Executive Head Chef

Searcys; London Borough of Richmond upon Thames; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

50% discount across Searcys venues

Pension scheme enrolment

Up to 35days annual leave

Discounts portal access

Employee assistance programme

Meals provided on shift

Culinary development programme

Cycle to work scheme

Chef whites and shoes provided

Your birthday off

Volunteer day

Team socials

Job summary

Searcys in London is seeking an Executive Head Chef to lead a dual-focus operation, delivering outstanding staff dining and high-end hospitality for corporate events, private functions, and VIP receptions.

You will manage a brigade, develop on-trend menus, control costs, and uphold the highest food safety standards, collaborating with front-of-house for seamless experiences. This full-time role combines leadership with culinary excellence.

Qualifications

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

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.
• Uphold strict health & safety, allergen, and hygiene standards.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, training, and development.

Skills

Executive chef experience

Leadership

Budget management

Team mentoring

Food safety HACCP

Education

Level 3 Food Safety

Job description

Searcys are recruiting for an Executive Head Chef to join the team at one of our flagship venues.

We are looking for a dynamic, food and people focussed Executive Chef ready to take the lead in a multi-faceted and fast contract catering environment .

We are seeking a highly skilled culinary professional to oversee both innovative staff dining services and exceptional hospitality experiences, including 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 35days 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
• 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
• Team socials

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

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