HEAD CHEF

Houston and Hawkes; City Of London; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a dynamic independent caterer in Central London as a Head Chef. This role offers the chance to lead a talented kitchen team, create innovative menus, and ensure high-quality food preparation. With a focus on fresh ingredients and sustainability, you'll thrive in a fast-paced environment while enjoying excellent benefits and recognition as one of the top companies in hospitality. If you have a passion for culinary excellence and team development, this is your opportunity to shine in a prestigious setting.

Benefits

Contributory Pension Scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Life Assurance

Company Events

Recognition Schemes

Family-Friendly Policies

Birthday Day Off

Referral Bonuses

Training Opportunities

Qualifications

• Experienced Head Chef in contract catering and high-volume environments.
• Strong leadership and mentoring skills for kitchen team development.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the kitchen team for high-quality food output.
• Oversee food preparation and compliance with safety standards.
• Manage stock and budgets, ensuring operational efficiency.

Skills

Leadership Skills

Food Safety Compliance

Budget Management

Culinary Skills

Organizational Skills

Education

Culinary Degree or Equivalent

Job description

Job Title: Head Chef

Location: Central London

Salary: £50,000 plus per annum

Are you an experienced Head Chef passionate about fresh food, developing talent, and thriving in a fast-paced environment?

Houston & Hawkes are seeking an experienced Head Chef to lead our catering team at a prestigious Central London site. This role offers an excellent opportunity to showcase your skills, create exceptional food, and lead a talented team in a dynamic environment.

Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage the kitchen team, ensuring smooth operations and high-quality output.
• Oversee food preparation, presentation, and compliance with dietary and allergen requirements.
• Manage stock, budgets, and ensure compliance with Food Safety, Health & Safety, and COSHH standards.

What We’re Looking For:

• A seasoned Head Chef with experience in contract catering and high-volume environments.
• Strong leadership skills to train, mentor, and develop your team, ensuring consistent quality and innovation.
• Exceptional organisational and financial skills to manage multiple offerings and meet budget targets.

What We Offer:

• Recognition as one of the Top 20 Companies to Work in Hospitality.
• The opportunity to work closely with the Director of Food and receive tailored support.
• An innovative menu featuring diverse cuisines to showcase your creativity.
• The chance to lead and inspire a large brigade of chefs, fostering growth and excellence.
• Contributory pension scheme.
• Free access to the company Employee Assistance Programme.
• Life assurance at two times salary.
• Company events, including the annual Christmas party.
• Recognition schemes and awards.
• Family-friendly policies, including enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption leave.
• A day off on your birthday.
• Referral bonuses.
• Training and development opportunities.

Houston & Hawkes is a young, dynamic independent caterer based in the South East. We are proud to be an award-winning company, ranked among the top 30 companies to work for in the hospitality industry, and the first certified B Corp catering company. We are committed to creating memorable experiences through vibrant, creative, and sustainable food offerings, with a focus on social responsibility, Great British produce, and talented teams.

Join Houston & Hawkes and become part of a team that values excellence, creativity, and professional growth.