JOB TODAY logo

Second chance jobs in LondonCreate job alerts

Are you a business? Hire second chance candidates in London

  • General Manager
    General Manager
    4 hours ago
    Full-time
    London

    Our story Back in 2019 in Paris, two friends, Charles and Victor, opened a brasserie together - the kind of place Parisians disappear into for a 3-hour lunch. They called it La Nouvelle Garde: a promise to eat and drink the French way, done properly, 100% homemade, cooked from scratch from the highest quality seasonal ingredients. They served classic French dishes prepared with care, generosity and excellence in beautiful, relaxed spaces full of energy. Guests loved it! So they opened another one, and then another one. And 9 brasseries later, it was finally time to bring it to London. In July 2026, in Sloane Square, Brasserie Olivia was born. This is just the beginning of our London story, and we'd love you to help write the next chapter. The role As we prepare for our second London opening in Spring 2027, we're looking for an experienced General Manager to join the team. As General Manager, you'll take full ownership of the restaurant operation, leading the team while working closely with your Heads of Department. You'll be responsible for the commercial performance of the restaurant, from driving sales and growing the business to managing costs and delivering a healthy P&L. You'll have the autonomy to run the restaurant, build a high-performing team and create the structure needed to deliver exceptional standards as we continue to grow in the UK. You'll also be a key link between our London operation and the wider Nouvelle Garde team in France, representing the business and building strong relationships with our partners and suppliers in the UK. What success looks like • You'll build a strong leadership team, setting clear expectations, leading by example, and developing your Heads of Department to take ownership of their areas., • You'll take full ownership of the restaurant's P&L, understanding what drives performance and making commercially smart decisions that grow sales and protect profitability., • You'll actively identify opportunities to grow the business and establish the restaurant within the London market., • You'll deliver an exceptional guest experience, ensuring consistently strong service while using guest feedback and reviews to continuously improve., • You'll ensure the restaurant operates safely and compliantly, maintaining excellent standards across food safety, health & safety, licensing and all relevant UK requirements., • You'll create a culture of high standards, accountability and great communication, leading from the front., • You'll help build the systems, rituals and ways of working we need as a growing business, bringing ideas and turning them into practical solutions., • You'll build strong relationships with the Nouvelle Garde team in France, as well as our UK suppliers and partners. What you'll bring • You're an experienced General Manager with a minimum of 5 years running high-volume restaurants in London., • You're an experienced leader who knows how to build strong management teams, set clear expectations, give feedback and develop people., • You have full P&L experience and a strong commercial mindset, with a clear understanding of how to drive sales, manage costs and build a profitable restaurant., • You have an excellent understanding of UK restaurant operations, including food safety, health & safety, licensing and compliance. You are a personal alcohol licence holder., • You understand what exceptional hospitality looks like and know how to translate high standards into a consistently great guest experience., • You're confident, organised and comfortable working autonomously, making decisions and taking responsibility in a complex, fast-moving operation., • You have a builder mindset: you're curious, proactive and excited by the challenge of joining a growing business where not everything has been built yet., • Experience with new restaurant openings or growing hospitality businesses would be a plus. What we offer • Annual salary from £70,000 (including Tronc), • 48-hour contract, 5 working days and 2 days off., • 50% discount across all Nouvelle Garde restaurants., • A freshly prepared staff meal on every shift., • Employee benefits platform (Hospitality Rewards), • The opportunity to join a growing company at the beginning of its journey and make a genuine impact from day one., • The chance to help shape a high-performing team and culture from the early stages., • Real opportunities for career progression as the business grows, with future restaurant openings already planned., • A supportive management team that values high standards, teamwork and continuous development. La Nouvelle Garde is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive. Please note you must have a right to work in the UK.

    Easy apply
  • Kitchen Supervisor
    Kitchen Supervisor
    26 days ago
    £14.8–£15.5 hourly
    Full-time
    London

