Executive Head Chef

Searcys; London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Join Searcys as an Executive Head Chef in one of London’s prestigious venues. Lead a dedicated kitchen team to deliver culinary excellence, innovation, and exceptional hospitality experiences for corporate events and staff dining. Take pride in being part of the UK's oldest catering company with a storied legacy in the hospitality industry.

Benefits

50% discount across Searcys venues

Enrolment into the Searcys pension scheme

Up to 38 days annual leave

Cycle to work scheme

Gym on site

Meals provided on shift

Birthday off

Day off to volunteer for charity

Qualifications

• Proven experience as an Executive Chef or Senior Head Chef.
• Strong background in contemporary staff catering and fine-dining.
• Financially astute with experience managing food margins.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement creative menus across staff dining and hospitality operations.
• Manage and inspire a brigade of chefs and kitchen staff.
• Uphold strict health & safety, allergen, and hygiene standards.

Skills

Creativity

Leadership

Team Management

Cost Control

Food Safety

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.

As a Executive Head Chef you will receive the following industry leading benefits:

• 50% discount across Searcys venues
• Enrolment into the Searcys pension scheme
• Up to 38days annual leave (dependant on job role)
• Access to everyday discounts and communication portal
• Employee assistance programme
• Meals provided on shift when working within one of our venue
• Culinary development programme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Meals provided on shift when working within one of our venue
• Chef Whites and shoes provided
• Your birthday off to celebrate in style
• A day off to volunteer / give back to the charity of your choice
• Gym on site
• Team socials

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

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
• 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)

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 atwww.searcys.co.uk