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- Tasks: Lead a dynamic culinary team, creating innovative menus and ensuring top-notch service.
- Company: Join a leading global investment bank known for exceptional workplace dining experiences.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days holiday, food allowances, and bespoke training opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a supportive culture that values growth, diversity, and your passion for hospitality.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Head Chef in a high-volume kitchen is essential; strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: We celebrate equality and inclusion, welcoming all motivated individuals to apply.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
We are looking for a Head Chef to lead our amazing retail Culinary team, at a leading global investment bank in Central London. We are looking for an individual who has a real passion for the Hospitality and food industry, is keen to be collaborative and takes pride in their work. Every interaction is an opportunity to create a lasting impression, and we are looking for a talented individual who strives to exceed expectations at every turn.
We are a leading business in the catering industry, known for our innovative and obsessed approach, exceptional service, and authentic and delicious culinary offerings. We pride ourselves on delivering memorable workplace dining experiences across multiple locations, catering to a diverse clientele. Our team is passionate about food and dedicated to providing top-notch service.
As a member of the team, you will have access to a supportive and inclusive work environment that encourages growth and celebrates diversity. Investing in your development and providing ongoing training to ensure that you have the skills and knowledge to thrive in your role whilst being dedicated to ensuring your work-life balance thus enabling you to pursue your passion for hospitality while also taking care of yourself.
Job Description:- Support Culinary Lead in the Drive for innovation and trends.
- Take responsibility for the smooth and efficient running of Retail Kitchen area.
- Support and mentor the sous chefs, assist in the planning, preparation, cooking and presentation of seasonally changing menus to the standards required by the company and the client.
- Lead the safe supervision of all food production preparation, cooking and presentation, ensuring the reputation of food quality is always maintained.
- Lead food innovation and concept development, marketing and implementation.
- Ensure food production, standards, costs and menu planning are carried out in a timely fashion.
- Ensure that clients are given a prompt and efficient service, and expectations are consistently exceeded, oversee all food tastings, presentations and food samplings, guiding the kitchen team in all new menu implementations.
- Enhance the company's reputation for excellent food and service with the client and customers.
- Assist in producing weekly, monthly and quarterly reports on service analysis and marketing effectiveness as required.
- Take full responsibility of the costings of the weekly menus and work towards (and hopefully exceeding) budget and achieving financial targets/forecasts.
- Hold regular 1-1s and appraisals, providing constructive feedback. Monitor development and make recommendations for succession planning.
- Ensure the whole team are knowledgeable and motivated in their roles and the business through effective induction, accurate job descriptions and on the job training.
- Ensure all H&S bases audits are passed in accordance with GS policy and act on any shortfalls.
- Ensure due diligence records are completed accurately and on time and filed for future reference.
- Ensure that the location meets statutory and company requirements in Health and Safety, Food Safety and environmental legislation and procedures.
- Have experience within a similar Head Chef position, ideally within a Contract Catering environment.
- Be comfortable with running a kitchen that delivers 3000+ covers every day.
- Be very proactive and organised with the daily operation of running a kitchen.
- Have previous experience with being client facing, and comfortable with communicating with stakeholders of all levels.
- Previous experience with controlling cost prices for menus, ensuring that set targets of gross profit margins are hit.
- Have a strong passion for food, and delivering incredible food, but at high volumes.
- Be confident with all Food, Health and Safety legislation, requirements and policies/procedures.
- Have experience with leading and motivating a big team, including Kitchen Porters, Commis, CDPs and Sous Chefs.
For almost 20 years, for every client, in every location (whether that’s an office, stadium, cathedral or university), we have created beautiful spaces, exciting menus and friendly teams, so that each and every customer can have the hospitality experience they deserve. We need the brightest and the best to join us to make this all possible. We will support you to create your hospitality legacy and build a career that you are proud of.
Our drive and belief in our people means that we always strive to supercharge our team’s careers. 'Better' is a daily habit that sits deep within our DNA, meaning learning will be front and centre of your experience working with us. Join us, and be part of the food revolution!
Benefits:- 28 Days holiday including bank holidays, which increases with service.
- Plus your birthday off.
- Food allowance to use whilst on shift, to ensure you are well nourished during the working day.
- 3 volunteering days.
- 3 days grandparent leave.
- 24 weeks’ enhanced maternity leave.
- Secondary carer leave.
- Wedding/commitment day leave.
- Bespoke training and development opportunities.
- Apprenticeships opportunities for all experience levels.
- Pension and life insurance.
- Discounts available on our HAPI app; high street shops, holidays & cinema.
- Wellbeing hub.
- Access to employee assistance programme.
- Cycle to work scheme.
Interested? Even if you don’t meet all requirements, we like to hear from you. If you are motivated and hungry to learn, we can work together to develop your potential. We are committed to encouraging equality, diversity, and inclusion among our workforce. The aim is for our workforce to be truly representative of all sections of society and our customers, and for each team member to feel respected and able to give their best. And to support our commitment to this we have set ourselves an ED&I (Equity, Diversity and Inclusion) ambition to 'set the standard and to be recognised for having the most inclusive culture in hospitality'.
Head Chef - Retail employer: WSH Group
Contact Detail:
WSH Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef - Retail
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the hospitality and catering industry. Attend culinary events, workshops, or local food festivals to meet potential colleagues and employers. Building relationships can give you insights into job openings and company culture.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your passion for food and innovation by sharing your culinary creations on social media or a personal blog. This not only highlights your skills but also demonstrates your commitment to staying current with food trends, which is crucial for a Head Chef role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with high-volume kitchen operations during interviews. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully managed large teams and maintained quality under pressure, as this is key for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Familiarise yourself with the company's values and mission. Understanding their approach to hospitality and food service will help you align your answers during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef - Retail
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in the culinary field, especially in high-volume environments. Emphasise your leadership skills and any previous roles that involved mentoring or managing a team.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for the hospitality industry and your commitment to delivering exceptional service. Mention specific examples of how you've exceeded expectations in past roles and how you can contribute to the company's innovative approach.
Showcase Your Culinary Skills: If possible, include a portfolio of your work or a list of signature dishes you’ve created. This can help demonstrate your creativity and ability to innovate in the kitchen, which is crucial for this role.
Highlight Your Understanding of Food Safety: Given the importance of health and safety in this role, make sure to mention your knowledge of food safety legislation and any relevant certifications. This will show that you are proactive about maintaining high standards in the kitchen.
How to prepare for a job interview at WSH Group
✨Show Your Passion for Food
Make sure to express your genuine love for the culinary arts during the interview. Share specific examples of how you've innovated in the kitchen or created memorable dining experiences, as this aligns with the company's focus on exceptional service and authentic offerings.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a Head Chef, you'll be leading a team. Be prepared to discuss your experience in mentoring and motivating kitchen staff. Highlight any successful initiatives you've implemented that improved team performance or morale.
✨Understand the Business Side
Familiarise yourself with cost control and menu pricing strategies. Be ready to discuss how you've managed budgets in previous roles and how you plan to exceed financial targets in this position.
✨Prepare for Client Interaction
Since the role involves client-facing responsibilities, think of examples where you've successfully communicated with stakeholders. Show that you can maintain professionalism while exceeding client expectations, which is crucial for this role.
