At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic kitchen team to create exceptional dishes and maintain high standards.
- Company: Join Arcade, a vibrant collection of innovative dining destinations.
- Benefits: Enjoy 50% off meals, refer-a-friend bonuses, and access to wellness services.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values creativity and collaboration.
- Why this job: Shape culinary trends and inspire a passionate team in a fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef with strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 60000 £ per year.
About Arcade: Arcade is a collection of vibrant dining destinations and a platform for building the next generation of hospitality brands. Alongside our venues sits Arcade Create, our brand development platform. Brands developed through the platform include Manna, Solis, Hero, and many more, with successful concepts expanding beyond Arcade into standalone locations around the world.
About the role: As Head Chef for Growth Brands, you will lead the kitchen team to deliver exceptional food quality, operational excellence, and a high-performing kitchen culture. Working closely with the Director of Growth Brands and Operations, you'll help shape the culinary direction of the business while ensuring the kitchen operates smoothly, safely, and efficiently.
Working closely with the wider management team, you will:
- Lead and inspire the kitchen team to deliver consistently outstanding food and service
- Drive high standards of food quality, presentation, and execution across every shift
- Manage day-to-day kitchen operations, ensuring efficiency, organisation, and compliance
- Recruit, train, coach, and develop kitchen team members to reach their full potential
- Ensure all HACCP, Food Safety, and Health & Safety standards are consistently upheld
- Oversee stock control, food cost, labour management, and waste reduction initiatives
- Collaborate with the Food Director on menu development and culinary direction
- Conduct regular kitchen checks, audits, and performance reviews
- Respond professionally and effectively to guest feedback relating to food quality and experience
- Support rota planning, reporting, and operational analysis to drive business performance
We'd love to hear from you if you:
- Have proven experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef in a high-volume, quality-led kitchen
- Bring strong fresh food experience and a genuine understanding of working with quality ingredients
- Are passionate about fresh food, bold flavours, and delivering exceptional dishes consistently
- Thrive in fast-paced environments and lead calmly under pressure
- Bring expert knowledge of kitchen operations, food safety, and team management
- Hold a Food Safety Level 3 qualification or equivalent
- Are passionate about delivering exceptional food and maintaining consistently high standards
- Bring strong financial awareness, including labour control, stock management, and GP performance
- Have experience training, mentoring, and developing kitchen teams
- Stay up to date with culinary trends and bring creativity alongside operational discipline
- Are highly organised with excellent communication and leadership skills
- Bring a positive, hands-on attitude and lead by example every day
We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds.
Working at Arcade: Our teams are the most important part of our business, translating our passion for genuine hospitality to our guests every day. We are proud to work with industry-leading talent and recognise the importance of offering our teams the tools, guidance and experience necessary to build confidence and grow. At Arcade, we're more than just a restaurant group. We're a collective of bold, diverse food and drink brands driven by creativity, collaboration, and a passion for hospitality. We believe in growing together, empowering our people, and creating opportunities to thrive across all areas of the business. Whether onsite, behind the scenes or head office, working at Arcade means being part of something exciting, fast-moving, and truly unique in the hospitality industry.
Benefits of being part of the team:
- Refer a friend bonus
- Internal wage advance facility to instantly access the wages you've earned
- A restaurant recognition budget for Birthday goodies and career milestones
- 50% off food in our restaurants for you and your loved ones
- 50% off food in JKS restaurants within Arcade for you and your loved ones
- Access to counselling, remote GP/physio services, legal advice and more through Hospitality Action 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year
- Summer and Christmas team parties where we all down tools and have some fun!
Head Chef - Growth Brands - London employer: Arcade Food Hall
Arcade is an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and inclusive work culture, where culinary creativity and operational excellence thrive. As a Head Chef in London, you will lead a passionate kitchen team, benefiting from comprehensive training and development opportunities, alongside unique perks such as generous discounts and wellness support. Join us to be part of a dynamic hospitality group that values collaboration and empowers its employees to grow and succeed.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef - Growth Brands - London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend food festivals, culinary events, or even local meet-ups. You never know who might be looking for a Head Chef or who can put in a good word for you!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, organise a tasting event or pop-up dinner to showcase your culinary creations. This not only highlights your talent but also gives potential employers a taste of what you can bring to their kitchen.
✨Tip Number 3
Research the company! Before any interview, dive deep into Arcade's brands and culinary direction. Knowing their menu and values will help you tailor your approach and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining Arcade and ready to contribute to our vibrant dining destinations.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef - Growth Brands - London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food:When writing your application, let your love for fresh ingredients and bold flavours shine through. Share specific examples of dishes you've created or experiences that highlight your culinary journey.
Highlight Your Leadership Skills:As a Head Chef, you'll be leading a team, so make sure to emphasise your experience in training and mentoring others. Talk about how you've inspired your kitchen team to achieve high standards and maintain a positive culture.
Be Specific About Your Experience:Don't just list your previous roles; dive into the details! Mention the types of kitchens you've worked in, the volume of service, and any special projects or initiatives you've led that demonstrate your operational excellence.
Apply Through Our Website:We want to hear from you directly! Make sure to submit your application through our website to ensure it reaches us. This way, we can get to know you better and see how you fit into our vibrant team at Arcade.
How to prepare for a job interview at Arcade Food Hall
✨Know Your Culinary Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your culinary knowledge, especially around fresh ingredients and bold flavours. Be ready to discuss your experience with high-volume kitchens and how you've maintained quality under pressure.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head Chef, you'll need to inspire your team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully trained and developed kitchen staff in the past. Highlight your approach to fostering a positive kitchen culture and how you handle feedback.
✨Understand the Business Side
Familiarise yourself with key financial metrics like food cost and labour management. Be prepared to discuss how you've managed these aspects in previous roles and how you can contribute to the overall performance of the kitchen.
✨Stay Current with Trends
Research the latest culinary trends and be ready to share your thoughts on them. Show your passion for creativity in menu development and how you can bring fresh ideas to Arcade's growth brands.
