Executive Head Chef - 60K plus Bonus

Thomas Franks Ltd.; Greater London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a talented Executive Head Chef to elevate culinary experiences at a flagship location. This role blends kitchen management with hands-on cooking, focusing on high-end events and educational catering. You will lead a brigade, develop innovative menus, and ensure the finest local and seasonal produce is utilized. If you are passionate about food and possess strong leadership skills, this opportunity will allow you to showcase your culinary expertise while making a significant impact on the dining experience. Join a forward-thinking team dedicated to excellence and service.

Qualifications

• Experience in high-end events and weddings alongside education catering.
• Food hygiene certificate preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage food production and service to meet high standards.
• Plan and devise menus for nutritional value and customer expectations.
• Ensure compliance with food safety and health regulations.

Skills

Team working abilities

Listening skills

Ability to work on own initiative

Customer service skills

Adaptability and flexibility

Willingness to learn new skills

Education

Recognized cooking qualification (e.g., City & Guild 706/1 & 2)

Level 3 food hygiene qualification

Job description

Thomas Franks is looking for an established Executive Head Chef to join one of its flagship locations. You must have a high-end events and weddings background alongside experience in education catering. You must be able to use your culinary expertise and business acumen to drive the location's food vision - showcasing the best local & seasonal produce available from our family-owned suppliers. Dividing your time between kitchen management and hands-on cooking, you'll develop menus, uphold the highest food safety standards, and inspire your brigade to deliver outstanding meals for every service.

The Executive Head Chef will be tasked with managing both food GP and labour costs, providing strong leadership and direction to the brigade, and working closely with the Operations team to fine-tune the food concept within all outlets of the location.

ROLE REQUIREMENTS (TASKS & RESPONSIBILITIES):

• Operate, monitor, and control the Food Production and Service Production to ensure that the food is produced and presented to the highest possible standards, according to the stated Thomas Franks standards and all specified client requirements.
• Ensure that the Thomas Franks Fresh Food and Brand Standards are adhered to by all members of staff, making the best use of local, sustainably sourced, and in-season produce at all times using the Company-approved suppliers.
• Plan and devise menus for their nutritional value, making the best use of current food styles and customer expectations for daily service and any functions, hospitality, or special events.
• Ensure the prompt service of all meals to the company/client’s standards. Restock and replenish stocks and consumables as required during service periods, pre-empt customer needs, and achieve optimum customer service delivery.
• Maintain all production, storage, and service areas and equipment in a hygienic and clean condition, demonstrating a thorough understanding of food safety and health and safety legislation on a daily basis.
• Ensure that the preparation of all food for sale/service is within exemplary standards of hygiene and food safety, ensuring that all subordinate staff adhere to these procedures.
• Keep the Front of House informed of any food running out and pre-empt any delays in customer waiting.
• Assist in the preparation of planning menus, rotas, and placing of orders.
• Ensure that the kitchen operates in line with current health & safety regulations.
• Attend meetings and training courses as required.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Attend all staff meetings as required.
• Adhere to all policies and procedural requirements of both legislation and company to promote a professional and flexible approach at all times.
• Ensure personal presentation is always of the highest standard.
• Carry out all necessary checks in the service and associated areas for food temperatures.
• Carry out all reasonable requests of the management.

PERSON SPECIFICATION:

• Team working abilities, listening skills, the ability to work on own initiative, impeccable personal presentation, hygiene, and behavior towards others. Food hygiene certificate preferred.
• Adaptable and flexible as necessary. Reliable, honest, and able to demonstrate an open, attentive approach to customer service.
• Willingness to learn new skills and take some responsibility.
• Good understanding and use of verbal English.
• Good standard of written English and reading skills.
• Similar experience in a customer and/or food preparation environment is essential.
• Hold a recognized cooking qualification such as City & Guild 706/1 & 2 or equivalent.
• Hold at least a level 3 food hygiene qualification.

About us

Thomas Franks is a founder-led, fresh food catering business with a focus on excellence and service delivered with individuality, passion, and style. We are unique in every approach, and our clients and our people are paramount to our daily success.

Disclaimer

All applicants must be able to demonstrate that they have the Right to Work in the UK to be considered for this role.

An enhanced DBS, Identity & reference checks (covering the last five years) will form part of the selection process. As an organization using the Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) Disclosure service to assess applicants' suitability for positions of trust, Thomas Franks Ltd complies fully with the DBS Code of Practice and undertakes to treat all applicants for positions fairly.

Diversity and Inclusion at Thomas Franks

We actively encourage applications from candidates from diverse backgrounds and continue to develop a culture of growth and inclusion.