    🍽️ Kitchen Supervisor 📍 Location: Seven Sisters, N15 💷 £14.80 – £15.50 per hour 📆 Full time ~40 hrs 🌟 BENEFITS FOR YOU • 24/7 online private GP support — your wellbeing matters, • Free meals & soft drinks on every shift — because food is love, • Birthday gift vouchers, • Staff discounts when dining with friends & family (up to 3 guests), • Fun, inclusive team socials — karaoke, bowling, roller disco, and more, • A collaborative, values-driven culture where you can be yourself, • A rare chance to help shape an award-winning, fast-growing restaurant brand 🧑🏽‍🍳 YOUR ROLE As a Senior Chef, you’ll take ownership of your section and play a key role in keeping the kitchen running smoothly. You’ll support the Head Chef, develop your skills, and help deliver the high standards that make Chuku’s special. Your responsibilities will include: • Leading on food prep - preparing and cooking dishes to Chuku’s standards, • Supporting with mise en place, accepting deliveries and completing daily checks, • Taking ownership of the pass during service and running it with confidence, • Maintaining Food Safety & Health & Safety standards, • Assisting with stock rotation and reducing wastage, • Helping to train and support junior chefs and team members, • Bringing positive energy, teamwork and passion into the kitchen 🧠 WHAT YOU'LL BRING • 4+ years’ experience working as a chef in a busy kitchen, • Confidence in taking ownership during service and supporting the team with consistency, • Strong attention to detail and pride in delivering quality dishes, • Good organisation and communication skills, even under pressure, • A willingness to learn, grow, and support your teammates, • A genuine love of food and people No need to know Nigerian or West African cuisine — just bring your curiosity and passion. We’ll teach you the flavours; you bring the dedication. 🎉 WHO WE ARE Chuku’s is about culture, community, and cuisine. What started 10 years ago as a brother-and-sister pop-up with a dream to share the spirit of Lagos in London has grown into a flagship restaurant in Tottenham — full of colour, energy, and afrobeats, serving vibrant Nigerian dishes made for sharing. With big ambitions and a second site on the horizon, now’s the perfect time to join a team that believes in new possibilities — building something bold, joyful, and lasting. Every dish is a conversation. Every guest is family. Every team member matters. We support each other, value everyone, and make real connections — through our food, with each other, and the world around us.

    Immediate start!
    Easy apply
  • Sous Chef
    Sous Chef
    1 month ago
    £40000 yearly
    Full-time
    London

    About Soul Mama At Soul Mama, we are all about bringing soulful experiences to life through exceptional food, world-class live music and vibrant culture. Our mission is simple: to create unforgettable experiences that nourish both the body and soul. As one of London’s fastest growing live music venue and restaurant brands, we pride ourselves on creating high-energy spaces where music, community and hospitality come together. Our food celebrates bold flavours inspired by African, Caribbean and South American cuisines, creating a dining experience that sits at the heart of everything Soul Mama represents. We are looking for a passionate, organised and driven Sous Chef to support our kitchen leadership team and help deliver consistently exceptional food standards as we continue to grow. Job Overview The Sous Chef plays a key leadership role within the Soul Mama kitchen, supporting the Head Chef in delivering outstanding food quality, operational excellence and a positive team culture. As second-in-command, you will assist with the day-to-day running of the kitchen, ensuring service runs smoothly, standards remain consistently high and the team are supported to perform at their best. This is a hands-on leadership role suited to someone who thrives in a fast-paced hospitality environment, takes ownership and leads by example. You will be expected to maintain excellent food standards, support cost control, uphold compliance requirements and contribute towards the continued success and growth of Soul Mama. Key Responsibilities *Kitchen Operations & Service Management* · Support the Head Chef with the daily running and organisation of all kitchen operations. · Lead kitchen service, ensuring smooth workflow, clear communication and efficient execution. · Coordinate kitchen sections effectively to ensure dishes are prepared and delivered to standard. · Maintain excellent standards of taste, presentation, quality and consistency. · Take responsibility for kitchen operations in the absence of the Head Chef. · Identify service challenges quickly and implement effective solutions. · Support continuous improvements across kitchen systems and processes. *Food Production & Quality Control* · Ensure all dishes meet Soul Mama recipe specifications, presentation standards and portion controls. · Maintain high standards of preparation, cooking and plating. · Oversee mise en place preparation and ensure readiness ahead of service. · Monitor ingredient quality, freshness and stock rotation using FIFO procedures. · Conduct regular quality checks throughout preparation and service. · Support menu development, specials and improvements where required. · Maintain consistency across every guest dining experience. *Team Leadership & Development* · Lead, motivate and support chefs and kitchen team members during service. · Create a positive working environment based on teamwork, respect and accountability. · Support training, onboarding and development of new team members. · Coach junior chefs to improve skills, confidence and performance. · Provide constructive feedback and support team progression. · Ensure kitchen expectations, procedures and standards are clearly communicated. · Lead by example through professionalism, attitude and work ethic. *Stock, Waste & Financial Control* · Support effective stock management, ordering and inventory processes. · Participate in regular stock counts and reporting. · Monitor food waste and actively support waste reduction. · Ensure correct storage procedures are followed to maintain quality and reduce loss. · Report shortages, supplier issues or stock concerns promptly. · Support the Head Chef in achieving GP targets and controlling food costs. · Maintain strong awareness of portion control and commercial performance. *Food Safety, Hygiene & Compliance* · Ensure all food safety procedures are consistently followed. · Maintain HACCP documentation, temperature checks and kitchen records. · Ensure compliance with EHO requirements and Safer Food Better Business standards. · Maintain exceptional cleanliness, organisation and hygiene throughout the kitchen. · Ensure allergen procedures are followed accurately at all times. · Report maintenance issues, equipment faults or safety concerns promptly. · Promote a safe working environment for the entire team. *Communication & Operational Support* · Work closely with the Head Chef, management team and front of house departments. · Support strong communication between kitchen and service teams. · Attend meetings and provide operational updates when required. · Support the implementation of new procedures and company standards. · Represent Soul Mama positively and professionally at all times. *Skills & Experience* · Previous experience as a Sous Chef or strong Junior Sous Chef ready for progression. · Experience working in a fast-paced restaurant or hospitality environment. · Strong understanding of kitchen operations and service delivery. · Knowledge of stock management, GP control and waste reduction. · Excellent food safety knowledge including HACCP standards. · Ability to lead, motivate and develop a team. · Strong communication and organisation skills. · Ability to remain calm and solution-focused under pressure. · Passion for food, culture and delivering memorable guest experiences. *Core Competencies* · Leadership and accountability · Strong operational organisation · Quality and consistency focus · Commercial awareness · Coaching and team development · Attention to detail · Problem-solving ability · Adaptability and flexibility · Excellent communication · Positive attitude and professionalism · Ownership and initiative *Desirable but not essential:* · Experience within high-volume restaurants or live entertainment venues · Experience supporting menu development · Previous involvement with kitchen financial targets · Level 3 Food Safety qualification · Experience training and developing junior chefs *Why Join Soul Mama?* You will be joining one of London’s most exciting cultural venues, bringing together food, music and community in a truly unique way. With ambitious growth plans and expanding locations, Soul Mama offers opportunities for development, progression and the chance to be part of building something special. At Soul Mama, we do not just serve food; we create moments. If you are passionate about quality, culture, teamwork and exceptional hospitality, we would love you to be part of the journey. Benefits: • Company pension, • Discounted or free food, • Employee discount, • Store discount Ability to commute/relocate: • Islington N1 0PS: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required) Experience: • Kitchen: 4 years (required), • Kitchen management: 1 year (required) Language: • Fluent English (required) Licence/Certification: • Level 3 Food Hygiene Certificate (required) Work authorisation: • United Kingdom (required) Work Location: In person with your CV

