Head Chef Contract Catering

ETAB-RECRUITS LIMITED; London; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company seeks a Head Chef to lead their kitchen team in London. This role focuses on inspiring culinary excellence, managing operations, and driving innovation through menu development and refurbishment planning. The ideal candidate is a creative leader with strong financial acumen and a proactive approach to kitchen management.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a senior kitchen role.
• Strong leadership skills to inspire and motivate.
• Up-to-date knowledge of food trends.

Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire a kitchen team towards culinary excellence.
• Oversee all aspects of kitchen operations, ensuring quality and compliance.
• Drive profitability through effective food costing and budget oversight.

Skills

Creativity

Leadership

Menu Innovation

Financial Acumen

Job description

What You’ll Be Doing

As Head Chef, you will lead and inspire a dynamic kitchen team, driving culinary excellence and supporting the financial performance of the business. You’ll take full ownership of daily operations and play a key role in shaping future developments, including an exciting new kitchen refurbishment and innovative service launches.

Key Responsibilities

• Team Leadership: Manage and develop a talented brigade including a Sous Chef, Chef de Partie, and Kitchen Porter, cultivating a collaborative and high-performance culture.

• Kitchen Operations: Oversee all aspects of kitchen operations, from daily service to bespoke events, ensuring quality, consistency, and compliance.

• Refurbishment Planning: Contribute expertise to the upcoming kitchen refurbishment (scheduled for January), ensuring the new space supports innovation and operational flow.

• Menu Development: Create and refresh seasonal menus aligned with food trends and customer expectations.

• New Service Launches: Lead the development of a new “In Studios” concept, including room service and delivery-style options.

• Food Quality & Standards: Maintain exceptional standards in food presentation, portion control, and consistency.

• Innovation & Creativity: Bring fresh ideas to the table—this is a blank canvas role ideal for someone who thrives on innovation.

• Compliance: Ensure all health & safety and food hygiene regulations are met.

• Financial Management: Drive profitability through effective food costing, GP management, and budget oversight.

• Event Delivery: Take ownership of all kitchen aspects of event delivery, working closely with our Central Production Unit when needed.

• Cross-Department Collaboration: Partner with other teams to ensure seamless service during high-profile and large-scale events.

What We’re Looking For

• A creative and passionate chef with proven experience in a senior kitchen role.

• Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire and motivate others.

• Up-to-date knowledge of food trends and a flair for menu innovation.

• Solid financial acumen, with a clear understanding of GP, stock control, and cost management.

• A hands-on leader who embraces change and thrives in a fast-paced, evolving environment.