Head Chef

Plaza Khao Gaeng; City of Westminster; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Dine Out Allowance

Lunch after probation

Dining discounts

CODE App membership

Self care salary

Gym membership

Job summary

Plaza Khao Gaeng, part of JKS Restaurants, is seeking a Head Chef to lead their kitchen operations. The successful candidate will have a passion for Thai/Asian cuisine and previously been Head Chef.

As Head Chef, you will deliver high quality, innovative dishes, manage prep schedules, stock control, budgeting and mentor the kitchen team. This is an exciting opportunity within an award-winning group.

Qualifications

• Previous experience as Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef in a high quality restaurant.
• Strong awareness of trends and seasonality of produce.
• Passion and knowledge of Thai or South East Asian cuisine.
• Creative approach with excellent attention to detail.
• Experience managing staff costs, scheduling and rotas.
• Strong budgeting, purchasing and menu costing skills.
• Working knowledge of health and safety, compliance and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Deliver consistent, high quality and innovative dishes and specials.
• Lead menu development with the Group Exec Chef and Chef Director.
• Manage the overall kitchen operation, including prep schedules, stock control, budgeting and maintenance.
• Oversee day to day management of the kitchen team.

Skills

Head Chef experience

Seasonality awareness

Thai cuisine

Creativity

Kitchen management

Staff rota management

Costing & budgeting

Health & safety knowledge

Job description

Experience - Previous experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef within a quality restaurant. Knowledge of Thai or South East Asian cuisine is preferred

JKS Restaurants and Plaza Khao Gaeng are seeking a Head Chef to lead their kitchen operations. The successful candidate will have a passion for Thai/Asian cuisine and have previous experience as a Head Chef.

This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced Head Chef looking for a new role in an award winning, critically acclaimed group

The Restaurant

Plaza Khao Gaeng celebrates Thailand’s coast-to-jungle cooking through the tradition of khao gaeng, broadly translated as “curry over rice”. Expect a kaleidoscope of curries rich with fresh coconut milk, aromatic curry pastes and fermented seasonings, alongside searingly hot stir-fries cooled with fresh herbs - all designed for mixing, matching and sharing.

In Thailand, the most popular khao gaeng restaurants expand to fill whatever space they can. Plaza takes inspiration from one such spot in Bangkok, now spread through an old cinema, where curries sit in gleaming trays beneath a faded façade and climb the stairs to the former box office. This is anytime comfort food: a pause from the heat, noise and movement of the street outside.

Our third Plaza Khao Gaeng opened in Covent Garden in May, turning to Thailand’s deep south - the historic borderlands of Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat and beyond. Anchored by a large charcoal grill, the menu draws together smoke, spice and acidity in a generous, khao gaeng-style spread made for the table - our most Southern menu yet, inspired by rural kitchens.

The Position

As Head Chef, you will be responsible for ensuring the delivery of consistent, high quality and innovative dishes and specials; you will play a key role in menu development, working closely with the Group Exec Chef and Chef Director. You will manage the overall kitchen operation, including prep schedules, stock control, budgeting and maintenance, as well as the day to day management of the kitchen team.

If you have the following, then we want to hear from you:

• Previous experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef in a high quality restaurant;
• Strong awareness of trends and seasonality of produce;
• A passion and knowledge of Thai or South East Asian cuisine;
• A highly creative approach to your work with excellent attention to detail;
• Proven ability to manage, train and motivate a kitchen brigade;
• Experience in managing staff costs, scheduling and reviewing staff rotas;
• Strengths in finances, purchasing and menu costing;
• A working knowledge of health and safety, compliance and procedures;

This is a very exciting opportunity not to be missed for a talented Head Chef eager to join a restaurant group with ambitious plans.

At Chaiyo, we believe in a culture that truly backs our people. Hospitality is a people industry, and we're committed to rewarding the hard work and loyalty that makes us who we are.

Award-Winning Workplace

Recognised as one of The Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2026

Dining & Hospitality

• Dine Out Allowance - Quarterly peer to peer at competitor restaurants
• Lunch for 2 after probation
• Up to 50% off dining across JKS restaurants
• CODE App membership - Discount at some of the UK's best restaurants
• Self care salary - £1,200 additional salary to spend on your self care.
• Discounted gym membership with up to 25% off at 4,000+ venues across the UK
• 24/7 Doctor & prescription services for peace of mind healthcare
• 8 free counselling sessions to support your mental wellbeing
• Employee Assistance Program providing confidential support when you need it
• Health, legal, money and debt support services available

Entertainment

• Up to 55% off cinema tickets
• Up to 25% off UK attractions (London Eye, Thorpe Park, SEA LIFE, and more)
• Up to 15% cashback at 70+ major retailers across the UK
• Wagestream - stream a portion of your pay earlier when you need it
• Access to financial advice to help with your financial planning
• Company donations for your involvement with charities

Special Occasions & Recognition

• Wedding gift & newborn care package - celebrating your big occasions
• Staff parties & long service awards recognising your commitment
• Employee referral scheme - earn up to £600 per referral
• Additional holiday for every year with us (rising to 30 days)

The Group

JKS Restaurants was founded by siblings Jyotin, Karam, and Sunaina Sethi in November 2008. Since its inception, the group has received critical acclaim and industry recognition, including 8 Michelin stars, 4 Michelin Bib Gourmands, a restaurant ranked among the World’s 100 Best Restaurants, and a spot in the Sunday Times Best 100 Places to Work 2026.

The JKS portfolio currently features Michelin-starred restaurants such as Trishna, Gymkhana, Kitchen Table, Sabor, Legado and Ambassadors Clubhouse; along with cult favourites Hoppers, Brigadiers, Berenjak, Plaza Khao Gaeng, Speedboat Bar, and Bibi.

JKS Restaurants offers a unique opportunity to pursue a career in fine dining or to develop within trend-focused casual cuisine, with opportunities across all disciplines for those looking to advance their careers within a people-focused, collaborative hospitality group