Catering Company Executive Head Chef Job

Greycoat Lumleys; London; On-site; GBP 75,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious events catering company in London seeks an exceptional Executive Head Chef to lead its culinary team. This leadership role blends operational excellence, innovative menu development, and team management to deliver outstanding food for premium events. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in high-end catering, a strong culinary background, and a passion for inspiring a talented brigade.

Benefits

Profit Share Bonus Scheme

Holiday allowance that grows with tenure

Free daily staff meals

Comprehensive health & wellbeing support

25% discount on in-house services

Employee Assistance Programme

Life Assurance & Pension Scheme

Flexible salary finance options

Discounted gym memberships, UK hotel stays, and partner schemes

Professional development and career progression

Exciting social and wellness events

Generous referral bonuses

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in high-end catering and kitchen management.
• Strong background in developing innovative menus and overseeing large-scale operations.
• Proven ability to lead and mentor a diverse culinary team.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all departments within the events kitchen.
• Create seasonal menus and bespoke concepts.
• Ensure compliance with hygiene and health & safety legislation.

Skills

Leadership

Culinary Innovation

Menu Development

Health & Safety Compliance

Team Management

Education

Culinary Arts Degree or Equivalent

Job description

Executive Head Chef Job, Luxury Events Catering, London

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an exceptional Executive Head Chef to lead a world-class events catering operation. This is a rare leadership role suited to a dynamic culinary professional with experience managing large-scale, high-end catering, who is ready to shape the future of an award-winning business known for excellence and innovation in hospitality.

As Executive Head Chef, you will work closely with the Culinary Director to shape strategic growth, oversee all kitchen operations, and inspire a talented brigade to deliver consistently outstanding food for premium events. Your role blends high-level operational oversight with innovation, creativity, and people leadership.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Culture

• Lead and manage all departments within the events kitchen

• Inspire, train, and develop chefs at all levels through clear direction and regular feedback

• Represent the company values and ensure high standards of conduct and collaboration

Menu Development & Innovation

• Create seasonal menus and bespoke concepts in collaboration with internal teams and external consultants

• Oversee all costings, allergen documentation, and recipe accuracy

• Stay ahead of culinary trends, with research into London’s top dining concepts

• Identify and onboard niche talent and chefs to enhance world cuisine offerings

Operational Excellence

• Lead logistics planning for all events to ensure flawless execution

• Ensure SOPs are up-to-date and implemented across the kitchen

• Monitor stock, wastage, supplier relationships, and financial targets

• Prepare detailed reports for directors on event performance, financials, and operations

Health, Safety & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with all hygiene and health & safety legislation

• Oversee and improve HACCP procedures and allergen management

• Maintain a 5-star food hygiene rating and deliver successful EHO audits

People Management

• Lead the recruitment and onboarding of both permanent and freelance chefs

• Deliver appraisals, monitor wellbeing, and promote a positive kitchen culture

• Handle HR matters in collaboration with the People team

Strategy & Growth

• Contribute to leadership strategy and quarterly business planning

• Align culinary operations with broader commercial goals

• Develop and implement succession planning for future talent

Contract Oversight

• Support contract catering accounts with menu development and compliance audits

• Assist in onboarding new senior chefs and contract staff

Financial Performance

• Deliver target GP (56% Kitchen GP / 80% Food GP)

• Collaborate on annual budgeting, capex, and equipment planning

Performance Measures

• Client and guest satisfaction

• Food GP achievement

• Compliance with labour and cost targets

• Hygiene ratings and audit outcomes

• Retention and development of the kitchen team

What’s in It for You?

• Profit Share Bonus Scheme

• Holiday allowance that grows with tenure

• Free daily staff meals

• Comprehensive health & wellbeing support

• 25% discount on in-house services

• Employee Assistance Programme

• Life Assurance & Pension Scheme

• Flexible salary finance options

• Discounted gym memberships, UK hotel stays, and partner schemes

• Professional development, online learning & career progression

• Exciting social and wellness events

• Generous referral bonuses

• And more!

Position: Full-Time | Senior Leadership Role

Salary: £75,000 - £80,000 plus Profit Share Bonus and Exceptional Benefits