Head Chef (London Area)

Head Chef (London Area)

London Full-Time 43200 - 72000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a vibrant kitchen, crafting seasonal seafood and vegetable dishes with a passionate team.
  • Company: Join Company of Cooks, renowned for exceptional food and service since 1996.
  • Benefits: Enjoy perks like personal development, private medical eligibility, and a great wellbeing strategy.
  • Why this job: Be part of an exciting rooftop restaurant launch, shaping a unique food and beer experience.
  • Qualifications: Proven experience in high-quality kitchens, especially with seafood and seasonal ingredients.
  • Other info: Collaborate with a tight-knit team of senior chefs in a supportive environment.

The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.

Craft, Creativity and Community – we are Company of Cooks! These are our values, and they go far beyond corporate waffle. In fact, they set the tone for everything we do. Company of Cooks have been working with some of the UK’s most cherished venues since 1996, delighting customers and clients alike with great food and drinks, brilliant service and an absolute focus on the details that make good restaurants, cafes and bars, great ones. In October 2019 the company was brought into the CH&CO family. The completion of the deal saw Company of Cooks become the group’s go-to operators in heritage and performance venues, art galleries and destinations.

We’re looking for an experienced, passionate, and creative Head Chef to lead the kitchen of our standout seafood and vegetable restaurant in central London. With stunning views and an open, lively atmosphere, this unique restaurant will celebrate the best of British waters and the freshest seasonal produce, cooked simply and beautifully. Think oysters, day boat fish, vibrant vegetables, and clever plant-based dishes - all designed to pair perfectly with the beers brewed on-site. You’ll lead a team of 12 chefs in one of the most exciting food and drink projects in the city. This is a role for a chef who thrives in busy, high-energy environments and brings a modern, thoughtful, and clean style of cooking to the table.

The Role:

  • Lead all kitchen operations for the 5th floor restaurant, delivering consistent, high-quality food during busy daily service
  • Design and develop menus that reflect the seasons, the sea, and the land-rooted in flavour, elegance, and simplicity
  • Create dishes that pair with brewed beers, from briny oysters and grilled fish to roasted veg and fermented elements
  • Manage, train, and inspire a team of 12 chefs, setting the tone for a positive and professional kitchen culture
  • Ensure standards of consistency, cleanliness, organisation, and communication are kept high at all times
  • Work in collaboration with the Executive Chef, Head Pastry Chef, and other Head Chefs on-site as part of a cohesive leadership team
  • Manage kitchen stocks, ordering, GP, training plans, and rota efficiency.

What we're looking for:

  • Proven experience leading a high-quality, high-volume kitchen, ideally with a seafood or produce-led focus
  • Deep understanding of fish and seafood preparation, with a love for seasonal British ingredients and plant-led cooking
  • A calm, clean, and organised chef who can balance refinement with pace
  • Someone who cooks with passion and precision, flavour, taste, and product first.
  • A strong communicator and leader who builds fun, inclusive, learning-forward teams
  • Someone who’s excited by beer and food pairings and wants to help shape a restaurant with a unique point of view.

Join us and...

  • Lead a rooftop kitchen in one of London’s most exciting hospitality launches.
  • Work with exceptional produce, in a forward-thinking business
  • Help define a new style of food and beer experience
  • Be part of a tight-knit team of senior chefs with shared goals, support, and creativity

What’s in it for you?

  • Working with Company of Cooks has its perks! People are at the heart of everything we do, so we’ve developed a range of benefits to keep you happy.
  • Personal Development and Training opportunities
  • Life assurance scheme
  • Pension scheme
  • Holiday allowance
  • Private medical eligibility
  • Eye care
  • A great wellbeing strategy – including access to our Employee Assistance Programme, salary finance
  • Family friendly support
  • Regular social events and communication with our leaders
  • A holiday purchase scheme
  • Volunteering days
  • Professional subscriptions
  • Recognition schemes and people awards
  • Long service awards
  • Access to some great high street discount vouchers
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Contact Detail:

Company of Cooks Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head Chef (London Area)

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in seafood and plant-based cooking. This will not only help you during interviews but also show your passion for the role and your understanding of the restaurant's focus on seasonal British ingredients.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with other chefs and industry professionals, especially those who have experience in high-volume kitchens or seafood restaurants. Building these connections can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to recommendations.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you foster a positive kitchen culture. Think of specific examples where you've successfully managed a team, as this is crucial for the Head Chef role.

✨Tip Number 4

Research Company of Cooks and their values thoroughly. Understanding their commitment to craft, creativity, and community will allow you to align your vision with theirs, making you a more appealing candidate.

We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef (London Area)

Leadership Skills
Menu Development
Seafood Preparation
Creativity in Cooking
Team Management
Communication Skills
Organisational Skills
Attention to Detail
High-Volume Kitchen Experience
Passion for Seasonal Ingredients
Food and Beer Pairing Knowledge
Calm Under Pressure
Training and Mentoring
Cleanliness and Hygiene Standards

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Company Values: Familiarise yourself with the values of Company of Cooks, such as Craft, Creativity, and Community. Reflect these values in your application to show that you align with their ethos.

Highlight Relevant Experience: Emphasise your experience in leading high-quality kitchens, particularly with seafood or produce-led focus. Provide specific examples of your past roles and achievements that demonstrate your capability.

Showcase Your Culinary Style: Describe your cooking style and philosophy in your application. Mention how you incorporate seasonal British ingredients and your approach to menu design, especially in relation to food and beer pairings.

Demonstrate Leadership Skills: Illustrate your leadership abilities by sharing experiences where you managed and inspired a team. Highlight your communication skills and how you foster a positive kitchen culture.

How to prepare for a job interview at Company of Cooks

✨Showcase Your Passion for Seasonal Ingredients

Make sure to express your enthusiasm for using seasonal British produce during the interview. Discuss specific dishes you've created that highlight these ingredients, and how you believe they enhance the dining experience.

✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills

As a Head Chef, you'll be leading a team of 12 chefs. Be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully managed and inspired a kitchen team in the past, focusing on creating a positive and inclusive culture.

✨Discuss Your Menu Development Process

Be ready to talk about your approach to designing menus. Highlight how you incorporate flavours, simplicity, and elegance while ensuring that the dishes pair well with beers, as this is a key aspect of the restaurant's concept.

✨Prepare for High-Pressure Scenarios

Given the busy environment of a rooftop restaurant, think of examples where you've thrived under pressure. Share how you maintain organisation and cleanliness while delivering high-quality food during peak service times.

Head Chef (London Area)
Company of Cooks
Location: London
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