Location: Chelsea, London, UK

Salary: £55,000 (Inclusive of 10% Performance Bonus)
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: 48 hours per week, 6 days
Restaurant Type: Premium Casual Dining | Award-Winning Independent | 50 Cover Restaurant

Restaurant Managing Director – Premium Independent Restaurant | Chelsea, London

Are you an ambitious hospitality leader ready to take full ownership of a premium London restaurant and drive its next phase of success?

This is a rare opportunity to join an internationally recognised, award-winning restaurant group as Restaurant Managing Director for its Chelsea location. With successful sites across the world, and new openings planned, this role offers genuine long-term progression within a fast-growing hospitality brand.

The business is seeking a hands-on, commercially minded operator to take full control of the London venue, drive performance, and lead the restaurant toward its next major milestone: Michelin Guide recognition.

About the Role

As Restaurant Managing Director, you will have full operational responsibility for a prestigious restaurant in Chelsea.

This is a true leadership role requiring someone who can take ownership, drive sales, inspire teams, and improve profitability while maintaining exceptional service and product standards.

You’ll work directly with the ownership team and have autonomy to lead daily operations, manage key department heads, and implement strategies that increase footfall through innovative sales, events, and corporate catering initiatives.

What’s in It for You?

Salary: £55,000 inclusive of a 10% performance bonus
Hours: 48 hours per week across 6 days
Autonomy: Full operational control of the London venue
Growth: Opportunity to progress into multi-site leadership as the group expands internationally
Brand: Join a highly respected, fast-growing hospitality business with global expansion plans
Culture: Entrepreneurial, ambitious, and quality-driven environment

Key Responsibilities

• Take full operational ownership of the Chelsea restaurant
• Lead and manage the existing senior team including GM, Head Chef, Sous Chef, and Assistant Manager
• Drive revenue growth through innovative local marketing, events, and corporate catering partnerships
• Improve profitability and overall business performance
• Deliver exceptional guest experiences and uphold premium service standards
• Oversee team performance, culture, and accountability
• Manage operational changes and lead staff through transition successfully
• Support brand marketing initiatives
• Work closely with ownership to execute long-term business objectives
• Develop and implement strategic plans to support sustained growth and market positioning

Who We’re Looking For

We’re seeking an energetic, resilient, and commercially minded hospitality professional who thrives in hands-on leadership roles.

You’ll be confident leading from the front, capable of making difficult decisions, and passionate about delivering exceptional standards.

What You’ll Need

• Minimum 8 years’ hospitality leadership experience
• Strong background in premium, high-quality restaurant operations
• Proven ability to increase revenue and improve profitability
• Experience leading established teams through change
• Strong understanding of sales strategy, events, and corporate catering
• Tech-savvy with proficiency in AI tools and digital systems
• Competent using Adobe, Canva, or similar design software is a bonus
• Strong leadership presence and excellent communication skills
• Full right to work in the UK

Why This Role?

This is not a maintenance role; it’s a turnaround and growth opportunity.

You’ll be trusted to lead, empowered to make decisions, and rewarded for delivering results. For the right person, this role offers genuine career progression within an ambitious international hospitality group.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you are a driven Restaurant Managing Director looking for autonomy, challenge, and the opportunity to make a real impact in one of London’s most exciting independent restaurant groups, apply today.

If you are a member of the Armed Forces Community, including ex-military personnel, reservists, Cadet Force Adult Volunteers, or military spouses/partners, please indicate this in your application.

Alternatively, you may email your CV directly to info@ksbrecruitment.co.uk, stating the role you are applying for and outlining your connection to the Armed Forces.

INDMAN