Head Chef - Growth Brands

Arcade; Greater London; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Refer a friend bonus

50% off food in our restaurants

Summer and Christmas team parties

Job summary

Arcade is seeking a Head Chef for Growth Brands in Greater London to lead a high-performing kitchen team. The Head Chef will ensure exceptional food quality while managing operations efficiently and effectively. Applicants must have substantial experience in a high-volume kitchen and hold a Food Safety Level 3 qualification. The position is part of a vibrant team that values creativity and collaboration within the hospitality sector, featuring strong career growth opportunities.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef in a high-volume, quality-led kitchen.
• Strong fresh food experience with quality ingredients.
• Expert knowledge of kitchen operations and food safety.

Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire the kitchen team for outstanding food and service.
• Manage day-to-day kitchen operations for efficiency and compliance.
• Conduct regular kitchen checks, audits, and performance reviews.

Skills

Kitchen Operations

Team Management

Food Safety Knowledge

Time Management

Financial Awareness

Education

Food Safety Level 3 qualification or equivalent

Job description

About Arcade

Arcade is a collection of vibrant dining destinations and a platform for building the next generation of hospitality brands. Alongside our venues sits Arcade Create, our brand development platform. Brands developed through the platform include Manna, Solis, Hero, and many more, with successful concepts expanding beyond Arcade into standalone locations around the world.

About The Role

As Head Chef for Growth Brands, you will lead the kitchen team to deliver exceptional food quality, operational excellence, and a high-performing kitchen culture. Working closely with the Director of Growth Brands and Operations, you’ll help shape the culinary direction of the business while ensuring the kitchen operates smoothly, safely, and efficiently. Working closely with the wider management team, you will:

• Lead and inspire the kitchen team to deliver consistently outstanding food and service
• Drive high standards of food quality, presentation, and execution across every shift
• Manage day-to-day kitchen operations, ensuring efficiency, organisation, and compliance
• Recruit, train, coach, and develop kitchen team members to reach their full potential
• Ensure all HACCP, Food Safety, and Health & Safety standards are consistently upheld
• Oversee stock control, food cost, labour management, and waste reduction initiatives
• Collaborate with the Food Director on menu development and culinary direction
• Conduct regular kitchen checks, audits, and performance reviews
• Respond professionally and effectively to guest feedback relating to food quality and experience
• Support rota planning, reporting, and operational analysis to drive business performance

We’d Love To Hear From You If You

• Have proven experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef in a high-volume, quality-led kitchen
• Bring strong fresh food experience and a genuine understanding of working with quality ingredients
• Are passionate about fresh food, bold flavours, and delivering exceptional dishes consistently
• Thrive in fast-paced environments and lead calmly under pressure
• Bring expert knowledge of kitchen operations, food safety, and team management
• Hold a Food Safety Level 3 qualification or equivalent
• Are passionate about delivering exceptional food and maintaining consistently high standards
• Bring strong financial awareness, including labour control, stock management, and GP performance
• Have experience training, mentoring, and developing kitchen teams
• Stay up to date with culinary trends and bring creativity alongside operational discipline
• Are highly organised with excellent communication and leadership skills
• Bring a positive, hands‑on attitude and lead by example every day

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds.

Working At Arcade

Our teams are the most important part of our business, translating our passion for genuine hospitality to our guests every day. We are proud to work with industry-leading talent and recognise the importance of offering our teams the tools, guidance and experience necessary to build confidence and grow.

At Arcade, we’re more than just a restaurant group… We’re a collective of bold, diverse food and drink brands driven by creativity, collaboration, and a passion for hospitality. We believe in growing together, empowering our people, and creating opportunities to thrive across all areas of the business. Whether onsite, behind the scenes or head office, working at Arcade means being part of something exciting, fast‑moving, and truly unique in the hospitality industry.

Benefits Of Being Part Of The Team

• Refer a friend bonus
• Internal wage advance facility to instantly access the wages you’ve earned
• A restaurant recognition budget for Birthday goodies and career milestones
• 50% off food in our restaurants for you and your loved ones
• 50% off food in JKS restaurants within Arcade for you and your loved ones
• Hospitality Action 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year
• Summer and Christmas team parties where we all down tools and have some fun!