Head Chef - Quality Premium Restaurant

James Webber Recruitment; Greater London; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A recruitment agency is seeking a skilled Head Chef for a quality fresh food restaurant in the West End of London. The ideal candidate will lead the kitchen, create seasonal menus, manage operations, and ensure compliance with health regulations. This role emphasizes leadership, creativity, and a strong commitment to food quality. A competitive salary is offered, providing a fantastic opportunity to excel in a well-established kitchen environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Menu autonomy

Career progression

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Head Chef or strong Senior Sous Chef ready to step up.
• Strong background in modern British or European cooking.
• Up to date food hygiene certification.

Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire the kitchen team to maintain high food quality.
• Create and refresh menus focused on seasonal ingredients.
• Manage kitchen operations including stock control and compliance with regulations.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Organizational skills

Attention to detail

Creativity

Job description

Head Chef - Quality Premium Restaurant - West End - Up To 60k + Benefits

IMMEDIATE START

Our client is seeking an experienced and passionate Head Chef to lead the kitchen of a quality fresh food restaurant in the West End of London. The successful candidate will take full ownership of the food offer, delivering consistently high standards while championing seasonal ingredients, strong supplier relationships, and a positive kitchen culture.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, manage, and inspire the kitchen team to deliver exceptional food quality and consistency
• Create, develop, and regularly refresh menus focused on fresh, seasonal, and high quality ingredients
• Ensure all dishes meet agreed standards for taste, presentation, and portion control
• Manage kitchen operations, including rota planning, ordering, stock control, and waste management
• Maintain GP targets through effective cost control and supplier negotiation
• Ensure full compliance with food safety, health and safety, and hygiene regulations at all times
• Recruit, train, and develop junior chefs, fostering a supportive and professional working environment
• Work closely with front of house and management to ensure smooth service and an excellent guest experience
• Contribute creatively to specials, events, and new concepts in line with the restaurant's vision

Skills and Experience

• Proven experience as a Head Chef or strong Senior Sous Chef ready to step up, ideally within quality fresh food or premium casual dining
• Strong background in modern British or European cooking using fresh ingredients
• Excellent leadership and communication skills
• Sound knowledge of kitchen financials, including GP, labour, and stock management
• Ability to thrive in a fast paced, high profile West End environment
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail
• Up to date food hygiene certification

Personal Attributes

• Passionate about food, quality, and seasonality
• Calm and professional under pressure
• Hands-on leader with a positive, can-do attitude
• Committed to developing people and building strong teams

What We Offer

• Competitive salary, dependent on experience
• Opportunity to lead a well-established kitchen in a prime West End location
• Creative input and menu autonomy within the brand's ethos
• Supportive ownership and management structureCareer progression within a growing business

If you are a driven Head Chef who takes pride in delivering outstanding fresh food and leading a successful kitchen, we would love to hear from you.