At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead daily kitchen operations and create innovative menus for a vibrant workplace.
- Company: Vacherin is dedicated to unique culinary experiences with a focus on social and environmental responsibility.
- Benefits: Enjoy perks like personal development, private medical, holiday purchase scheme, and regular social events.
- Why this job: Join a fun, dynamic team and make an impact through creative cooking and client relationships.
- Qualifications: Experience in kitchen management and a passion for culinary excellence are essential.
- Other info: Work in Canary Wharf with opportunities for overtime and a supportive work culture.
The predicted salary is between 44000 - 66000 Β£ per year.
Vacherin are committed to delivering deliciously different experiences, having fun, and conducting business with a social and environmental conscience. We are excited to be recruiting for an Executive Chef to work with us at a wonderful workplace site in Canary Wharf.
Location: E14 5EY
Rate of pay: Β£55,000 per annum
Working pattern: Monday - Friday, 40 hours per week + overtime available
Key responsibilities:
- Overall responsibility for daily kitchen operations, ensuring high standards in food quality, hygiene, and service across all functions.
- Liaising with suppliers and purchasing companies to manage food orders efficiently, ensuring consistency, quality, and cost control.
- Maintaining and improving profit margins through effective menu planning, portion control, waste management, and supplier negotiations.
- Designing and producing creative, seasonal menus and innovative new dishes tailored to client needs and event requirements.
- Leading, managing, training, and recruiting a brigade of 15β20 chefs and kitchen staff, including 4 sous chefs and 6 CDPs.
- Building and maintaining a strong client relationship through consistent communication, menu development collaboration, and responsive service delivery.
- Overseeing large-scale catering for up to 500 people daily (hot food buffet), as well as managing bespoke events including canapΓ© and small plate service.
What's in it for you?
- Working with Vacherin 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 β 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
- Cycle to work scheme
Vacherin officially formed part of CH&CO Catering Group Ltd in 2021.
Partnerships, Innovation, Integrity, Quality, Fun
Contact Detail:
CH&CO Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Executive Chef (City of London)
β¨Tip Number 1
Network with other chefs and culinary professionals in the City of London. Attend local food events, workshops, or culinary competitions to meet potential colleagues and industry leaders who can provide insights or even referrals for the Executive Chef position.
β¨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with Vacherin's values and mission. Understanding their commitment to social and environmental conscience will help you align your culinary philosophy with theirs, making you a more attractive candidate during interviews.
β¨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills by discussing your experience in managing kitchen teams. Prepare examples of how you've successfully trained and developed staff, as well as how you've handled high-pressure situations in large-scale catering.
β¨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on current food trends and seasonal ingredients. Being able to discuss innovative menu ideas and creative dishes during your conversations with Vacherin will demonstrate your passion and expertise as an Executive Chef.
We think you need these skills to ace Executive Chef (City of London)
Some tips for your application π«‘
Understand the Company Culture: Familiarise yourself with Vacherin's commitment to social and environmental conscience. Highlight your alignment with their values in your application, showcasing how you can contribute to their mission of delivering unique culinary experiences.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects your experience in managing kitchen operations, menu planning, and staff training. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to lead a team and maintain high standards in food quality and hygiene.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for culinary innovation and your experience in large-scale catering. Mention your approach to building client relationships and how you can enhance Vacherin's service delivery.
Showcase Relevant Achievements: Include specific achievements related to profit margin improvement, creative menu design, or successful team management. Quantify your successes where possible, such as the number of events catered or improvements in customer satisfaction.
How to prepare for a job interview at CH&CO
β¨Showcase Your Culinary Creativity
As an Executive Chef, creativity is key. Prepare to discuss your experience in designing seasonal menus and innovative dishes. Bring examples of your past work or even a portfolio to demonstrate your culinary flair.
β¨Emphasise Leadership Skills
You'll be managing a brigade of chefs, so highlight your leadership and training experience. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully led a team, resolved conflicts, or improved kitchen operations.
β¨Discuss Cost Control Strategies
Vacherin values profit margins, so come prepared to talk about your approach to cost control. Discuss your experience with menu planning, portion control, and supplier negotiations to show you can maintain quality while managing costs.
β¨Demonstrate Strong Communication Skills
Building client relationships is crucial for this role. Be prepared to discuss how you've effectively communicated with clients and suppliers in the past. Highlight any experiences where your communication skills led to successful outcomes.