Head Chef - Thai Cuisine

JKS Restaurants Ltd.; City of Westminster; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 58,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Dine Out Allowance

Lunch after probation

Dining discounts

CODE App membership

Self care allowance

Gym discount

Job summary

JKS Restaurants Ltd. and Plaza Khao Gaeng are seeking a Head Chef to lead their kitchen operations with a focus on Thai/Asian cuisine. The successful candidate will have prior Head Chef experience in a quality restaurant and a passion for creative, high-quality dishes.

You will oversee the kitchen, including prep schedules, stock control, budgeting, and team management, while driving innovation and consistency in menu and service.

Qualifications

• Previous experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef in a high quality restaurant.
• Strong awareness of trends and seasonality of produce.
• A passion and knowledge of Thai or South East Asian cuisine.
• A highly creative approach to your work 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.

Responsibilities

• 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 the Group Exec Chef and 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.

Skills

Head Chef

Senior Sous Chef

Thai cuisine

Creativity

Staff management

Cost management

Health & safety

Menu costing

Job description

Salary - Up to £58,000 per year.

Schedule - Full Time.

Experience - Previous experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef within a quality restaurant. Knowledge of Thai or South East Asian cuisine is preferred.

JKS Restaurants and Plaza Khao Gaeng are seeking a Head Chef to lead their kitchen operations. The successful candidate will have a passion for Thai/Asian cuisine and have 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.

The Restaurant.

Plaza Khao Gaeng celebrates Thailand’s coast-to-jungle cooking through the tradition of khao gaeng, broadly translated as "kurry over rice". Expect a kaleidoscope of curries rich with fresh coconut milk, aromatic curry pastes and fermented seasonings, alongside searingly hot stir-fries cooled with fresh herbs - all designed for mixing, matching and sharing.

In Thailand, the most popular khao gaeng restaurants expand to fill whatever space they can. Plaza takes inspiration from one such spot in Bangkok, now spread through an old cinema, where curries sit in gleaming trays beneath a faded façade and climb the stairs to the former box office.

This is anytime comfort food: a pause from the heat, noise and movement of the street outside.

Our third Plaza Khao Gaeng opened in Covent Garden in May, turning to Thailand’s deep south - the historic borderlands of Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat and beyond.

Anchored by a large charcoal grill, the menu draws together smoke, spice and acidity in a generous, khao gaeng-style spread made for the table - our most Southern menu yet, inspired by rural kitchens.

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 the Group Exec Chef and 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.

If you have the following, then we want to hear from you.

• Previous experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef in a high quality restaurant.
• Strong awareness of trends and seasonality of produce.
• A passion and knowledge of Thai or South East Asian cuisine.
• A highly creative approach to your work 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.

Benefits.

At Chaiyo, we believe in a culture that truly backs our people. Hospitality is a people industry, and we're committed to rewarding the hard work and loyalty that makes us who we are.

Award-Winning Workplace.

Recognised as one of The Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2026.

Dining & Hospitality.

• Dine Out Allowance - Quarterly peer to peer at competitor restaurants.
• 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 for peace of mind healthcare.
• 8 free counselling sessions to support your mental wellbeing.
• Employee Assistance Program providing confidential support when you need it.
• Health, legal, money and debt support services available.

Entertainment.

• Up to 55% off cinema tickets.
• Up to 25% off UK attractions (London Eye, Thorpe Park, SEA LIFE, and more).
• Up to 15% cashback at 70+ major retailers across the UK.

Financial Support.

• Wagestream - stream a portion of your pay earlier when you need it.
• Access to financial advice to help with your financial planning.
• Company donations for your involvement with charities.

Special Occasions & Recognition.

• Wedding gift & newborn care package - celebrating your big occasions.
• Staff parties & long service awards recognising your commitment.
• Employee referral scheme - earn up to £600 per referral.
• Additional holiday for every year with us (rising to 30 days)

Experience: Required

Employment: Full-time

Salary: £50,000 – £58,000 yearly

Benefits: Employee benefits

Starting time: Immediate start!

About JKS Restaurants:

The JKS portfolio currently features 8 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 2026.