Head Chef

Hesketh James; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 63,000 - 77,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

KPI bonus scheme

Company benefits package

Training and development opportunities

Career progression

Job summary

Hesketh James in London is seeking an exceptional Head Chef to lead a brigade of over 20 chefs in a high-volume, luxury restaurant operation. This hands-on leadership role requires strong operational expertise, exceptional culinary standards, and a passion for mentoring and developing people.

You will drive kitchen performance, maintain food quality, and ensure a culture of excellence. The role rewards commercial acumen, creativity, and the ability to balance profitability with a people-first

Qualifications

• Head Chef experience in premium luxury restaurants
• Leadership of large kitchen brigades (20+ chefs)
• Strong organisation, planning and operational management
• Financial acumen: labour, food cost, inventory
• Track record of developing high-performing kitchen teams
• Exceptional standards for food quality, consistency and presentation
• Ability to operate under pressure in a high-volume setting
• Collaborative, people-focused leadership style

Responsibilities

• Lead a brigade of 20+ chefs in a high-volume luxury restaurant
• Drive kitchen performance, food quality and consistency
• Mentor and develop team members to build capability
• Balance creativity with profitability and standards

Skills

Head Chef experience

Leadership of 20+ chefs

Kitchen organisation

Financial acumen

Developing kitchen teams

Food quality standards

High-volume operation

Collaborative culture

Job description

Salary: Up to £70,000 per annum + bonus + benefits

Are you an inspirational Head Chef with a passion for exceptional Pan Asian cuisine, high‑end hospitality, and developing outstanding teams?

This is a rare opportunity to take the helm of one of London's most exciting luxury dining destinations.

Our client operates a stunning, design‑led restaurant that has quickly established itself as one of London's most talked-about dining experiences.

The business is genuinely people‑first, having been recognised as one of the UK's Best Employers for three consecutive years. With ambitious but sustainable growth plans, they continue to expand organically while maintaining an exceptional culture and reputation across the industry.

The Role:

We are seeking an exceptional Head Chef to lead a talented brigade of over 20 chefs within a high‑volume, luxury restaurant operation. This is a hands‑on leadership role requiring strong operational expertise, outstanding culinary standards, and a genuine passion for mentoring and developing people. You will be responsible for driving kitchen performance, maintaining exceptional food quality, and ensuring a culture of excellence throughout the brigade.

The Person:

You are an experienced and commercially aware Head Chef who thrives in premium restaurant environments. You combine strong leadership skills with a calm, organised approach and understand how to balance creativity, consistency, profitability, and team engagement. Most importantly, you are passionate about people and recognise that great restaurants are built by great teams.

What You'll Bring:

• Proven experience as a Head Chef within a premium, luxury restaurant environment
• Strong leadership experience managing large kitchen brigades of 20+ chefs
• Excellent kitchen organisation, planning, and operational management skills
• Strong financial acumen, including labour control, food cost management, and stock accountability
• A track record of developing and retaining high‑performing kitchen teams
• Exceptional standards around food quality, consistency, and presentation
• The ability to perform and lead under pressure within a high‑volume operation
• A collaborative approach and desire to contribute to a positive, people‑focused culture

Package:

• Salary up to £70,000 KPI bonus scheme
• Excellent company benefits package
• Industry‑leading training and development opportunities
• Career progression within a highly respected and growing hospitality group
• The opportunity to lead one of London's most exciting premium restaurant kitchens.

We are committed to diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from all backgrounds.