Restaurant Director at Francesco Mazzei Restaurant

Be Part of Something Extraordinary

This November, Corinthia London will open the doors to a brand-new chapter in its culinary story: Mezzogiorno by Francesco Mazzei. Led by one of Italy’s most celebrated chefs, the restaurant will showcase soulful, authentic southern Italian cooking in one of London’s most iconic five-star hotels.

Set within the grand, light-filled former Northall restaurant, this spectacular new space will bring the warmth and generosity of southern Italy to the heart of Westminster. Inspired by the Baroque palazzos of the South, with soaring ceilings, elegant design, and a menu inspired by Francesco’s Calabrian roots, Mezzogiorno will be a soulful space, celebrating the true spirit of Italian dining: bold flavours, seasonal produce, and a passion for bringing people together around the table. From rustic pasta dishes to refined classics reimagined with flair, every plate will embody Francesco’s philosophy of “Mamma’s cooking with chef’s hands.”

We are building a team that will bring this vision to life – passionate, curious, and energetic individuals who thrive in the excitement of hospitality at its very best.

At Mezzogiorno, you’ll be part of a dynamic environment where tradition meets innovation, and where every detail matters, from the warmest welcome to the final touch on the plate. This is more than just a job: it’s the chance to learn, grow, and make your mark alongside Francesco Mazzei and Corinthia London’s world-class team of chefs, bartenders, and hospitality leaders.

Whether your ambition is to master the art of Italian hospitality, refine your craft in the kitchen, or grow into leadership, this is an opportunity to join a restaurant that will set the standard for excellence in London’s dining scene, welcoming guests with genuine warmth, creating dishes full of soul, and ensuring every detail is flawless.

At Mezzogiorno, you’ll discover mentorship, growth, and the chance to work at the heart of a five-star hotel that sets the standard for excellence. If you’re ready to be part of a story that celebrates passion, creativity, and the joy of true Italian food and service, we’d love to hear from you.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Mezzogiorno Restaurant Director is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the Mezzogiorno Restaurant, ensuring that service excellence, quality standards, and operational efficiency are consistently delivered. This role involves managing a team, working closely with the kitchen and front-of-house staff, and maintaining a high standard of guest satisfaction.
The Restaurant Director will embody the company’s values of heart, head, and hands by being Supportive, Connected, Refined, Caring, Genuine, Positive, Focused, Creative, and Entrepreneurial in their leadership style.

ABOUT YOU

• A minimum of 5-7 years of experience in a senior management role within the luxury hospitality or fine dining sector, preferably in a high-end restaurant or hotel.
• Proven track record of managing and leading a team in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment, with the ability to motivate, mentor, and develop staff to reach their full potential.
• In-depth understanding of restaurant operations, including front-of-house and back-of-house coordination, cost control, inventory management, and financial forecasting.
• Extensive experience in delivering exceptional guest experiences, including handling VIP and high-profile guests, managing guest feedback, and addressing complaints in a professional and timely manner.
• Strong experience in budget management, cost control (food and beverage costs, labor costs), and maximizing revenue generation through sales and service optimization.
• Experience working closely with chefs and kitchen staff to develop, execute, and innovate restaurant menus that align with brand standards while being mindful of costs and profitability.
• Strong knowledge of health, safety, and food safety regulations in the restaurant industry, with the ability to ensure full compliance with relevant laws and company policies.
• Experience in organizing and managing special events, promotions, and private dining experiences, ensuring that all details are meticulously planned and executed.
• Familiarity with restaurant management systems, point-of-sale (POS) systems, and reservation platforms. Comfortable using data analytics to assess operational performance and make data-driven decisions.
• Experience with sustainability practices in restaurants, including waste management, sourcing local and sustainable ingredients, and reducing the environmental footprint of restaurant operations.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• A strong desire to learn and develop a career within luxury hospitality
• Good level of written and spoken English
• Flexibility to work varied hours
• Takes pride in own professional grooming
• Ability and resilience to work under pressure and in a fast-paced environment
• Pride and attention to detail in your work
• Confidence & professionalism when interacting with high profile guests
• Bachelor’s Degree in Hospitality Management or a related field is highly preferred. Relevant qualifications in business administration, hotel management, or culinary arts will be considered.
• Professional certifications in hospitality management, such as a diploma in restaurant management, or certifications from recognized bodies are desirable.
• Certified in food safety, hygiene standards, and health and safety regulations
• Certification in leadership development or managerial training desirable.
• A qualification or certification in financial management or cost control is beneficial.
• WSET (Wine & Spirit Education Trust) or similar certification in wine knowledge is beneficial.
• First Aid & Fire Safety Certification.

ABOUT CORINTHIA

Corinthia London combines contemporary flair with traditional grandeur. We consider ourselves as London’s magical, grand hotel, intelligently designed for modern life. Situated in the heart of London, the hotel features 279 beautiful bedrooms, including 7 penthouses and 55 suites, elegant restaurants, and bars and the largest, most breath-taking multi award-winning spa in London.

OUR PROMISE TO YOU

We understand what is important to our colleagues and our benefits offering was tailored with this in mind.

• Highly competitive salary
• 29 days paid holidays per annum (inc. bank/public holidays)
• Complimentary dry cleaning of uniform
• Complimentary meals on duty
• Extensive recognition programs and length of service awards
• Enhanced pension entitlement
• Season ticket loan

Our focus is supporting your health and wellbeing and giving you more time with your family and friends by offering:

• Enhanced sick pay
• Private medical
• Eye test vouchers
• Access to Employee health and wellbeing programme
• Mental health and wellbeing workshops
• Discounted Salon, Spa, Food and Beverage and accommodation rates
• Discounted gym membership
• Discounts across our portfolio of international hotels

We will invest in you the same way you do it with us and provide you with access to:

• Learning & Development programmes
• Apprenticeship scheme
• Complimentary English classes
• Corinthia inspired gifts for special occasions
• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay
• Colleague social events

ELIGIBILITY

In line with the requirements of the Asylum & Immigration Act 1996, all applicants must be eligible to live and work in the UK, or be able to acquire such eligibility. Documented evidence of eligibility will be required from candidates as part of the recruitment process.