Head Chef- New Opening

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

Job summary

Join Company of Cooks as a Head Chef at a new rooftop restaurant in Covent Garden. Lead a talented team in a vibrant kitchen, showcase seasonal British produce, and craft unique culinary experiences. This role offers exciting opportunities for creativity and development in a high-energy environment.

Benefits

Personal Development and Training opportunities

Life assurance scheme

Pension scheme

Holiday allowance

Private medical eligibility

Eye care

Wellbeing strategy with Employee Assistance Programme

Family friendly support

Regular social events

Holiday purchase scheme

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading a high-quality, high-volume kitchen.
• Deep understanding of fish and seafood preparation.
• A calm, clean, and organised chef who can balance refinement with pace.

Responsibilities

• Lead all kitchen operations for high-quality food service.
• Design and develop seasonal menus reflective of British ingredients.
• Manage, train, and inspire a team of 12 chefs.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Time Management

Creativity

Attention to Detail

Job description

Craft, Creativity and Community - we are Company of Cooks! These are our values, and they go far beyond corporate waffle. In fact, they set the tone for everything we do. Company of Cooks have been working with some of the UK's most cherished venues since 1996, delighting customers and clients alike with great food and drinks, brilliant service and an absolute focus on the details that make good restaurants, cafes and bars, great ones. In October 2019 the company was brought into the CH&CO family. The completion of the deal saw Company of Cooks become the group's go-to operators in heritage and performance venues, art galleries and destinations. We are excited to be recruiting for a Head Chef for a new opening.

Job Title: Head Chef

Location: Rooftop Restaurant - Covent Garden

Reports To: Executive Chef

Team: 12 Chefs

Overview We're looking for an experienced, passionate, and creative Head Chef to lead the kitchen of our standout seafood and vegetable restaurant in central London.

With stunning views and an open, lively atmosphere, this unique restaurant will celebrate the best of British waters and the freshest seasonal produce, cooked simply and beautifully. Think oysters, day boat fish, vibrant vegetables, and clever plant-based dishes - all designed to pair perfectly with the beers brewed on-site.

You'll lead a team of 12 chefs in one of the most exciting food and drink projects in the city. This is a role for a chef who thrives in busy, high-energy environments and brings a modern, thoughtful, and clean style of cooking to the table.

The Role:

• Lead all kitchen operations for the 5th floor restaurant, delivering consistent, high-quality food during busy daily service
• Design and develop menus that reflect the seasons, the sea, and the land-rooted in flavour, elegance, and simplicity
• Create dishes that pair with brewed beers, from briny oysters and grilled fish to roasted veg and fermented elements
• Manage, train, and inspire a team of 12 chefs, setting the tone for a positive and professional kitchen culture
• Ensure standards of consistency, cleanliness, organisation, and communication are kept high at all times
• Work in collaboration with the Executive Chef, Head Pastry Chef, and other Head Chefs on-site as part of a cohesive leadership team
• Manage kitchen stocks, ordering, GP, training plans, and rota efficiency.

What were looking for:

• Proven experience leading a high-quality, high-volume kitchen, ideally with a seafood or produce-led focus
• Deep understanding of fish and seafood preparation, with a love for seasonal British ingredients and plant-led cooking
• A calm, clean, and organised chef who can balance refinement with pace
• Someone who cooks with passion and precision, flavour, taste, and product first.
• A strong communicator and leader who builds fun, inclusive, learning-forward teams
• Someone who's excited by beer and food pairings and wants to help shape a restaurant with a unique point of view.

Join us and...

• Lead a rooftop kitchen in one of London's most exciting hospitality launches.
• Work with exceptional produce, in a forward-thinking business
• Help define a new style of food and beer experience
• Be part of a tight-knit team of senior chefs with shared goals, support, and creativity

What's in it for you?

Working with Company of Cooks has its perks! People are at the heart of everything we do, so we've developed a range of benefits to keep you happy.

• Personal Development and Training opportunities

• Life assurance scheme
• Pension scheme
• Holiday allowance
• Private medical eligibility
• Eye care
• A great wellbeing strategy - including access to our Employee Assistance Programme, salary finance
• Family friendly support
• Regular social events and communication with our leaders
• A holiday purchase scheme
• Volunteering days
• Professional subscriptions
• Recognition schemes and people awards
• Long service awards
• Access to some great high street discount vouchers