Head Chef

JR United Kingdom; Slough; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A renowned hotel group in London is seeking an Executive / Head Chef to lead kitchen operations and ensure the delivery of high-quality food. The ideal candidate will possess excellent culinary skills, strong leadership abilities, and a passion for creativity. This role offers a vibrant work environment and opportunities for professional growth within a team dedicated to culinary excellence.

Benefits

28 Days Holiday pro-rata

Free meals on duty

Employee recognition

Shopping discounts

Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• Proven experience as an Executive Chef or in a similar leadership role.
• Strong culinary skills with a passion for creativity and innovation.
• Excellent leadership and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement innovative menus.
• Manage food stock levels and procurement.
• Lead, train, and inspire the kitchen team.
• Ensure kitchen staff adhere to hygiene standards.
• Collaborate with other departments for operational excellence.

Skills

Culinary skills

Team leadership

Creativity

Food safety knowledge

Budget management

Education

Level 3 Food & Safety in Catering

City & Guilds Diploma in Professional Cookery

Health & Safety Certificate

Job description

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Imperial Hotels London Group - Based at President Hotel

40 hours a week (5 days out of 7 days weekly rota)

• Are you a skilled and organised team player?
• Do you have a passion for cooking and experimenting with flavours?
• Do you thrive in a fast-paced kitchen environment whilst maintaining high standards?

If so, we’d love to hear from you!

We’re looking for a talented and dedicated Executive / Head Chef to join our Kitchen Team. As Head Chef you will be responsible for the day to day running of the kitchen to deliver consistently high quality food, meeting the demands of service so that we can deliver memorable guest experiences. You will manage a team of up to 18 staff comprising of a Sous Chef a CPD, Commis chefs & Porters. We require a born leader who knows how to delegate and bring out the best in their team, mentoring across all levels to create a great working environment so that everyone is encouraged to reach their full potential.

You will ensure the kitchen team know how to follow recipes, presentation guidelines and that all food is prepared safely and presented irresistibly, taking a hands-on approach when needed to motivate and lead from the front. With your talent for developing and designing seasonal menus, you will ensure they are costed accurately within food budget cost controls and minimal wastage, you’ll keep an eye on stock levels and ordering the right quantities, sourcing the best local ingredients.

Working in collaboration with your Hotel Manager and rest of front of house team, you’ll ensure the Kitchen team always present a professional and welcoming service, and an attitude that exceeds our guest expectations.

No two days are the same. You'll work in a vibrant, bustling kitchen where creativity and teamwork are essential to success.

Why Join Us?

Every day is different, with the opportunity to work in a busy yet supportive setting. You'll be part of a team that ensures the delivery of exceptional food quality and service, maintaining high standards of hygiene. Nestled opposite the picturesque Russell Square Gardens in the vibrant heart of Bloomsbury, the President Hotel offers an exciting workplace in the very centre of London. With 523 rooms, a lively on-site Atrium restaurant and bar, and the unforgettable Faulty Towers Dining Experience, it’s a hub of energy, entertainment, and charm.

What we’d like from you

• A talented Head Chef or Experienced Sous chef with a passion for fresh food, experienced with working in a fast-paced kitchen.
• You have a talent for creating new dishes for our menu cooking incredible food that will wow your guests.
• Create and maintain high standards for food preparation and presentation, ensuring compliance with food safety regulations.
• Oversee the delivery of freshly prepared dishes at our Atrium Bar and restaurant catering for our Interactive theatre dining experience.
• With your strong leadership experience, you recognise succession is vital and have built strong teams around you. You know how to spot, nurture and develop talent within your team.
• Experienced in controlling GP and managing your labour budget, you know your way around a P&L to achieve financial targets
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to manage the team in a calm and inspirational manner.
• Demonstrate great attention to detail with strong organisational and multi-tasking skills.
• Have a flexible approach and positive attitude, able to keep a cool head under pressure.
• Level 3 Food & Safety in Catering / City & Guilds Diploma in Professional Cookery.
• Health & Safety Certificate.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement innovative menus that reflect seasonal availability, dietary trends, and guest preferences.
• Manage food stock levels and procurement to meet operational needs and achieve budgeted food gross profit targets.
• Lead, train, and inspire the kitchen team to deliver consistently high-quality culinary experiences.
• Anticipate and exceed customer expectations through personalized service and attention to detail.
• Ensure all kitchen staff adhere to strict hygiene and safety standards, conducting regular training sessions and maintaining up-to-date records.
• Collaborate with other departments to ensure seamless operations and exceptional guest satisfaction.
• Participate in the recruitment and performance management of kitchen staff.
• Stay updated on industry trends and best practices to continually enhance our culinary offerings.

Requirements:

• Proven experience as an Executive Chef or in a similar leadership role within a reputable hotel or restaurant.
• Strong culinary skills with a passion for creativity and innovation.
• Excellent leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to motivate and develop a diverse team.
• Sound knowledge of food safety and hygiene regulations.
• Financial acumen and experience in managing budgets and achieving profitability targets.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required.

What’s in it for you?

• 28 Days Holiday pro-rata increasing with length of service up to 33 days
• Free meals on duty
• Uniform & dry-cleaning
• Employee recognition
• Employee awards
• Social events
• Interest-free Season Ticket Loan / Travelcard Loan
• 50% discount to friends and family in our hotels on hotel rooms & 20% discount in our restaurants (subject to availability)
• Local discounts at Gym, Dry Cleaners, Bowling and Restaurant outlets
• Early Pay - Instantly access a portion of the pay you’ve already earned
• Shopping discounts across several high-street brands and online retailers (via Each Person)
• Nursery Scheme via Each Person (subject to eligibility)
• Employee Assistance Programme- Supported by Hospitality Action

You can explore additional benefits here:

About Us:

With a 185-year legacy, our company combines the stability of a long-standing 7th generation family business with the innovation of a start-up. We have big plans for growth, and we need someone who shares our excitement for the future, whilst upholding our core values of positivity, care, collaboration, growth, and pride.

We are part of the Imperial London Family of Hotels, a family-run company with over 185 years of history. We’re rewriting the traditional hospitality mindset, paving the way for a fresh approach at our 8 hotels and 9 restaurants in Bloomsbury. Our purpose is to provide authentic London experiences and memorable stays to all our guests, and we believe that starts with the right team.

Are you ready to take your culinary skills to the next level and contribute to our new generation of hoteliers? Please reach out to us today!