At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a creative kitchen team and deliver exceptional food for events.
- Company: Dynamic contract catering company with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, and a vibrant work environment.
- Why this job: Make your mark by creating stunning dishes and leading a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef in large-scale food service.
- Other info: Join us for a rewarding culinary journey with endless opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are seeking an experienced and inspiring Head Chef to lead our kitchen team and oversee all aspects of food production within our busy contract catering and events operation. This is a hands-on role for a creative, organised, and commercially aware chef who thrives on delivering exceptional food and service standards.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead, motivate, and develop the kitchen team to deliver consistently high standards of food and presentation.
- Oversee the planning, production, and delivery of menus for daily service, hospitality, and bespoke events.
- Drive menu innovation using fresh, seasonal ingredients while meeting client expectations and dietary requirements.
- Manage kitchen budgets, stock levels, and ordering to achieve agreed gross profit (GP) and cost targets.
- Ensure full compliance with HACCP, COSHH, and all health & safety and food hygiene regulations.
- Work collaboratively with front-of-house and management teams to deliver a seamless catering experience.
- Support recruitment, training, and performance management within the kitchen team.
- Maintain high levels of organisation, cleanliness, and efficiency across all kitchen operations.
About You
- Proven experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef within contract catering, hospitality, or large-scale food service.
- Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to inspire and develop your team.
- Excellent understanding of financial management, stock control, and achieving GP targets.
- Passionate about creating fresh, seasonal, and beautifully presented dishes.
- Flexible, proactive, and able to adapt to changing operational demands.
If you are a dynamic Head Chef who takes pride in leading a team and producing outstanding food, we would love to hear from you.
Head Chef in City of London employer: AJ Group Services Ltd
Contact Detail:
AJ Group Services Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef in City of London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow chefs, suppliers, and industry contacts. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a Head Chef position or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your culinary creativity! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share your innovative menu ideas and how you’ve used fresh, seasonal ingredients in past roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared for practical assessments! Many places will want to see your skills in action, so brush up on your cooking techniques and be ready to whip up some stunning dishes on the spot.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed and shows you’re serious about joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef in City of London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food: When writing your application, let your love for cooking and creativity shine through. Share your experiences with fresh, seasonal ingredients and how you’ve innovated menus in the past. We want to see your personality and passion for food!
Highlight Your Leadership Skills: As a Head Chef, leading a team is key. Make sure to include examples of how you've motivated and developed your kitchen staff. We’re looking for someone who can inspire others, so don’t hold back on showcasing your leadership style!
Be Clear About Your Experience: Detail your relevant experience in contract catering or large-scale food service. We want to know about your previous roles, especially if you’ve managed budgets and stock levels. Be specific about your achievements and how they relate to our needs.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at AJ Group Services Ltd
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head Chef, your ability to lead and inspire a team is crucial. Prepare examples of how you've motivated your kitchen staff in the past, perhaps through training or mentoring. Be ready to discuss specific situations where your leadership made a difference in food quality or team morale.
✨Demonstrate Menu Innovation
Since the role involves driving menu innovation, come prepared with ideas for seasonal dishes or unique concepts that align with client expectations. You might even want to bring a sample menu or two to discuss during the interview, showcasing your creativity and understanding of current food trends.
✨Know Your Numbers
Financial management is key in this role, so brush up on your knowledge of kitchen budgets and stock control. Be ready to talk about how you've successfully managed costs in previous positions and how you plan to achieve gross profit targets in this new role.
✨Emphasise Compliance and Safety
Understanding HACCP, COSHH, and health & safety regulations is non-negotiable. Prepare to discuss how you've ensured compliance in your previous kitchens and any systems you've implemented to maintain high hygiene standards. This will show your commitment to safety and quality in food production.