Head Chef

Searcys; Greater London; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

50% discount across Searcys venues

Pension scheme enrollment

Up to 35 days annual leave

Everyday discounts and communication门户

Employee assistance programme

Culinary development programme

Cycle to work scheme

Meals provided on shift

Chef Whites provided

Birthday off

Volunteer day

Team social

Job summary

Searcys at the National Army Museum in Chelsea is seeking a Head Chef to lead the culinary operation across the cafe, hospitality and events programme. You will inspire the kitchen team, develop seasonal menus, ensure food safety and deliver outstanding service for daytime dining and VIP functions.

This premium role offers a salary up to £50,000 per year plus industry-leading benefits and a dynamic, prestigious cultural setting in central London.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Head Chef in both retail café operations and event catering.
• Creative, trend-aware, and passionate about sustainability and seasonality
• Inspirational leader with excellent communication and organisational skills
• Level 3 Food Safety & HACCP (or equivalent)

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver creative seasonal menus for the café, hospitality, and events business.
• Lead, train, and motivate the kitchen team to achieve exceptional standards.
• Ensure consistent food quality, presentation, and customer satisfaction.
• Work closely with the events and front-of-house teams to deliver successful functions and hospitality experiences.
• Manage stock, food costs, budgets, and supplier relationships effectively.
• Maintain the highest standards of food hygiene, health & safety, and allergen compliance.
• Drive innovation and continuous improvement across the food offer.
• Support and lead the delivery of private events, corporate functions, and VIP receptions.
• Ensure smooth day-to-day kitchen operations within a high-volume, visitor-focused environment.

Skills

Head Chef experience

Leadership

Menu development

Communication

Food safety

Education

Level 3 Food Safety & HACCP (or equivalent)

Job description

Searcys are recruiting for a Head Chef to join the team at the National Army Museum.

We are looking for an experienced culinary leader to oversee premium dining services and create outstanding hospitality experiences, encompassing fine dining, corporate events, and high-profile VIP functions.

Located in the heart of Chelsea, the National Army Museum offers a range of stylish and versatile spaces available to hire for corporate and private events, including purpose-built meeting and conference facilities for daytime hire, as well as a selection of open, high-ceilinged spaces perfect for evening events.

As a Head Chef you will receive the following industry leading benefits:

• 50% discount across Searcys venues
• Enrolment into the Searcys pension scheme
• Up to 35days annual leave (dependant on job role)
• Access to everyday discounts and communication portal
• Employee assistance programme
• Culinary development programme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Meals provided on shift when working within one of our venue
• Chef Whites provided
• Your birthday off to celebrate in style
• A day off to volunteer / give back to the charity of your choice
• Team social

Job Description

This is a unique opportunity to lead the culinary operation at the prestigious National Army Museum, overseeing both the busy public café and a thriving hospitality and events programme. From delivering high-quality daytime dining to creating exceptional menus for private functions, corporate events, and VIP receptions, this role offers variety, creativity, and the chance to make a lasting impact in a distinguished cultural setting.

Job Type: 45hrs per week, Venue operates Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00am to 5:00pm, with occasional evening events.
Salary:up to £50,000 per annum,

As Head Chef, you will lead and inspire the kitchen team, ensuring outstanding food quality, innovation, and service across all areas of the operation while maintaining the highest standards of food safety, compliance, and financial performance.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and deliver creative seasonal menus for the café, hospitality, and events business.
• Lead, train, and motivate the kitchen team to achieve exceptional standards.
• Ensure consistent food quality, presentation, and customer satisfaction.
• Work closely with the events and front-of-house teams to deliver successful functions and hospitality experiences.
• Manage stock, food costs, budgets, and supplier relationships effectively.
• Maintain the highest standards of food hygiene, health & safety, and allergen compliance.
• Drive innovation and continuous improvement across the food offer.
• Support and lead the delivery of private events, corporate functions, and VIP receptions.
• Ensure smooth day-to-day kitchen operations within a high-volume, visitor-focused environment.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as aHead Chefin both retail café operations and event catering.
• Creative, trend-aware, and passionate about sustainability and seasonality
• Inspirational leader with excellent communication and organisational skills
• Level 3 Food Safety & HACCP (or equivalent)

Additional Information

We are the oldest caterer in the UK, having been founded in 1847, working with us will give you an opportunity to be part of some of London’s most prestigious events, gaining insights and mentoring from skilled and experienced colleagues, as well as getting a chance to be part of a storied legacy in the hospitality industry.

A career at Searcys means you are part of something special, we are an employer with a rich history, and an established reputation which will provide you with an enormous sense of pride and belonging.