At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic kitchen team and create high-quality, fresh food experiences.
- Company: Join a growing B&I catering operation in a professional environment.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, and the chance to showcase your culinary creativity.
- Other info: Opportunity for career progression and to work closely with clients.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a high-quality workplace catering environment.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef with strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 50000 £ per year.
We are recruiting for an experienced and passionate Head Chef to join an established and growing Business & Industry (B&I) catering operation. This is an exciting opportunity for a hands-on, commercially focused chef to take responsibility for the day-to-day running of the kitchen, delivering fresh, high-quality food and an exceptional hospitality experience to staff and clients.
The successful candidate will have a strong background in B&I, contract catering, corporate hospitality or high-volume food service, with the leadership skills and commercial awareness to manage a busy kitchen operation while maintaining consistently high standards.
You will be responsible for leading, motivating and developing the kitchen team, managing food costs and ensuring an efficient, well-organised operation.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage the kitchen team, creating a positive and professional working environment
- Take full responsibility for the day-to-day running of the kitchen
- Deliver fresh, high-quality food across breakfast, lunch, hospitality and events
- Plan menus and food production in line with client expectations and customer demand
- Ensure consistently high standards of food quality, presentation and service
- Manage stock levels, purchasing, ordering and supplier relationships
- Monitor and control food costs, labour costs and wastage
- Ensure all food safety, hygiene and health & safety standards are fully maintained
- Complete all relevant HACCP, due diligence and allergen documentation
- Train, develop and motivate the kitchen team
- Manage rotas and ensure appropriate staffing levels across the operation
- Work closely with the client, management and front-of-house teams to deliver an outstanding service
- Respond positively to customer feedback and continually look for ways to improve the food offer
- Maintain excellent standards of cleanliness, organisation and kitchen presentation
- Remain hands-on and lead by example during busy service periods
- Support hospitality, meetings and special events when required
About You
We are looking for a confident and experienced Head Chef who enjoys working in a professional B&I environment and takes pride in delivering excellent food and service.
You will ideally have:
- Previous experience as a Head Chef, Executive Chef or Senior Sous Chef
- Strong experience within B&I, contract catering, corporate hospitality or high-volume food service
- Proven experience leading, developing and motivating a kitchen team
- Excellent knowledge of fresh food preparation and modern catering techniques
- Experience producing high-quality food in volume
- Strong commercial awareness, including food cost, GP, stock control and wastage
- Excellent knowledge of food safety, HACCP and allergen management
- Strong organisational and time-management skills
- A professional and customer-focused approach
- The ability to build strong relationships with clients and customers
- A calm, hands-on and supportive leadership style
- A genuine passion for food, hospitality and delivering consistently high standards
Whats on Offer?
£50,000 per annum
Permanant, full-time position
Opportunity to join an established and growing B&I catering operation
Professional working environment
Opportunity to work closely with an established client and management team
The chance to lead, develop and shape the kitchen operation
Career development and progression opportunities
A varied food offer with opportunities to showcase your creativity and culinary skills
If you are an experienced Head Chef with a strong B&I or contract catering background and are looking for an opportunity where you can lead a team, develop a food offer and make a real impact within a high-quality workplace catering environment, we would love to hear from you.
Head Chef in London employer: Altura Recruitment Limited
Altura Recruitment is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that values professionalism and enthusiasm in the hospitality sector. With opportunities to develop skills in a luxurious environment and the flexibility to pick up shifts at various prestigious locations, employees can enjoy a rewarding career while ensuring memorable experiences for guests. The commitment to excellence and employee growth makes Altura Recruitment a standout choice for those passionate about delivering top-notch service.
Contact Details:
Altura Recruitment Limited Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef in London
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Altura Recruitment Limited. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Altura Recruitment Limited
Don't be shy about reaching out to Altura Recruitment Limited directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Altura Recruitment Limited and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Altura Recruitment Limited
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
