Head Chef — Lead High-Volume Pub Kitchen & Menu Innovation

TipTopJob; Greater London; On-site; GBP 68,000 - 83,000; Full time

Job summary

TipTopJob is seeking an experienced Head Chef in East London to lead a busy kitchen at a prominent pub serving 200–300+ covers on weekends. You will own menu development, mentor a large team and drive high standards across peak services and events.

The role offers real ownership of the kitchen, ongoing menu evolution, and opportunities to shape the operation as the business expands. GBP 75,000 salary with growth potential.

Qualifications

• Proof of Head Chef experience in a busy pub/restaurant or similar.
• Experience managing 200+ covers on a day.
• Strong track record with fresh, quality-led menus.
• Proven ability to develop and evolve menus.
• Understanding of food trends, seasonality and commercial menu development.
• Ability to lead a sizeable kitchen team.
• Strong commercial understanding including GP, labour and stock control.
• Remain organised and calm during peak services.
• Excellent standards of food quality, consistency and presentation.
• Strong recruitment, training and people management skills.
• Experience delivering large events, weddings and private functions would be highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead, develop and motivate a large kitchen team.
• Manage 200–300+ covers on busy weekend days.
• Run a high-volume, fresh food operation.
• Own menu development and evolution of the food offering.
• Create seasonal menus and specials.
• Balance quality, creativity and commerciality in dishes.
• Maintain quality and consistency during peak service.
• Manage GP, labour and stock control.
• Oversee ordering, stock control and supplier relationships.
• Maintain kitchen systems, organisation and food safety.
• Recruitment and training of the team.
• Collaborate with wider management team.
• Plan and deliver large-scale events.
• Support weddings and private functions.
• Help shape the food operation as the business grows.

Skills

Head Chef experience

High-volume environment

Menu development

Team leadership

Food safety

Budget & GP

Stock control

Quality food

Job description

TipTopJob is seeking an experienced Head Chef in East London to lead a busy kitchen at a prominent pub serving 200–300+ covers on weekends. You will own menu development, mentor a large team and drive high standards across peak services and events.

The role offers real ownership of the kitchen, ongoing menu evolution, and opportunities to shape the operation as the business expands. GBP 75,000 salary with growth potential.