At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a vibrant kitchen team to create exceptional dishes and drive culinary excellence.
- Company: Join Arcade, a dynamic platform for innovative dining experiences and brand development.
- Benefits: Enjoy 50% off food, refer-a-friend bonuses, and access to wellness services.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team with exciting career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the future of hospitality while expanding successful brands globally.
- Qualifications: Proven experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef in a quality-led kitchen.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
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 our Brand Partners, you’ll help shape the future food direction of the business, supporting the development and growth of successful concepts with the ambition to expand beyond Arcade into standalone locations around the world.
Key Responsibilities
- 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 Brand Partners and senior leadership on menu development, concept evolution, and growth opportunities
- Support the continued expansion of high‑performing brands into future standalone locations
- 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
- 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 food 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.
Benefits of being part of the team
- Refer a friend bonus
- Internal wage advance facility to instantly access the wages you’ve earned
- 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 in London employer: Arcade Support Office
Arcade is an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and inclusive work culture, offering Head Chefs the opportunity to lead innovative kitchen teams in a dynamic environment. With a strong focus on employee growth, you will benefit from comprehensive training, mentorship, and the chance to shape the future of exciting culinary brands while enjoying perks like generous discounts and wellness support. Join us in our mission to create outstanding dining experiences and expand successful concepts globally.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef - Growth Brands in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with other chefs and industry professionals. Attend food festivals, culinary events, or even local meet-ups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Consider hosting a pop-up event or a tasting session to showcase your culinary creations. This not only gets your name out there but also demonstrates your passion and creativity in the kitchen.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply – engage! When you find a role that excites you, reach out directly to the hiring manager or team. A quick message expressing your enthusiasm can set you apart from the crowd and show that you’re genuinely interested in the position.
✨Tip Number 4
Keep learning and evolving! Stay updated with the latest food trends and techniques. Whether it’s through online courses or workshops, continuous improvement will make you a more attractive candidate and help you stand out in interviews.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef - Growth Brands in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food:When you're writing your application, let your love for fresh food and bold flavours shine through. Share specific examples of dishes you've created or concepts you've developed that highlight your culinary creativity and commitment to quality.
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 kitchen staff. Talk about how you've inspired your team to achieve high standards and how you handle challenges in the kitchen.
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 successful initiatives you've led. This will help us see how your background aligns with our vibrant dining destinations.
Apply Through Our Website:We want to hear from you directly! Make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves.
How to prepare for a job interview at Arcade Support Office
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with the key ingredients and dishes that Arcade is known for. Be ready to discuss how you would elevate their menu and incorporate fresh, bold flavours. This shows your passion for quality food and your understanding of what makes a dining experience exceptional.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a Head Chef, you'll be leading a team. Prepare examples of how you've inspired and developed kitchen staff in the past. Discuss your approach to training and mentoring, and how you foster a positive kitchen culture. This will demonstrate your ability to manage and motivate a high-performing team.
✨Understand Operational Excellence
Brush up on your knowledge of kitchen operations, including HACCP and food safety standards. Be prepared to talk about how you ensure compliance and efficiency in a busy kitchen. Highlight any experience you have with stock control and waste reduction initiatives, as these are crucial for maintaining profitability.
✨Stay Ahead of Food Trends
Research current food trends and be ready to share your insights during the interview. Discuss how you can bring creativity to the menu while maintaining operational discipline. This shows that you're not only passionate about food but also aware of the evolving culinary landscape.
