Head Chef - Hemel Hempstead

Compass Group; Piccotts End; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading catering group in Hemel Hempstead is looking for a Head Chef to lead a dynamic kitchen team. The role involves creating exceptional dining experiences, shaping menus, and building strong relationships with clients. Ideal candidates will have strong culinary skills, leadership experience, and a passion for quality. This position offers a competitive salary and opportunities for professional growth.

Benefits

Culinary training pathways

Mentorship and hands-on experience

Qualifications

• Experienced Head Chef or ambitious Senior Sous Chef.
• Skilled in food costing and supplier relationships.
• Committed to delivering high-quality dining experiences.

Responsibilities

• Lead kitchen staff and ensure high standards.
• Shape and inspire menus and dining experiences.
• Build strong client and stakeholder relationships.

Skills

Culinary creativity

Leadership

Food costing

Team development

Job description

Head Chef

Location: Hemel Hempstead

Working Pattern: Monday to Friday - 7am to 3:30pm

Salary: £15.81 per hour

Are you ready to take the lead in a dynamic culinary environment where creativity, excellence, and innovation are always on the menu?

We’re on the hunt for a visionary Head Chef who lives and breathes food, someone who’s not just skilled in the kitchen but dedicated to creating exceptional dining experiences. This is more than just a cooking role; it’s an opportunity to lead, inspire, and deliver unforgettable food programmes that push boundaries and excite every palate. If you’re driven to constantly raise the bar and love developing a high-performing kitchen team that thrive on creativity and excellence, we want to hear from you.

From fuelling early risers with breakfast to delivering unforgettable hospitality experiences, your role will be as varied as it is exciting. You’ll shape menus, inspire a talented brigade of chefs, and bring next-level flavour to everything from barista-led coffee spots to corporate events.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead your kitchen like a well-seasoned pro, ensuring every plate tells a story of flavour, consistency, and character.
• Create a kitchen culture where high standards come naturally and pushing culinary boundaries is part of the daily rhythm.
• Stay sharp on food trends and forward-thinking techniques – you know what’s next before it hits the menu.
• Build strong relationships with clients and stakeholders – you speak the language of food and business.
• Deliver excellence beyond the plate by hitting key targets in quality, safety, sustainability, and cost control.

What you’ll bring to the table

• A seasoned Head Chef or ambitious Senior Sous ready to take the lead in a flavour-driven environment.
• Energised by developing talent and creating a kitchen team that thrives on excellence, efficiency, and shared success.
• At true chef at heart, committed to delivering exceptional food experiences while upholding company standards and exceeding client expectations.
• Confident balancing flavour and finance. Skilled in food costing, supplier relationships, and smart kitchen economics.
• Calm, focused, and fast on your feet, you thrive in a busy service and never compromise on quality under pressure.

Hungry for more? We also offer exciting culinary pathways for team members who want to level up. With real-time mentoring, hands-on experience, and the chance to earn recognised qualifications, it’s a delicious way to grow your skills while doing what you love.

#14Forty

For more information about careers at 14forty and our benefits please visit: Careers at 14forty

Compass Group UK&I is committed to fostering an environment where every individual can truly be themselves at work and has equal opportunities to advance in their careers. We strive to build a culture that respects and celebrates the unique talents, beliefs, backgrounds, and abilities of all our team members. We want our colleagues to feel valued, empowered to reach their full potential, and to thrive - because diversity is our strength!