Head Chef - New Opening - Thai Cuisine

JKS Restaurants; City Of London; On-site; GBP 52,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious restaurant group in London is seeking an experienced Head Chef for a new opening. Responsibilities include leading the kitchen to deliver innovative dishes and managing overall kitchen operations. The ideal candidate has significant experience and a passion for Asian cuisine. This role offers a competitive salary along with various employee benefits.

Benefits

Dine Out Allowance

Discounted gym membership

Self-care salary

Up to 50% off dining

Access to early pay

Qualifications

• Previous experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef in a high-quality restaurant.
• Strong awareness of trends and seasonality of produce.
• Creative approach with excellent attention to detail.
• Proven ability to manage, train, and motivate a kitchen team.
• Experience in managing staff costs and scheduling.
• Knowledge of health and safety procedures.

Responsibilities

• Lead the kitchen to deliver high quality, innovative dishes.
• Contributor to menu development with the Chef Director.
• Manage overall kitchen operations including stock control.
• Oversee day-to-day management of the kitchen team.

Skills

Kitchen management

Menu development

Team leadership

Financial management

Health and safety compliance

Job description

Overview

JKS Restaurants and Plaza Khao Gaeng are seeking a Head Chef to lead their Kitchen in a brand new opening in central London. The successful candidate will have a passion for Asian cuisine and previous experience as a Head Chef. This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced Head Chef looking for a new role in an award winning, critically acclaimed group. Plaza Khao Gaeng is a Southern Thai restaurant, a celebration of the coast to jungle cuisine. It’s a kaleidoscope of curries thick with fresh coconut milk and aromatic curry pastes, fermented fish for depth, and searingly hot stir fries with cooling herbs alongside.

The Position: As Head Chef, you will be responsible for ensuring the delivery of consistent, high quality and innovative dishes and specials; you will play a key role in menu development, working closely with our Chef Director. You will manage the overall kitchen operation, including prep schedules, stock control, budgeting and maintenance, as well as the day to day management of the kitchen team.

Responsibilities

• Lead the kitchen to deliver high quality, innovative dishes and specials.
• Play a key role in menu development in collaboration with the Chef Director.
• Manage overall kitchen operations, including prep schedules, stock control, budgeting and maintenance.
• Oversee day-to-day management of the kitchen team.

Qualifications

• Previous experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef in a high-quality restaurant (experience in Thai cuisine is desirable but not essential).
• Strong awareness of trends and seasonality of produce.
• A highly creative approach with excellent attention to detail.
• Proven ability to manage, train and motivate a kitchen brigade.
• Experience in managing staff costs, scheduling and reviewing staff rotas.
• Strengths in finances, purchasing and menu costing.
• A working knowledge of health and safety, compliance and procedures.

Experience & Language

• Experience: Required
• Languages: English – Advanced
• Employment: Full-time
• Salary: £52,000 – £55,000 yearly

Benefits

• Dining & Hospitality
  • Dine Out Allowance
  • Lunch for 2 after probation
  • Up to 50% off dining across JKS restaurants
  • CODE App membership – Discount at some of the UK's best restaurants
• Health & Wellness
  • Self care salary – £1,200 additional salary to spend on your self care
  • Discounted gym membership with up to 25% off at 4,000+ venues across the UK
  • 24/7 Doctor & prescription services
  • 8 free counselling sessions
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Health, legal, money and debt support services available
• Entertainment
  • Up to 55% off cinema tickets
  • Up to 25% off UK attractions
  • Up to 15% cashback at 70+ major retailers
• Financial Support
  • Wagestream – access to pay earlier
  • Access to financial advice
  • Company donations for charitable involvement
• Special Occasions & Recognition
  • Wedding gift & newborn care package
  • Staff parties & long service awards
  • Employee referral scheme – earn up to £600 per referral
  • Additional holiday for every year with us (rising to 30 days)

About JKS Restaurants: The JKS portfolio currently features 7 Michelin stars, 4 Michelin Bib Gourmands, a restaurant ranked among the World’s 100 Best Restaurants, and a spot in the Sunday Times Best 100 Places to Work 2024.