Chef Manager - Daytime Café/Restaurant
North London
£30,000 - £33,000 + daytime hours + real autonomy
9am-5pm | Alternate weekends | No evenings

Tired of late nights and 60-hour weeks?

This is a rare opportunity for a Sous Chef ready to step up-or a Head Chef looking to reclaim their work-life balance-without leaving food behind.

We're hiring a Chef Manager to lead a busy garden centre café in North London. It's a high-footfall site with untapped potential, and we're looking for someone who wants to put their stamp on it and grow the offer over time.

Why This Role Stands Out

Let's be clear - this role isn't about chasing Michelin stars or 14-hour shifts.

It is about:

• Having your evenings back - no late finishes, ever
• Working structured daytime hours - 9am-5pm
• Leading your own kitchen without the pressure of a high-end brigade
• Building something over time - menu input and gradual development
• Being part of the local community - a regular customer base, not transient diners

If you're currently earning more but working significantly longer hours, this is a genuine lifestyle upgrade.

The Opportunity

The restaurant already has a solid base, but there's clear headroom to:

• Improve the menu and overall offer
• Increase customer conversion from the garden centre footfall
• Build a reputation as a go-to local spot

You'll have the autonomy to influence this over time - not overnight, but with real input.

What You'll Be Doing

• Running the day-to-day kitchen operation
• Delivering a consistent, quality daytime café menu
• Maintaining strong hygiene and food standards
• Working with the wider team to grow the café's performance
• Gradually developing the menu and offer

Who This Role Is Perfect For

• A Sous Chef ready for their first leadership role
• A Head Chef looking to step away from late nights and long weeks
• Someone locally based who understands the North London customer demographic
• A chef who enjoys a steady, community-driven environment over high-pressure service
• Someone commercially aware who can see how to grow a café, not just run a kitchen

Salary

£30,000 - £32,000 depending on experience - open to flex for the right candidate.

(If you're coming from a higher salary, this role is best suited to those prioritising lifestyle, stability, and long-term balance.)