Head Chef

Hilton; London; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a passionate Head Chef to lead their kitchen team in a prestigious London hotel. This role promises a dynamic environment where culinary creativity meets exceptional service standards. You will manage all kitchen operations, ensuring a seamless dining experience for guests while fostering a collaborative team atmosphere. The position offers a competitive salary, generous holiday allowance, and unique perks such as discounted travel and health coverage. If you thrive in a fast-paced setting and are committed to culinary excellence, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Benefits

High street discounts

Team Member Travel Program

Healthy meals provided

Discounted dental and health cover

Team Member Referral Program

28 days holiday including bank holidays

Qualifications

• Experience in busy hotel operations and managing a kitchen.
• Strong leadership and communication skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Manage all aspects of the kitchen to deliver excellent guest experiences.
• Control costs and improve profit margins while maintaining quality.

Skills

Leadership Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Communication Skills

Ability to Work Under Pressure

Customer Service Commitment

Education

Experience in Busy Hotel Operations

Experience Managing a Kitchen

Experience Developing Chefs

Tools

Food Control Systems

IT Proficiency

Job description

The Waldorf Hilton London is an iconic & historic London hotel built in the late 1800, located in Aldwych.

The hotel features 298 Guest Rooms, including 19 suites, blending Edwardian 'Du Siecle' with modern comfort. Our hotel sits in the center of London’s glitzy theatre district, just a few minutes’ walk from Covent Garden, The Royal Opera House, and Trafalgar Square.

Guests of this hotel will experience first-class service, distinguished by an unrivalled commitment to a personalised approach. We ensure comfortable, luxurious stays for all our guests, with guidance on locally immersive experiences where desired.

Homage’s restaurant and décor pays tribute to the Grand Cafés of Europe Renaissance, offering a high standard of Modern British Food. Good Godfrey’s bar & Lounge offers crafty & cosmopolitan cocktails as well as canapés and light bites.

Salary: £50,000 to £60,000 a year + Incentives

A chance to make a difference: through our Corporate Responsibility programmes – Find out what and how we are doing (https://cr.hilton.com)

High street discounts: with Perks at Work

Team Member Travel Program: discounted hotel nights plus 50% off Food and Beverages (subject to individual outlets)

Team Member Referral Program

Healthy meals provided

Holiday: 28 days including bank holidays (increasing yearly to up to 33 days)

Discounted dental and health cover

A Head Chef is responsible for managing all aspects of the kitchen to deliver an excellent Guest and Member experience while seeking customer feedback, training staff, controlling costs, and covering all business needs.

What will I be doing?

As a Head Chef, you are responsible for managing all aspects of the kitchen to deliver an excellent Guest and Member experience. You will also be required to ensure that all operational, quality, and administrative functions are carried out properly. Specifically, you will be responsible for performing the following tasks to the highest standards:

• Manage all aspects of the kitchen including operational, quality, and administrative functions
• Actively seek verbal feedback from customers on a regular basis and respond to all guest queries in a timely and efficient manner
• Ensure adequate resources are available according to business needs
• Manage the provision of food to Food and Beverage outlets and take action where necessary to ensure compliance with current legislation
• Control costs without compromising standards, improving gross profit margins and other departmental and financial targets
• Ensure team members have an up-to-date knowledge of menu items, special promotions, functions, and events
• Maintain good communication and work relationships in all hotel areas
• Ensure that staffing levels are maintained to cover business demands
• Ensure monthly communication meetings are conducted and post-meeting minutes generated
• Manage staff performance issues in compliance with company policies and procedures
• Recruit, manage, train, and develop the kitchen team
• Comply with hotel security, fire regulations, and all health and safety and food safety legislation
• Ensure maintenance, hygiene, and hazard issues are dealt with in a timely manner
• Manage financial performance of the department so all planning is in line with hotel objectives
• Ensure food control systems are adhered to so margins are on target
• Regularly review all menus with the Food and Beverage manager to confirm offerings are in line with market trends
• Be environmentally aware

What are we looking for?

A Head Chef serving Hilton brands is always working on behalf of our Guests and working with other Team Members. To successfully fill this role, you should maintain the attitude, behaviours, skills, and values that follow:

• Experience in busy hotel operations
• Experience managing a kitchen and developing chefs
• Experience managing food costs
• Excellent leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills
• Passionate about food, drink, and service
• Committed to delivering a high level of customer service
• Ability to work under pressure
• Flexibility to respond to a range of different work situations

It would be advantageous in this position for you to demonstrate the following capabilities and distinctions:

• Knowledge of current food trends
• High level of IT proficiency

About the company

Hilton is a global brand of full-service hotels and resorts and the flagship brand of an American multinational hospitality company, leading in global hospitality with a portfolio of 18 world-class brands.