Lead Chef: High-Volume Fresh Kitchen

Quest Employment Ltd.; Greater London; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

Quest Employment Ltd. seeks an experienced Head Chef to lead an established kitchen during peak periods and staffing coverage. You will uphold high culinary standards, oversee service flow, and ensure smooth kitchen operations.

You will direct a kitchen brigade and temporary staff, maintain strict food safety, hygiene, and HACCP/COSHH standards, and manage stock, prep lists and wastage to meet targets.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef in fresh food / high-volume environments.
• Level 3 Food Safety in Catering (preferred) or Level 2.
• Allergen Awareness certificate.
• Own transport due to venue location.
• Reliable, adaptable, and able to hit the ground running with minimal handovers.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee daily service, ensuring food quality, presentation, and delivery meet target standards.
• Direct kitchen brigade and temporary staff effectively during busy services.
• Maintain strict food safety, hygiene, and HACCP/COSHH standards.
• Manage stock control, prep lists, and kitchen wastage.

Skills

Head Chef experience

Kitchen leadership

Food safety HACCP

Allergen awareness

Stock management

Team supervision

Education

Level 3 Food Safety in Catering

Level 2 Food Safety in Catering

Job description

Quest Employment Ltd. seeks an experienced Head Chef to lead an established kitchen during peak periods and staffing coverage. You will uphold high culinary standards, oversee service flow, and ensure smooth kitchen operations.

You will direct a kitchen brigade and temporary staff, maintain strict food safety, hygiene, and HACCP/COSHH standards, and manage stock, prep lists and wastage to meet targets.