Head Chef

Lexington Catering; London; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Join Lexington Catering as a Head Chef at the iconic Abbey Road Studios in London. You will lead a dynamic team, manage kitchen operations, and create exceptional dining experiences. This role offers opportunities for creativity and career progression in a supportive environment with generous benefits.

Benefits

FREE On-Site Lunches

Flexible Working

Holiday Allowance

Family Leave

Paid Charity Leave

Opportunities for Career Progression

Comprehensive Wellbeing Benefits

Life Assurance & Pension Schemes

Exclusive Discounts & Perks

Qualifications

• Proven track record in a similar role.
• Strong leadership skills with team motivation.
• Solid knowledge of food trends and kitchen innovation.

Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire a team, managing kitchen operations.
• Develop seasonal menus and maintain food quality.
• Ensure compliance with health & safety standards.

Skills

Leadership

Culinary Excellence

Food Cost Control

Creativity

Job description

Lexington is an award-winning contract caterer that focuses on providing great food and service to customers. To do this, we need fabulous people, and we work hard to create an environment where our team members feel engaged, inspired, valued, and enjoy what they do.

We are thrilled to announce the opening of a fantastic new site at the legendary Abbey Road Studios. We’re on the lookout for a dynamic and experienced Head Chef to lead our team at this iconic London location, which has been a destination for music makers for over 90 years. It hosts some of the world’s greatest artists, producers, composers, and musicians.

This role offers the chance to work in Abbey Road’s restaurant and in-studio dining offering; a hub that sits at the heart of the Studio’s home for our team and creative community.

As a Head Chef, you will have many responsibilities and opportunities to grow in your role, becoming a critical member of our team.

Our way of saying thank you…

At Lexington, we strive to ensure that our colleagues feel appreciated and rewarded, which is why we offer generous rewards and benefits in exchange for your dedicated efforts.

• FREE On-Site Lunches: Savor delicious and healthy meals, on us, every day at work
• Flexible Working: Enjoy the freedom to balance work and personal life with our flexible working hours
• Holiday Allowance: Start with 28 days of holiday to relax and recharge, increasing to 31 days after two years of service
• Family Leave: Prioritize your family commitments with our family leave options designed to support you during important times
• Paid Charity Leave: Make a difference in your community with paid time off to volunteer for your favorite causes
• Opportunities for Career Progression: Grow and advance your career with us, supported by continuous learning and development opportunities
• Comprehensive Wellbeing Benefits: Access mental health support and a range of wellbeing benefits to keep you feeling your best, both professionally and personally
• Life Assurance & Pension Schemes: Secure your future with our life assurance and workplace pension schemes
• Exclusive Discounts & Perks: Enjoy discounts and cashback on entertainment, leisure activities, and much more, alongside our popular cycle-to-work scheme

What you’ll be doing…

As a Head Chef, you will be proactively managing and supporting a catering team as well as creating a platform for financial growth through cost control and culinary excellence.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and inspire a team including a Sous Chef, CDP, and KP, fostering a culture of creativity, collaboration, and high standards.
• Take ownership of the full kitchen operation, from daily service to larger events and bespoke functions.
• Be actively involved in the upcoming kitchen refurbishment project (planned for January), contributing ideas and expertise to ensure the new kitchen supports future innovation and efficiency.
• Develop seasonal menus in line with current food trends and guest expectations.
• Spearhead the launch of a new “In Studios” food offering, including room service and delivery-style service.
• Maintain exceptional food quality while ensuring consistency, portion control, and presentation standards.
• Work closely with the team to bring new ideas to life – we’re looking for a Head Chef who thrives on a blank canvas and is excited to create something special.
• Ensure full compliance with health & safety and food hygiene standards.
• Demonstrate strong financial acumen through effective food costing, GP management, and budgeting.
• Flexibility is key – support will be available from our central production unit (CPU), but the Head Chef must take full ownership of event delivery and costing.
• Work collaboratively with other departments to ensure a seamless service during high-profile or large-scale events.

What We’re Looking For:

• A passionate and creative chef with a proven track record in a similar role.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to build and motivate a team.
• Solid knowledge of food trends, menu development, and kitchen innovation.
• A keen understanding of food cost control, gross profit targets, and kitchen efficiencies.
• Someone who embraces change and is excited by the opportunity to build something new.

Working Pattern:

• 5 out of 7 days
• Full Time

Why it’s great to work for us…

At Lexington, we dare to be different in our food, catering, reception services, and work culture. Our values encourage creativity, boldness, and fun, fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We nurture talent, helping our people thrive and reach their potential.

We take pride in being an equal opportunity employer and welcome everyone. Let us know if you need any reasonable adjustments or assistance in your application, and feel free to share your pronouns.

Join our award-winning team passionate about serving delicious food to exceptional clients in London. Visit our website to hear from our team first-hand.