Head Chef

The Berkeley Scott Group; Royal Borough of Greenwich; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

The Berkeley Scott Group is recruiting an experienced Head Chef for a prestigious central London contract catering site. You will lead day-to-day kitchen operations, drive food quality and service during peak periods, and manage a large, high-performing team.

This permanent, full-time role offers a salary of £41,922 rising to £45,321 after probation, and the chance to influence menus, costs and standards across a high-volume operation in a central London setting.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Head Chef or in a senior kitchen leadership role.
• Experience managing high-volume contract catering kitchens.
• Strong leadership, people-management and communication skills.
• Excellent food safety, health & safety, and compliance knowledge.
• Budgeting, cost control, and menu planning expertise.
• Right to work in the UK.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day kitchen operations and service.
• Ensure food quality and consistency across menus.
• Lead and develop a large kitchen team.
• Monitor food costs, stock control and waste.
• Ensure compliance with safety standards.
• Collaborate with management to deliver exceptional catering.

Skills

Leadership

High-volume kitchens

Budget management

Food safety

Communication

Organisational skills

Job description

Head Chef – London

Salary: £41,922 per annum, increasing to £45,321 per annum following successful completion of probation
Permanent Position
Location: Central London

We are currently recruiting for an experienced Head Chef to join a prestigious, high-volume contract catering site based in Central London.

This is an exciting opportunity for a talented culinary professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment and has a strong background leading high-volume contract catering kitchens. The successful candidate will play a key role in delivering exceptional food quality, maintaining operational excellence, and leading a high-performing kitchen team.

The Role

As Head Chef, you will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the kitchen operation, ensuring consistently high standards across food production, menu delivery, food quality, kitchen performance, compliance, and customer satisfaction.

You will lead and inspire a large kitchen team, oversee busy service periods, manage food costs and stock control, and work closely with the wider management team to deliver an outstanding catering operation.

The Ideal Candidate

• Proven experience as a Head Chef, Executive Chef, Senior Sous Chef, or in a similar leadership role
• Essential: Previous experience managing high-volume contract catering kitchens
• Strong leadership and people-management skills
• Experience leading large kitchen teams within a busy catering environment
• Excellent understanding of food safety, health & safety, and compliance standards
• Strong knowledge of menu planning, stock control, food costing, and kitchen management
• Commercially aware with the ability to manage budgets and deliver financial targets
• Passionate about delivering high-quality food and exceptional customer experiences
• Ability to remain calm, organised, and hands‑on in a high‑pressure environment
• Excellent communication and organisational skills
• Must have the right to work in the UK

What's on Offer

• £41,922 per annum, rising to £45,321 per annum
• Permanent position
• Prestigious central location
• Holiday entitlement
• Company benefits package (details to be discussed at interview)
• Opportunity to work within a high-profile and respected contract catering operation