    Immediate start!
    Easy apply
  • Sous Chef
    Sous Chef
    29 days ago
    £36500–£38500 yearly
    Full-time
    London

    🍽️ Sous Chef 📍 Location: Seven Sisters, N15 💷 £36,500 – £38,500 per annum 📆 Full-time | 45 hours per week 🌟 BENEFITS FOR YOU • 24/7 online private GP support — your wellbeing matters, • Free meals & soft drinks on every shift — because food is love, • Birthday gift vouchers, • Staff discounts when dining with friends & family (up to 3 guests), • Fun, inclusive team socials — karaoke, bowling, roller disco, and more, • A collaborative, values-driven culture where you can be yourself, • A rare chance to help shape an award-winning, fast-growing restaurant brand 🧑🏽‍🍳 YOUR ROLE As Sous Chef, you’ll play a vital role in supporting our Head Chef and leading the kitchen team day-to-day. You’ll set high standards, keep the kitchen running smoothly, and help create a positive, growth-focused culture. Your responsibilities will include: • Running service and leading the pass when required, • Supporting the Kitchen Leader with kitchen compliance and stock management, • Training, motivating, and supporting junior team members, • Maintaining Food Safety & Health & Safety standards, • Managing wastage and contributing to COGS control, • Acting as a Chuku’s ambassador — bringing energy, passion, and culture into the kitchen 🧠 WHAT YOU'LL BRING • 3+ years’ chef experience, with at least 1 year in a supervisory role, • Confidence in running a section and stepping up to lead when needed, • Experience with supplier management and stock control (or willingness to learn), • Strong organisational skills and calm communication under pressure, • A team-player mindset — lifting up those around you, • A genuine love of food and people No need to know Nigerian or West African cuisine — just come hungry to learn. We’ll teach you the flavours; you bring the passion. 🎉 WHO WE ARE Chuku’s is about culture, community, and cuisine. What started 10 years ago as a brother-and-sister pop-up with a dream to share the spirit of Lagos in London has grown into a flagship restaurant in Tottenham — full of colour, energy, and afrobeats, serving vibrant Nigerian dishes made for sharing. With big ambitions and a second site on the horizon, now’s the perfect time to join a team that believes in new possibilities — building something bold, joyful, and lasting. Every dish is a conversation. Every guest is family. Every team member matters. We support each other, value everyone, and make real connections — through our food, with each other, and the world around us.

    Easy apply
1