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!