross per year
Start Date: ASAP

For our client, an expanding group of trendy restaurants, we are looking for a Head Chef to lead the kitchen brigade of an Italian authentic-modern restaurant.

As the Head Chef, you will shape the culinary soul of the restaurant, creating menus that celebrate the simplicity and warmth of authentic Italian cooking. This hands-on leadership role will leverage your expertise, precision, and passion for Italian hospitality to define excellence in every dish and service. You will uphold tradition while keeping flavors light and fresh, and cultivate an environment where food is shared, stories are told, and guests feel at home from their first bite.

You will build, mentor, and lead a strong kitchen team, creating a culture of collaboration, craftsmanship, and respect where the menu conveys the essence of the true Italian culinary identity.

Key Responsibilities

* Lead daily kitchen operations with excellence, ensuring consistency, timeliness, and culinary integrity across every service.
* Restructure, recruit, train, and mentor a high-performing team grounded in respect, teamwork, and craftsmanship.
* Collaborate closely with venue management to deliver warm, seamless, hospitality-driven service.
* Build meaningful relationships with farmers, artisans, and trusted suppliers who align with our values.
* Source seasonal, sustainable, and exceptional ingredients-local when possible, Italian when essential.
* Champion sustainability in sourcing, prep, and operations.
* Monitor food costs, labour, and inventory with precision, including the creation of technical sheets.
* Implement smart systems for prep, ordering, and waste reduction to balance quality and efficiency.
* Maintain a well-organized, clean kitchen and ensure all equipment is in top condition.
* Partner with HR, Operations, Logistics, and Finance to ensure smooth operations.
* Contribute to new openings and projects as part of a growing hospitality group.

Requirements:

* Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in Italian cuisine
* Demonstrated ability to lead, inspire, and mentor teams of 10+ in a culture of respect and collaboration
* Passion for authentic, simple Italian cooking with a commitment to sourcing local, seasonal, and sustainable ingredients blended with a taste for the modern
* Strong organizational skills, balancing creativity with operational efficiency
* Composed and strategic leadership, maintaining quality and teamwork in fast-paced environments

What’s in the offer?

* Join a dynamic kitchen and make your mark
* Competitive compensation that reflects your expertise
* Performance-based bonuses and equitable tip sharing
* Dining benefits and discounts for you and your guests
* Cross-departmental support to help you succeed
* Wellness programs, including mental health resources and weekly fitness activities
* Regular team celebrations and social events
* Career development opportunities in a growing hospitality group

If you’d like more information about the role, please apply or send your CV to # Title: Head Chef – Italian Restaurant
Location: Lisbon, Portugal
Salary: A‚¬43,000-A‚¬45,000, gross per year
Start Date: ASAP

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