ACE Pizza will open its first restaurant in Victoria Park this summer. Our ‘biga’ dough pizza combines Neapolitan chew and char with New York-style structure and foldability—a uniquely ‘London-style’ pizza. An expanded menu will showcase our pizza sandwiches, alongside Italian-American sides and soft-serve ice cream.

We’re seeking a passionate and experienced all-rounder to lead our kitchen team and contribute to our evolving menu. You’ll be responsible for managing kitchen operations and ensuring the highest quality of our food. 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.

As Head Pizza Chef, you’ll thrive under pressure and have a strong attention to detail. You’ll support the General Manager in general operations while developing the kitchen team. While the key responsibilities are outlined below, flexibility and a hands-on approach are essential in this dynamic role.

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:

• 30 days annual leave

• 1 additional community impact leave day every year

• Increased employer pension contribution after Y1

• CODE Hospitality membership for industry discounts

• Free food, tea, coffee, fruit and filtered water on shift

• ACE Pizza merchandise allocation (50% off at other times)

• Uniform budget

• Family & Friends Voucher

• 50% off food, 25% off drink (off shift)

• Team library fund

• Bi-annual team socials

• Annual culinary team trip abroad

Tips and service charge:

• 100% of monthly tips and gratuities shared fairly by end of following month via an assigned troncmaster

• ACE Pizza Victoria Park menu pricing is service included (ask for more info)

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Closing Date For Applications: Thursday 1st May (midnight)

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

ACE Pizza is a London Living Wage employer (accreditation pending). 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.

Don’t have the required hospitality background? We’ll happily offer guidance on whether we can consider your application or not. Just get in touch.