Head Chef

Compass Group UK & Ireland; Uxbridge; On-site; GBP 43,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading catering company in Uxbridge is seeking a Head Chef to lead a new culinary venture. You will oversee kitchen setup, develop a distinctive fine dining menu, and build a passionate kitchen team. Ideal candidates will have experience in high-end restaurants and excellent leadership skills. Benefits include free meals, gym membership, and career development programs.

Benefits

Free meals

Onsite free car parking

Subsidised gym membership

Contributory pension scheme

Digital GP and healthcare benefits

Exclusive travel discounts

Discounts on grocery shopping

Cinema ticket discounts

Cash rewards

Wellness classes

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Head Chef in high-end restaurants, luxury hotels, or premium contract catering.
• Experience in site mobilisation or launching new culinary operations.
• Passionate about innovation, sustainability, and delivering memorable food experiences.

Responsibilities

• Lead the culinary setup of the new site including kitchen design input and equipment specification.
• Develop and implement a distinctive, seasonal fine dining menu.
• Collaborate with senior stakeholders to align food concepts with brand values and client expectations.
• Recruit, train, and inspire a passionate kitchen brigade.

Skills

Leadership

Fine dining techniques

Communication

Team-building

Job description

Head Chef – Exciting New Contract Catering Launch – Uxbridge

£43,270 per annum | 40 hours per week | Monday to Friday

Are you a visionary culinary leader ready to shape the food identity of a prestigious new contract catering site at a global headquarters in Uxbridge? This is a rare opportunity to lead the culinary launch of a brand-new location, delivering an elevated plated service that blends fine dining, modern restaurant flair, and theatrical presentation.

About the Role

As Head Chef, you will spearhead the full mobilisation of the kitchen—from design and equipment specification to supplier selection. You’ll craft a compelling, seasonal menu that reflects fine dining standards and modern culinary trends, while building and mentoring a high-performing kitchen team. Your leadership will ensure exceptional quality, creativity, and consistency across all culinary operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the culinary setup of the new site including kitchen design input and equipment specification
• Develop and implement a distinctive, seasonal fine dining menu
• Collaborate with senior stakeholders to align food concepts with brand values and client expectations
• Recruit, train, and inspire a passionate kitchen brigade, fostering a culture of excellence and innovation
• Implement structured training and development plans to grow internal talent
• Ensure flawless plated service with attention to detail and guest experience
• Maintain rigorous food safety, hygiene, and compliance standards
• Manage kitchen budgets, stock control, and supplier relationships efficiently
• Act as a culinary ambassador through client and guest engagement, delivering live cooking and theatrical dining experiences

Ideal Candidate

• Proven experience as a Head Chef in high-end restaurants, luxury hotels, or premium contract catering
• Strong background in plated service and fine dining techniques
• Experience in site mobilisation or launching new culinary operations
• Inspirational leader with excellent communication and team-building skills
• Passionate about innovation, sustainability, and delivering memorable food experiences

If you’re ready to lead a unique culinary venture and leave your mark on a prestigious new site in Uxbridge, we want to hear from you!

Benefits

• Free meals
• Onsite free car parking
• Subsidised gym membership
• Contributory pension scheme
• Grow your career with our Career Pathways and MyLearning programmes
• Quick access for you and your immediate family to a Digital GP, and wider healthcare benefits
• Exclusive travel discounts with TUI, Expedia, Booking.com and many more
• Save money on your food shop with discounts on Tesco, Sainsbury's, Morrisons and many more
• Up to 44% off cinema tickets to enjoy your favourite blockbuster
• Receive cash rewards every time you spend and use them on a wide range of brands
• Un-wind with us with free wellness, mindfulness and exercise classes
• You can share all discounts and offers with your friends and families