Job Vacancy: Pembury Tavern Head Pizza Chef

We’re looking for an experienced pizza chef to join us at The Pembury Tavern in Hackney.

We are looking for an organised and quality focused Head Pizza Chef with the skills and experience to lead and coach our team of pizza chefs at the Pembury Tavern, maintaining the ACE Pizza standard and ensuring we keep serving arguably the best pizza in London. The Head Pizza Chef will be in charge of all day-to-day running of the pub residency kitchen and be under direct management of the pub’s General Manager, while working alongside the Five Points & ACE Pizza marketing teams, with license to create your own limited edition pizzas, sides and supper clubs.

An experienced pizza chef with management experience, you’ll lead our team to pizza perfection, smashing every service whilst organising and managing the dough and prep schedule. You’ll thrive under pressure and enjoy training other members of the team.

Location: Pembury Tavern, Hackney Downs, London.

Pay: Up to £45,000 per annum (based on achieved earnings, dependent on experience, and including bonus)

Reports To: General Manager

Hours: 45 hours per week, flexible shifts, evening and weekends standard

Start Date: ASAP

Some pizza experience is required, but we’ll train you in the ACE Pizza way. A strong foundation in team management and a diverse culinary skill set are essential. We’re looking for chefs with at least two years of professional kitchen experience, and we particularly encourage women and those from other culinary areas to apply.

What You’ll Do:

• Lead and inspire the kitchen team, fostering a culture of learning and development.
• Champion creativity in menu development, contributing to specials and more.
• Lead on prep and dough schedule, including stock control and ordering.
• Oversee dough production and fermentation, adjusting for seasonal conditions.
• Maintain exceptional food hygiene standards, ensuring a 5-star rating.
• Monitor and maintain kitchen facilities, resolving operational issues within budget.
• Train the Back of House team, supporting the General Manager with rotas, leave,
• and performance management.
• Engage with GP and stock control to optimise menu efficiency and drive growth.
• Liaise with local authorities (Hackney Council, EHO) to ensure compliance.
• Foster collaboration between our Pembury Tavern and Victoria Park teams, ensuring shared knowledge and consistency.
• Take pride in appearance and the standards by which the team present themselves.

What We’re Looking For:

• Proven experience in a leadership role within professional kitchens.
• A creative all-rounder who isn’t bound by tradition.
• Passion for the highest standards and elevation of the humble pizza.
• Experience in dough making.
• Ability to manage BOH teams with a hands-on leadership approach.
• Excellent problem-solving skills with a positive, can-do attitude.
• Comfortable working with all stakeholders, from customers to suppliers and EHO.
• Comfortable balancing autonomy with collaboration alongside company directors.
• Right to live and work in the UK.

Annual Leave & Benefits:

• 28 days of annual leave per annum pro rata
• Company pension scheme
• Employee share scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Employee assistance programme
• Community and charity day leave
• Free pizza while on shift
• A free “knock-off” drink after the end of your shift
• Annual leave enhancements including additional day annual leave on your birthday and extra annual leave for every calendar year worked
• Discounts in sister businesses and venues including The Five Points Courtyard and the Ace Pizza Victoria Park

Closing Date For Applications: ASAP, rolling process

We'll endeavour to contact everyone who applies, although we can't guarantee feedback in the early stages. We may contact suitably qualified candidates in advance of any closing date.

We particularly welcome applications from women, who are currently under-represented in some roles within the hospitality industry. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. Please contact us if you require any assistance with the application process.

We are an equal opportunities employer and all qualified applicants will be considered.

To apply, please email stuart@pemburytavern.co.uk with a copy of your CV and a covering email explaining why the role appeals to you.

Closing date for applications is 18 September with interviews being held week commencing the 19th, although we may be interviewing suitable candidates prior to this date.