Group Head chef (Possible live-in)

SMOK'D; Greater London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

SMOK'D is seeking an experienced Head Chef to shape the next chapter of our busy kitchen network. You will lead services at our flagship site, drive menu development, and set the standards for all sites we open. A core part of the role is overseeing our smoking production and helping establish new kitchens in our growing brand.

You will shape menus, train teams, and ensure dishes that wow guests while keeping food costs and waste in check for both weddings and corporate events.

Qualifications

• Experience as a senior chef/Head Chef.
• Proven ability to develop menus and recipes.
• Strong leadership and team-building skills.
• Commercial mindset with focus on food costs and waste.

Responsibilities

• Lead services as Head Chef at flagship site.
• Develop menus, recipes and specifications for multiple sites.
• Oversee smoking production and kitchen operations.
• Plan, organise and run weddings and corporate events.

Skills

Head Chef leadership

Menu development

Team development

Cost control

Food production

Smoking production

Events catering

Job description

I’m looking for a chef to help me shape the next chapter of SMOK’D.

Someone who gets excited about food. Who comes back from a street food market, restaurant or food festival bursting with ideas. Who wants to get out there, see what’s happening and bring that inspiration into our kitchens.

We’re all about smoke, fire, bold flavours and creative street food. I want someone who can take those foundations and help us make food that people come back for—and tell their friends about.

The role

You’ll initially be hands on as Head Chef at our flagship site, leading services and setting the standard. Alongside that, you’ll develop the menus, recipes and specifications used across both our sites and any new sites we open.

You’ll oversee our smoking production, help get new kitchens up and running, and play a major role in our outside catering—from weddings to corporate events. You’ll need to enjoy the planning and organisation as much as the moment the food hits the plate.

How you lead matters to me

When someone is underperforming, I want your first instinct to be curiosity: Have we explained it properly? Have they had enough training? Have we given them the tools and support to succeed? Is there something we need to change in how we’re leading them?

That goes alongside clear standards and accountability. I’m looking for someone who can develop people, have honest conversations and build a team that takes pride in its work.

You’ll also understand that great food needs to work commercially: sensible food costs, controlled waste, organised production and dishes our teams can consistently deliver during a busy service.

You and I

You’ll work very closely with me, the owner. I need someone I can trust to take ownership, bring ideas, challenge mine and turn what we agree into action.

There’s a real opportunity here to influence what SMOK’D becomes: the food we serve, the teams we build, the events we cater and the sites we open.

If you’re excited by the idea of getting stuck in, making your mark and growing with the business, I’d love to hear from you.