Head Chef – Creative Menu Leader & Team Mentor (Mon-Fri)

The Genuine Dining Co.; Greater London; On-site; GBP 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

The Genuine Dining Co. is seeking an experienced Head Chef to lead culinary operations at a brand new contract in Central London.

This full-time role runs Monday to Friday, delivering exceptional menus, food safety, and staff leadership. You will design menus reflecting trends, manage food costs and inventory, supervise kitchen teams, and maintain HACCP compliance to uphold the highest standards of quality across all dishes.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5+ years of professional culinary experience in a high-volume kitchen environment.
• Proven leadership experience managing and developing kitchen teams of varying sizes.
• Advanced knowledge of culinary techniques, food preparation methods, and international cuisines.
• Strong understanding of food safety standards, HACCP principles, and health and hygiene regulations.
• Proficiency with kitchen management software and inventory control systems.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.
• Detail-oriented approach to quality control and consistency.
• Strong analytical skills for cost management and menu optimization.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with front-of-house staff and management.
• Food Safety Level 2 certification or equivalent (preferred).
• Experience with POS systems and kitchen technology (preferred).

Responsibilities

• Develop, design, and execute creative menus that reflect current culinary trends while meeting organizational objectives and customer preferences.
• Oversee all kitchen operations, ensuring efficient workflow and adherence to food safety and hygiene standards.
• Supervise, train, and mentor kitchen staff, fostering a collaborative and professional work environment.
• Manage food costs, inventory, and supplier relationships to optimize profitability without compromising quality.
• Maintain detailed records of food preparation, portion control, and nutritional information.
• Conduct regular quality assurance checks on all dishes and food preparation processes.
• Ensure compliance with all health and safety regulations, including HACCP protocols.
• Collaborate with management on menu pricing, seasonal offerings, and special events.
• Monitor kitchen equipment maintenance and coordinate repairs or replacements as needed.
• Analyze kitchen performance metrics and implement improvements to enhance efficiency and consistency.

Skills

Leadership

Menu development

Food safety

Cost management

Staff training

Quality control

Communication

HACCP

Tools

Kitchen management software

Inventory software

POS systems

Job description

The Genuine Dining Co. is seeking an experienced Head Chef to lead culinary operations at a brand new contract in Central London.

This full-time role runs Monday to Friday, delivering exceptional menus, food safety, and staff leadership. You will design menus reflecting trends, manage food costs and inventory, supervise kitchen teams, and maintain HACCP compliance to uphold the highest standards of quality across all dishes.