Overview

A small village restaurant making a big impact!

At Poco, we take pride in delivering authentic Italian cuisine with a modern twist. We are currently seeking an experienced and passionate Head Chef to lead our culinary team, ensuring every dish embodies our commitment to quality, innovation, and tradition.

We are looking for a highly skilled and creative Head Chef who has a deep love for Italian cuisine and extensive experience in kitchen leadership. The ideal candidate will oversee menu development, kitchen operations, and team management while maintaining the highest culinary standards.

This Role Includes

As head chef at Poco you will be responsible to –

  • Lead and Inspire: Manage and mentor the kitchen team to consistently deliver outstanding dishes. This includes regular training with staff on new dishes.
  • Menu Development: Alongside the owners you will be responsible to create seasonal menu items, Using traditional recipes with authentic Italian techniques.
  • Kitchen Operations: Oversee daily operations, including food preparation, cooking, and plating.
  • Quality Assurance: Ensure all dishes meet presentation and quality standards.
  • Inventory Management: Monitor stock levels, control food costs, and manage supplier relationships to maintain a well-stocked kitchen.
  • Health & Safety: Uphold the highest standards of food hygiene, safety, and sanitation across the kitchen.
  • Collaboration: Work closely with management to align the kitchen’s operations with business goals.

Skills Required

We are looking for someone with proven experience as a Head Chef or in a senior culinary role, preferably within an Italian kitchen.
Expertise in Italian cooking techniques, pasta making and pasta preparation, and authentic sauces.
Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to motivate a diverse team.
Exceptional organizational and time management skills, capable of thriving in a fast-paced environment.
Passion for delivering high-quality, creative dishes while maintaining consistency.
Comprehensive knowledge of food safety and health regulations.

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About Poco

From my Italian Nonna to Sussex with local produce
My Italian grandparents came from Abruzzo to England in 1946, just after the war. As you can imagine, it was not very popular being Italian at that time however, they settled eventually in Polegate near Eastbourne and just over the hill from Poco in Alfriston.

I used to leave school everyday at 3pm and walk to my Nonna's house and stay there until my Mum finished work. My Nonna never spoke English all the 38 years she lived in Polegate but she had her Ragu going on the stove all that time. The left overs would go back in and the sugo was the same stock for at least 20 years.

We have a true reflection of my Nonna formular. I think she would be very proud.