Head Canape Chef

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

Benefits offered by this job

Contributory pension

Career Pathways

Digital GP

Travel discounts

Staff discounts

Wellbeing classes

Job summary

Rocket Food in London is seeking a Head Canapé Chef to lead the production of premium canapés and event dining for luxury venues and private events. You will manage and inspire a large kitchen brigade, drive menu development and work with events and creative teams to deliver client visions.

The role combines creativity with strong kitchen operations, food safety and HACCP compliance, and requires a calm, organized leader who can balance quality with cost control in a high-pressure events

Qualifications

• An experienced Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef with background in high-end events, luxury catering or premium hospitality.
• Passionate leader able to inspire, develop and motivate a large kitchen team.
• Creative, organised and calm under pressure, with excellent attention to detail.
• Strong commercial awareness with experience managing food costs, labour budgets and kitchen operations.
• Solid understanding of food safety, allergen management and HACCP.

Responsibilities

• Lead the production of premium canapés and event food for a wide range of luxury events.
• Manage, mentor and develop the events kitchen brigade, fostering a positive and high-performing team culture.
• Collaborate with the events and creative teams to deliver bespoke client briefs and tastings.
• Drive menu development, recipe creation and food innovation, showcasing the very best of British produce.
• Oversee kitchen operations, production planning, purchasing and event logistics.
• Ensure the highest standards of food safety, hygiene and HACCP compliance.
• Monitor food and labour costs while maintaining exceptional quality and consistency.

Job description

Head Canape Chef

Location: London

Salary: £60,000

Contract: Permanent | 45 Hours per week

JoinRocket Food - London's leading luxury event caterer

Rocket Food is one of London's most respected luxury catering companies, delivering exceptional food and unforgettable experiences at some of the UK's most prestigious venues and private events. Renowned for our creativity, impeccable service and beautifully crafted menus, we're looking for an outstanding Head Canapé Chef to join our talented culinary team.

As Head Canapé Chef, you'll lead the production of exceptional canapé and event food, ensuring every dish is delivered to the highest standard. You'll manage and inspire the events kitchen brigade, champion innovation, and work closely with our events and creative teams to bring clients' visions to life.

What You'll Be Doing

• Lead the production of premium canapés and event food for a wide range of luxury events.
• Manage, mentor and develop the events kitchen brigade, fostering a positive and high-performing team culture.
• Collaborate with the events and creative teams to deliver bespoke client briefs and tastings.
• Drive menu development, recipe creation and food innovation, showcasing the very best of British produce.
• Oversee kitchen operations, production planning, purchasing and event logistics.
• Ensure the highest standards of food safety, hygiene and HACCP compliance.
• Monitor food and labour costs while maintaining exceptional quality and consistency.

Who You Are

• An experienced Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef with a background in high-end events, luxury catering or premium hospitality.
• A passionate leader with the ability to inspire, develop and motivate a large kitchen team.
• Creative, organised and calm under pressure, with excellent attention to detail.
• Strong commercial awareness and experience managing food costs, labour budgets and kitchen operations.
• A thorough understanding of food safety, allergen management and HACCP.
• Passionate about seasonal British cuisine and delivering exceptional food experiences.

Why Rocket Food?

At Rocket Food, we believe extraordinary events begin with extraordinary people. You'll be joining a collaborative, ambitious team that takes pride in delivering world-class food and service for some of the UK's most exciting events. This is an opportunity to make your mark within one of London's most established luxury catering businesses while working alongside some of the industry's best talent.

Perks & Benefits

We ensure you're rewarded for all your hard work, which is why we offer a comprehensive benefits package which includes but is not limited to:

• Contributory pension scheme
• Grow your career with our Career Pathways and MyLearning programmes
• Quick access for you and your immediate family to a Digital GP, and wider healthcare benefits
• Exclusive travel discounts with TUI, Expedia, Booking.com and many more
• Save money on your food shop with discounts on Tesco, Sainsbury's, Morrisons and many more
• Up to 44% off cinema tickets to enjoy your favourite blockbuster
• Receive cash rewards every time you spend and use them on a wide range of brands
• Un-wind with us with free wellness, mindfulness and exercise classes
• You can share all discounts and offers with your friends and families

About Us

As part of Compass you'll help to feed people, fuel progress and forge connections in around 6,000 venues. Join us to grow your career with the industry leader, and get competitive pay, great perks and unrivalled opportunities for learning and development, at one of the UK's biggest businesses.

Compass Group UK&I is committed to fostering an environment where every individual can truly be themselves at work and has equal opportunities to advance in their careers. We strive to build a culture that respects and celebrates the unique talents, beliefs, backgrounds, and abilities of all our team members. We want our colleagues to feel valued, empowered to reach their full potential, and to thrive - because diversity is our strength!