Head Chef

Houston and Hawkes; London; On-site; GBP 44,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading catering company in Central London is seeking an experienced Head Chef to lead their vibrant team. In this role, you will oversee kitchen operations, develop menus, and ensure the highest standards of food quality and safety. Join a dynamic firm recognized for its commitment to excellence and innovation in the hospitality industry.

Benefits

Contributary pension scheme

Free access to Employee Assistant Programme

Life assurance at two times salary

Company events including Christmas party

Recognition schemes and people awards

Enhanced maternity and paternity leave

Day off on your birthday

Referral bonuses

Training and development opportunities

Qualifications

• Proven experience managing and leading a kitchen team.
• Ability to work under pressure and maintain high standards.
• Strong knowledge of food safety and hygiene.

Responsibilities

• Manage kitchen team to ensure processes run smoothly.
• Control stock and maintain quality of ingredients.
• Design and prepare seasonal menu items.

Skills

Leadership

Customer focus

Time management

Organizational skills

Innovative thinking

Cooking techniques

Job description

Job role: Head Chef

Location: Central London

Salary: £44,000- £46,000

Shift Pattern: Monday-Friday

Houston & Hawkes are looking for a talented, enthusiastic and experienced Head Chef to lead our fantastic catering team, who produce outstanding food using the finest and freshest ingredients.

This is a great opportunity for a Head Chef to make a name for themselves within the contract catering industry. We'll give you a place to grow and a career to be proud of.

Head Chef Duties:

1. Overseeing the kitchen team, managing and working closely with other chefs of all levels to ensure all processes in the kitchen run smoothly
2. Lead the team to use best practice Food Production techniques using the Houston & Hawkes systems and brand standards
3. Setting up the kitchen, preparing the team for service, and ensuring all ingredients are fresh and in date
4. Preparing ingredients, designing seasonal menu items, controlling and directing the food preparation process
5. Approving and polishing dishes before they reach the customer
6. Focusing on all customers including guests, staff and visitors & meeting dietary and allergen requirements whilst ensuring quality of food and service
7. Accountable for stock flow and rotation of product within the unit
8. Responsible for all aspects of food safety, Health & Safety and COSHH
9. Ensuring that team members are available for their required shifts and that there are enough staff to cover busy periods

Head Chef Requirements:

1. Proven experience in managing and leading a kitchen team
2. A genuine passion for food
3. Industry acumen and knowledge of external catering developments & innovations
4. Honesty, transparency and consistency, someone who can gain and hold the respect of other
5. Personal innovation and passion
6. Demonstrative customer focus and service skills
7. Experience of managing an overall budget
8. Ownership and accountability of the role and that of their team
9. Computer literate
10. Ability to work efficiently and competently under pressure
11. Excellent time management and organisational skills
12. High level of self-motivation and not constrained by conventional time keeping
13. Strong ability to increase individual effectiveness through leadership, motivation, communication, coaching and training

Head Chef Additional Benefits:

1. Contributary pension scheme
2. Free access to the company Employee Assistant Programme
3. Life assurance at two times salary
4. Company events including all company Christmas party
5. Recognition schemes and people awards
6. Family-friendly support, including enhanced maternity and paternity leave and adoption leave
7. Day off on your birthday
8. Referral bonuses
9. Training and development opportunities

Who We Are:

Houston & Hawkes is a young and dynamic independent caterer based in the South East. We are proud to be an award-winning company, ranked among the top 30 companies to work for in the hospitality industry, and the first certified B Corp catering company. We believe in creating memorable experiences for our customers through our vibrant, creative, and sustainable food offerings. We operate coffee bars, staff restaurants, and delis, tailored to our clients' hospitality and event needs. Committed to social responsibility, passionate about Great British produce and dedicated to our talented teams.

Join Houston & Hawkes and be part of a team that values excellence, creativity, and professional growth