Head Chef

Smyth & Co; Greater London; On-site; GBP 68,000 - 83,000; Full time

Job summary

Smyth & Co in London, a renowned Two Michelin Star restaurant, is seeking a Head Chef to lead the kitchen at the highest level of gastronomy.

As Head Chef you will own day-to-day operations, drive excellence in cooking, mentorship and menu development, while delivering exceptional guest experiences and maintaining rigorous financial controls.

Salary up to £75,000 per annum and the chance to shape a kitchen with international acclaim and a tradition of innovation.

Qualifications

• Proven Head Chef experience within a Michelin-starred environment.
• Strong leadership and man-management skills.
• Excellent organisational and financial acumen with budgets and costs.
• Meticulous approach to food safety and hygiene.
• Resilience in a fast-paced, high-pressure kitchen.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all kitchen operations and uphold top culinary and presentation standards.
• Lead, mentor and develop a large brigade toward continuous improvement.
• Collaborate on menu development and seasonal changes.
• Manage food costs, wastage, and GP margins without compromising quality.
• Maintain rigorous food hygiene and regulatory compliance.
• Recruit and develop kitchen staff and build a talent pipeline.
• Partner with front-of-house for a seamless guest experience.
• Uphold Michelin-star standards and support senior leadership.

Skills

Leadership

Menu development

Budget management

Food safety

Team coaching

Job description

HEAD CHEF | Two Michelin Star Restaurant | London | Up to £75,000

An exceptional opportunity for a talented, ambitious Head Chef to lead the kitchen at one of London's most celebrated fine dining destinations.

This Two Michelin Star restaurant is renowned for precision, creativity and an unwavering commitment to culinary excellence, working under the vision of one of Britain's most exciting and respected culinary talents.

This is a rare chance to take a senior leadership role within a kitchen operating at the very highest level of gastronomy, shaping the culinary direction of a restaurant with an international reputation for innovation and quality.

Head Chef role

As Head Chef, you'll take full ownership of the kitchen's day-to-day operation, working closely with senior leadership to maintain and elevate the restaurant's Two Michelin Star standards leading a highly skilled brigade and driving consistency, creativity and technical excellence across every service.

Head Chef key responsibilities

• Oversee all kitchen operations, ensuring consistent delivery to the highest culinary and presentation standards.
• Lead, mentor and develop a large, high-performing brigade, fostering discipline, creativity and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate on menu development, seasonal changes and the creative direction of the food.
• Manage food costs, wastage and GP margins without compromising on quality.
• Maintain rigorous food hygiene, health & safety and full regulatory compliance.
• Recruit, train and develop kitchen staff, building a strong talent pipeline and succession plan.
• Manage supplier relationships, sourcing the finest seasonal and speciality ingredients.
• Partner with front-of-house and restaurant management for a seamless guest experience.
• Uphold the highest standards expected of a Michelin-starred kitchen at all times.
• Support and deputise for senior culinary leadership as required

About You

Proven Head Chef experience within a Michelin-starred environment.

Genuine passion for exceptional food, technical precision and creative menu development .

Strong leadership and man-management skills, with a track record of building high-performing teams.

Excellent organisational and financial acumen, budgets, food costs, GP.

Meticulous approach to food safety, hygiene and operational standards.

Resilience, composure and stamina in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.

A collaborative mindset and genuine desire to contribute to the restaurant's culinary ambition

Head Chef offer

• Salary up to £75,000 per annum, dependent on experience.
• A platform in one of London's most acclaimed fine dining kitchens.
• Career development at the very top level of the industry.
• The chance to learn from some of the most respected names in British gastronomy
• A supportive, ambitious and highly professional working environment

This is a unique opportunity for an accomplished chef ready for their next step within one of the capital's most prestigious culinary establishments.