Executive Head Chef

Searcys; Greater London; On-site; GBP 54,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

50% discount across Searcys venues

Enrolment into the Searcys pension scheme

Up to 38 days annual leave

Access to everyday discounts and communication portal

Employee assistance programme

Enrolment into Searcys Champagne School

Meals provided on shift

Annual celebration event

Culinary development programme

Cycle to work scheme

Chef incentive days

Chef Whites and shoes provided

Job summary

A renowned catering company is looking for an Executive Head Chef for their flagship venue in the City of London. The ideal candidate will lead a dedicated kitchen team, drive culinary innovation, and oversee both staff dining services and high-end hospitality functions. This full-time role requires proven experience in high-volume catering, a strong background in fine dining, and leadership skills. The compensation is up to £60,000 annually, with a range of benefits including a pension scheme and culinary development opportunities.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as an Executive Chef or Senior Head Chef in high-volume environments.
• Strong background in contemporary staff catering and fine-dining hospitality/events.
• Inspirational leader with excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Financially astute with experience in managing food margins and cost controls.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement creative, on-trend menus across staff dining and hospitality operations.
• Manage and inspire a brigade of chefs and kitchen staff.
• Maintain excellent food quality, presentation, and consistency.
• Work closely with front-of-house and events teams to deliver seamless hospitality experiences.
• Monitor food costs and ensure profitability in line with budget targets.

Skills

Leadership

Creative menu design

Food safety knowledge

Communication

Financial acumen

Education

Level 3 Food Safety & HACCP

Job description

Searcys are recruiting for an Executive Head Chef to join the team at one of our flagship venues based in the City of London. We are looking for a dynamic, food and people focussed Executive Chef ready to take the lead in a multi-faceted and fast paced Corporate Law Firm contract catering environment. We are seeking a highly skilled culinary professional to oversee both innovative staff dining services and exceptional hospitality experiences, including fine dining, corporate events, and VIP functions.

Job Description

This is a unique opportunity to join a prestigious site offering a dual-focus operation:

• Modern Staff Dining: Delivering seasonal, nutritious, and exciting menus that enhance the workplace experience.
• High-End Hospitality & Events: Creating bespoke, memorable menus for executive dining, private events, and VIP receptions.

Job Type: Full time

Salary: up to £60,000 PA

Monday to Friday

As Executive Chef, you will lead a dedicated kitchen team to deliver culinary excellence, drive innovation, and maintain the highest food safety and quality standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and implement creative, on-trend menus across staff dining and hospitality operations
• Manage and inspire a brigade of chefs and kitchen staff
• Maintain excellent food quality, presentation, and consistency
• Work closely with the front‑of‑house and events teams to deliver seamless hospitality experiences
• Monitor food costs and ensure profitability in line with budget targets
• Uphold strict health & safety, allergen, and hygiene standards
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, training, and development

Qualifications

• Proven experience as an Executive Chef or Senior Head Chef in a high-volume, multi-outlet environment
• Strong background in both contemporary staff catering and fine‑dining hospitality/events
• Creative, trend-aware, and passionate about sustainability and seasonality
• Inspirational leader with excellent communication and organisational skills
• A previous experience in managing a large team will be essential
• Financially astute with experience managing food margins and cost controls
• Level 3 Food Safety & HACCP (or equivalent)

Additional Information

We are the oldest caterer in the UK, having been founded in 1847, working with us will give you an opportunity to be part of some of London’s most prestigious events, gaining insights and mentoring from skilled and experienced colleagues, as well as getting a chance to be part of a storied legacy in the hospitality industry.

A career at Searcys means you are part of something special, we are an employer with a rich history, and an established reputation which will provide you with an enormous sense of pride and belonging.

To find out more on the rich history of Searcys, please visit our website at www.searcys.co.uk

Benefits

• 50% discount across Searcys venues
• Enrolment into the Searcys pension scheme
• Up to 38 days annual leave (dependent on job role)
• Access to everyday discounts and communication portal
• Employee assistance programme
• Enrolment into Searcys Champagne School
• Meals provided on shift when working within one of our venue
• Annual celebration event
• Culinary development programme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Chef incentive days
• Chef Whites and shoes provided]]); }