Head Chef (White City and Hammersmith Campus)

Imperial College London; London; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Imperial College London is seeking a passionate Head Chef for their Hospitality Department. This role involves overseeing food production across multiple campuses, maintaining quality standards, menu design, and developing a motivated team. Ideal candidates will possess strong culinary and management skills along with relevant qualifications.

Benefits

39 days’ annual leave

Generous pension schemes

Flexible working policy

On-site leisure facilities

Cycle-to-work scheme

Interest-free season ticket loan schemes

Qualifications

• Formal qualification in Catering required.
• Previous experience in a high-volume catering environment preferred.
• Ability to manage food safety and hygiene standards.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for planning and developing new dishes and menus.
• Ensure high standards of cleanliness and health & safety.
• Manage daily ordering and stock transfer.

Skills

Culinary Skills

Menu Design

Team Management

Time Management

Organizational Skills

Communication

Education

City and Guilds Certificate 706/1 and 706/2

Level 2 Food Safety in Catering

Level 3 Managing Food Safety in Catering

Job description

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Head Chef (White City and Hammersmith Campus), London

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Client:

Imperial College London

Location:

London, United Kingdom

Job Category:

Other

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EU work permit required:

Yes

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Job Reference:

6c87db1e859b

Job Views:

4

Posted:

29.06.2025

Expiry Date:

13.08.2025

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Job Description:

Are you passionate about food and customer service? Are you friendly, confident and outgoing with plenty of enthusiasm and a can-do attitude? If so, we have an excellent opportunity in our Hospitality Team predominantly based at our White City Campus.

The Hospitality Department at Imperial College London operates various cafés and restaurants located across all London Campuses and predominantly within the South Kensington, Hammersmith, and White City Campuses. The department aims to provide affordable and high-quality food and services for the Imperial community - /events-and-hospitality/catering/

We are seeking an experienced Head Chef who is passionate, consistent, reliable and enthusiastic and have an eye for detail. You will be a Chef with a passion for modern menu design, have excellent people skills and the ability to develop, train, motivate and inspire a Team. You will have the ability to design menus in line with clients’ budgets and themes and be up to date with current food trends. You will be highly organised, adaptable and able to tailor your menus to a client’s requirements.

• To be responsible for maintaining a consistent high standard of food production
• To plan and develop new dishes which reflect the diverse customer base of Imperial
• To develop and produce menus in conjunction with the needs of internal and external clients
• To be aware of seasonal ingredients to effectively plan dishes
• To undertake daily ordering and transfer of stock, ensuring all guidelines for good stock control procedures are followed
• An excellent understanding of running a kitchen and manage food wastage and portion control
• Responsible for maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness and health & safety and ensuring staff adhere to these standards
• A formal qualification in Catering - minimum of City and Guilds Certificate 706/1 and 706/2 or equivalent
• Level 2 Food Safety in Catering and Level 3 Managing Food Safety in Catering
• Previous experience of working within the Catering industry, preferably skilled in cooking business and industry style food in a high-volume environment with a fast recovery
• A complete understanding of the importance of health and safety at work and associated regulations / legislation requirements
• Ability to analyse and interpret budgetary information to ensure compliance with financial constraints
• Previous experience of supervising a Team
• Command of verbal and written English to communicate effectively and IT skills
• Tact and diplomacy to deal with people in all circumstances
• Ability to work effectively, independently and as part of a team
• Excellent organisational and planning skills
• Excellent time management, organisational and planning skills, to deal with a range of operational matters within given deadlines

If you are looking for the next stage in an already successful career, and you could be just the person we're looking for.

The role will require flexibility to work at any location across all our Campuses, and you will be required to work evenings and weekends on a 5/7 day contract to meet the business needs.

• The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to use science for humanity.
• Benefit from a sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 39 days’ annual leave and generous pension schemes).
• Access to a range of workplace benefits including a flexible working policy from day one, generous family leave packages, on-site leisure facilities and cycle-to-work scheme.
• Interest-free season ticket loan schemes for travel.
• Be part of a diverse, inclusive and collaborative work culture with various and resources to support your personal and professional