Head Chef - Kiln

Kiln is a Thai-inspired open-kitchen restaurant in Soho, cooking with charcoal-fired woks and grills. Our cuisine is influenced by the border regions of Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos. We source exceptional produce from trusted farmers and growers. We foster a fast-paced, friendly environment where research, creativity, and new ideas are encouraged. Kiln has won multiple awards and appeared on prestigious restaurant lists, earning its place as a key institution in the London dining scene. We hold daily briefings with the team to taste dishes and wines from our ever-evolving menu. We value curiosity and humility—experience isn’t essential, but a desire to learn is.

We’re looking for a Head Chef to take on one of London’s most loved and original kitchens - a place built on live fire, ingredient integrity, and the discipline of Thai cooking.

This is a role for a chef with deep knowledge of Thai cuisine - not just the dishes, but the methods, the sourcing, and the balance that defines the food. You’ll lead with clarity, calmness, and precision - setting the tone in the kitchen, mentoring the next generation of chefs, and ensuring the highest standards in every service.

You’ll work closely with Ben Chapman (Co-Founder) and Meedu Saad (Co-Owner) for guidance and continuous development as well as SongSoo Kim (Head of Sourcing and Development) and our senior leadership to shape menus, evolve techniques, and keep Kiln moving forward - always with respect for tradition, and a sharp eye on what’s next.

What you’ll be doing:

Menu Development & Food Quality

• Leading the development of exceptional dishes that align with our food ethos
• Maintaining consistency and excellence across all food prep and presentation
• Running regular menu reviews and tastings to refine and elevate the guest experience
• Using guest feedback and kitchen performance to shape menus and training focus

Leadership & Team Development

• Leading from the front — building a kitchen culture of accountability, trust, and energy
• Driving development through regular one-to-ones, appraisals, and structured feedback
• Creating an environment where the team feels supported, ambitious, and proud of the food
• Collaborating closely with Ops and People teams to support succession and internal progression

Sourcing, Supply & Product

• Maintaining deep knowledge of our ingredients, suppliers, and sourcing standards
• Working with our Head of Sourcing and Head Butcher to ensure exceptional product integrity
• Nurturing supplier relationships and embedding product education into team development

Financial Accountability

• Owning food cost, stock, and margin performance — aligned to EBITDA targets
• Co-owning site P&L with the General Manager, ensuring shared accountability
• Ensuring full compliance with company financial practices and systems

Operational Excellence

• Leading compliance in food safety, health and safety, HR policy and site administration
• Maintaining a 5* EHO standard and ensuring that systems, reporting, and records are watertight
• Flagging and managing kitchen maintenance issues proactively and efficiently

What you’ll bring:

• A seasoned Head Chef with experience in high-volume, quality-driven restaurants - particularly within Thai/open fire cooking.
• Someone with a calm, focused leadership style and a passion and understanding of fresh seasonal produce, and Thai food
• A commercially aware operator who understands that great kitchens run on numbers as well as creativity
• A team-builder who leads with presence and purpose — and thrives on structure and standards
• A strong knowledge of the London food scene, with a passion for staying on top of what’s new

How we’ll measure success:

• Outstanding food quality and consistent menu innovation
• Delivery of GP, margin, and EBITDA targets
• Clear, confident financial and operational compliance
• A high-performing kitchen team with strong sentiment and retention
• Positive guest feedback and continued momentum in culinary development

What’s in it for you:

• 28 days of annual leave, including bank holidays.
• Access to courses, resources, and training to enhance your career.
• 50% discount at all our restaurants, along with complimentary staff meals during your shifts.
• Discounted dining at various local establishments near Super 8 Restaurants.
• Enhanced maternity leave, pension scheme, subsidised mental health support, and a cycle-to-work scheme.
• Refer a Friend scheme—recommend someone to join Super 8 and receive a bonus!
• Opportunities for both international and national travel to visit our suppliers and learn about sourcing ingredients and beverages.
• £300 contribution towards the purchase of a work laptop for all salaried staff members

If this role sounds like a great fit for you, we’d love to see your application! Please keep in mind that it may take us 1 to 2 weeks to get back to you due to the high volume of applications. Thanks for your patience!