Head Chef

Vacherin; Greater London; On-site; GBP 46,000 - 57,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Personal development

Life insurance

Pension

Holiday allowance

Healthcare app

Eye care

Wellbeing program

Family support

Social events

Holiday purchase

Volunteering days

Professional subscriptions

Recognition awards

Long service awards

Discount vouchers

Job summary

Vacherin in London is seeking a Head Chef to lead a busy kitchen, creating seasonal menus tailored to client briefs and events.

You will coach a small team of 3–4, maintain HACCP and high food hygiene standards, manage stock, costs and supplier relationships, and collaborate with clients and management on tastings and menus.

40 hours per week, Mon–Fri, 07:00–15:30 with paid overtime options and a comprehensive benefits package.

Responsibilities

• Create innovative, seasonal menus tailored to client briefs.
• Develop buffet-style menus including canapés and fine dining events.
• Ensure consistency and presentation across daily service and events.
• Lead kitchen operations for events up to 400 covers.
• Maintain food hygiene, safety, and HACCP standards.
• Monitor food costs and minimise waste.
• Conduct stock takes and manage inventory.
• Oversee supplier liaison and orders.

Job description

At Vacherin, our values are at the heart of everything we do. We are Precise in delivering exceptional food and service, Personal in the way we build genuine relationships and care for others, and Bold in embracing new ideas, creativity and innovation. Together, we create memorable experiences for our clients while supporting each other to grow and succeed.

Are you passionate about food, drink and exceptional service? Would you like to join an award-winning hospitality team and still make it home for dinner? We're looking for a Head Chef to join our team.

Location: London,SW11 8BJ

Salary: £51,500 per annum

Working Pattern: 40 hours per week - Monday - Friday, 07:00 – 15:30 paid overtime optional

Key Responsibilities

• Create innovative, seasonal, and bespoke menus on a weekly basis, tailored to client requirements and event briefs.
• Plan and develop menus for buffet-style hospitality, including sandwiches, pastries, continental breakfasts, bowl food, canapés, and occasional fine dining events.
• Ensure consistency, quality, and presentation of all food across daily service and events.
• Lead kitchen operations for hospitality events of up to 400 covers.
• Maintain exceptional food hygiene, safety, and HACCP standards at all times.
• Monitor food costs, minimise waste, and manage the kitchen budget effectively.
• Conduct stock takes, manage inventory, and maintain kitchen equipment.
• Liaise with suppliers, place orders, and ensure all products meet quality standards.
• Work closely with clients and management on menu planning, tastings, and special events.
• Lead, coach, and support a small kitchen team of 3-4 people, including Kitchen Assistants and agency chefs when required.
• Ensure all team members receive appropriate training, development, and performance feedback.
• Oversee smooth day‑to‑day kitchen operations while maintaining high standards of food quality and customer satisfaction.

What's in it for you?

• Personal Development and Training opportunities
• Life assurance scheme
• Pension scheme
• Holiday allowance
• Access to Healthcare Support App which includes Annual health check, Digital GP, Mental Health Consultations, Nutritional Consultations, Second Medical Opinion
• Eye care
• A great wellbeing strategy – including access to our Employee Assistance Programme, salary finance
• Family friendly support
• Regular social events and communication with our leaders
• A holiday purchase scheme
• Volunteering days
• Professional subscriptions
• Recognition schemes and people awards
• Long service awards
• Access to some great high street discount vouchers

About Us

As part of Compass you'll help to feed people, fuel progress and forge connections in around 6,000 venues. Join us to grow your career with the industry leader, and get competitive pay, great perks and unrivalled opportunities for learning and development, at one of the UK's biggest businesses.

Job Reference: com/1808/48893001/52731292/R/SU #Vacherin

Compass Group UK&I is committed to fostering an environment where every individual can truly be themselves at work and has equal opportunities to advance in their careers. We strive to build a culture that respects and celebrates the unique talents, beliefs, backgrounds, and abilities of all our team members. We want our colleagues to feel valued, empowered to reach their full potential, and to thrive - because diversity is our strength!