Head Chef

Starwood Hotels; City of Westminster; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Designed by Nature

Free meals on duty

Employee Assistance Program

Spa discounts

Room discounts

Travel season ticket loan

Eye care contributions

Team recognition program

Career advancement

Job summary

Starwood Hotels is seeking a Head Chef to drive the 1 Hotel Mayfair culinary program, shaping menus and leading a high-calibre kitchen team in a luxury setting.

You will manage day-to-day operation of all hotel outlets, uphold strict food safety standards, and mentor chefs to deliver outstanding guest experiences with creativity and cost control.

Qualifications

• Proven Head Chef experience in luxury hotels or fine-dining.
• In-depth knowledge of HACCP and food safety regulations.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to lead a fast-paced kitchen team.

Responsibilities

• Lead the kitchen brigade to maximize potential.
• Develop chefs' skills and a culture of continuous improvement.
• Oversee training and onboarding of new team members.
• Ensure health, safety and food hygiene compliance.
• Control costs, margins and waste while maintaining quality.
• Collaborate with other departments for guest satisfaction.
• Implement innovative menu design and food presentation.
• Address guest feedback promptly and professionally.

Skills

Head Chef experience

Luxury hotel kitchen

Culinary techniques

HACCP knowledge

Time management

Team leadership

Communication

Education

Culinary qualification or hospitality degree

Job description

Grow with us…

Life at Starwood Hotels is based on a simple idea: the world is beautiful and we want to keep it that way. But we can’t do it alone. That’s why hiring thoughtful and inspiring Team Members and Leaders who understand that our people, collaboration, stellar service, and respect for nature are so important to us.

The purpose of the Head Chef role is to establish 1 Hotel Mayfair as a world class operation with a reputation for excellence in menu design, food quality, team leadership, training and development. You will be responsible for managing the day-to-day operation of all hotel food outlets whilst achieving company objectives in regards to food standards, menu development and creativity, food margin percentage, waste reduction, cost control and people development.

Principle Responsibilities

• Provide exemplary leadership to the kitchens brigade and develop to its fullest potential

• Support the development, knowledge, skills and abilities of chefs at all levels and establish a culture of continuous improvement and development

• Establish training and development systems focused on excellence and promoting people development

• Ensure all new team members are provided with appropriate training and integrated into the team in a timely a supportive way

• Working with the kitchen team to ensure full compliance to statutory requirements in relation to Health and Safety, Food Hygiene standards as laid down by food authorities

• Implement appropriate and cost-effective structures within the kitchen while maintaining the required quality standards and creativity objectives

• Ensure consistent delivery and the highest standards of food are achieved at all times

• Identify opportunities to optimize operational efficiency, create value, and challenge existing processes through innovation and thoughtful change

• Foster open, collaborative relationships across departments within 1 Hotel Mayfair.

• Escalate maintenance issues to the relevant parties, ensuring that employees are always working within a safe environment

• Deliver ad-hoc tasks as requested by the Senior Leadership team

• Guest complaints are kept at an absolute minimum and customer satisfaction at a maximum.

• All policies and procedures are up - to - date and communicated to the team, with training on the job carried out on a regular basis.

• Ensure that the Back of House and Front of House teams work efficiently together

• Staff turnover is kept to a minimum and within the company’s average %.

• Food hygiene standards including calorie and allergen information are established and communicated properly

Qualifications & Skills

• Previous experience as a Head Chef or similar role within a luxury hotel or high-quality restaurant environment.

• Strong knowledge of food preparation, cooking techniques, and kitchen operations.

• Understanding of HACCP and food safety regulations.

• Excellent organisational and time-management skills.

• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment.

• Strong communication and teamwork skills.

Why Choose Us?

Our culture is caring and thoughtful, and we deliver good-natured, informed service, perfectly executed to evoke a sense of fulfilment and well-being. As part of our team, you can look forward to a variety of activities and perks that support your passion for hospitality and nature:

• A “Designed by Nature” work environment
• Free healthy & nutritious meals on duty
• 24-hour Employee Assistance Program
• Flu vaccinations vouchers
• Eye care contributions
• Social events throughout the year
• Wedding and Baby gifts
• Travel season ticket loan
• Complimentary Spa Massage & Reflexology treatment
• West End Club - discounts in local shops, hotels, bars and restaurants
• Spa, Food & Beverage discounts ranging from 30% - 50%
• Guest experience stay - enjoy an overnight stay and experience our restaurant and bars
• Opportunities to be involved in charity and community events
• All Starwood Hotels discounted employee/friends and family room rates
• Enhanced Holiday Benefit
• Team Member Recognition program - Earn rewards and pay it forward, while doing all the good you can!
• SH University - Offers eligible team members a chance to grow and flourish from obtaining professional development and courses/certifications through our exclusive online learning educational platform
• Career Advancement: Were growing rapidly and with growth comes advancement opportunities (around the globe)!
• Team Member Recognition program - Earn rewards and pay it forward, while doing all the good you can

Terms & Conditions apply to all benefits.

About us…

As a mission-driven company, our purpose is our true north, and our compass guides the way. The purpose we live by impacts the lives of our team members, drives the experiences for our guests, builds community with like-minded travelers and takes care of the planet we live in. Founded in 2006 by Barry Sternlicht, Starwood Hotels is a luxury hotel brand management company and affiliate of global private investment firm Starwood Capital Group.

Starwood Hotels is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe in a diverse, sustainable workforce with an empowered, inclusive culture. We are committed to non-discrimination on any protected basis covered under applicable law. If you require any special accommodations, please visit People Operations.