Head Chef

AJ Group Services Ltd; City Of London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading catering company in London is seeking an experienced Head Chef to lead their kitchen team. You will oversee food production for contract catering and events, ensuring high standards and compliance with safety regulations. The ideal candidate will have strong leadership skills and a passion for seasonal cooking. This is a hands-on role that requires excellent menu innovation and financial management abilities.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef in contract catering or hospitality.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to develop the kitchen team.
• Excellent financial management and stock control skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the kitchen team to maintain high food standards.
• Oversee the planning and production of menus for diverse events.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Financial Management

Menu Innovation

Food Presentation

Job description

Head Chef - Contract Catering & Events

We're seeking an experienced and inspiring Head Chef to lead our kitchen team and oversee all aspects of food production within our busy contract catering and events operation. This is a hands‑on role for a creative, organised, and commercially aware chef who thrives on delivering exceptional food and service standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate, and develop the kitchen team to deliver consistently high standards of food and presentation.
• Oversee the planning, production, and delivery of menus for daily service, hospitality, and bespoke events.
• Drive menu innovation using fresh, seasonal ingredients while meeting client expectations and dietary requirements.
• Manage kitchen budgets, stock levels, and ordering to achieve agreed gross profit (GP) and cost targets.
• Ensure full compliance with HACCP, COSHH, and all health & safety and food hygiene regulations.
• Work collaboratively with front‑of‑house and management teams to deliver a seamless catering experience.
• Support recruitment, training, and performance management within the kitchen team.
• Maintain high levels of organisation, cleanliness, and efficiency across all kitchen operations.

About You

• Proven experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef within contract catering, hospitality, or large‑scale food service.
• Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to inspire and develop your team.
• Excellent understanding of financial management, stock control, and achieving GP targets.
• Passionate about creating fresh, seasonal, and beautifully presented dishes.
• Flexible, proactive, and able to adapt to changing operational demands.

If you're a dynamic Head Chef who takes pride in leading a team and producing outstanding food, we'd love to hear from you