Lead Chef - Menu Innovator & Kitchen Coach

AWD online; Greater London; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

AWD online is seeking a hands-on Chef to lead a busy kitchen in Central London, shaping menus, standards and service for clients, VIP guests, groups and conferences.

You'll work closely with Head Chef, manage food preparation, supplier ordering and cost control, while coaching junior staff and fostering teamwork to deliver timely, high-quality meals across breakfast, lunch and dinner services.

Qualifications

• Strong practical cooking and food presentation capability.
• Ability to maintain high standards of food quality, hygiene and kitchen safety.
• Ability to support menu planning, recipe development and menu pricing.
• Organised approach to supplier ordering, inventory, stock and waste control.
• Ability to coordinate kitchen schedules and staffing requirements.
• Confidence training and supporting junior kitchen staff.
• Collaborative approach when working with the Head Chef and wider food and beverage teams.

Responsibilities

• Menu Planning and Development: Collaborate with the Head Chef and F&B and C&B management teams to plan, develop and source recipes and menus
• Food Preparation and Service: Prepare, cook and present breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, room service and other meals for clients, including VIP guests, groups and conference delegates
• Quality and Presentation: Maintain consistently high standards of food quality, taste and presentation and ensure appropriate menu variety
• Service Standards: Ensure meals are served in a timely and professional manner and maintain kitchen standards and procedures
• Supplier Ordering and Cost Control: Maintain supplier contact and price details, support ordering and manage quality and cost‑control considerations when the Head Chef is absent
• Menu Pricing: Assist with menu pricing, considering ingredients, labour and overhead costs
• Scheduling and Staffing: Help determine kitchen schedules and staffing requirements to support timely service
• Training and Team Development: Identify training needs, deliver training and support the development of junior kitchen staff
• Stock and Waste Control: Assist with stock and waste control and maintain appropriate kitchen inventory levels
• Equipment and Safety: Help ensure kitchen equipment is in good working order and complies with safety standards
• Teamwork and Standards: Promote teamwork and maintain appropriate standards of conduct, dress, hygiene, uniforms and appearance across kitchen staff

Skills

Cooking skills

Food presentation

Hygiene and safety

Menu planning

Staff training

Stock control

Team collaboration

Job description

AWD online is seeking a hands-on Chef to lead a busy kitchen in Central London, shaping menus, standards and service for clients, VIP guests, groups and conferences.

You'll work closely with Head Chef, manage food preparation, supplier ordering and cost control, while coaching junior staff and fostering teamwork to deliver timely, high-quality meals across breakfast, lunch and dinner services.