At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a kitchen, inspire your team, and deliver exceptional food experiences.
- Company: Arcade, where innovative food brands meet operational excellence.
- Benefits: 50% off food, refer-a-friend bonus, and access to wellness services.
- Other info: Join a diverse team and enjoy summer and Christmas parties!
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment with exciting chef-led concepts.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Senior Sous Chef or similar role in high-volume hospitality.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
About Arcade
Arcade incubates and scales exciting food brands in partnership with talented chefs and creators. We're redefining modern hospitality by combining entrepreneurial food concepts with operational excellence and high-volume delivery. With multiple brands operating under one roof, Arcade offers a fast-paced, dynamic environment where ambitious hospitality professionals can make a real impact.
About The Role
We're excited to open applications for our Brand Lead Chef opportunities across four of our Arcade brands: Hero, Pablos, Solis, and Gracey's Pizza at Covent Garden. As a Brand Lead Chef, you will take ownership of one dedicated brand, becoming the driving force behind its day‑to‑day success. Whether leading Hero, Pablo's, Solis, or Gracey's Pizza, you'll run your kitchen like it's your own business, lead a small team, champion product quality, and deliver strong commercial performance. This role is perfect for a commercially minded chef who thrives in a high‑volume environment and wants to play a key role in the success of one of Arcade's exciting chef‑led concepts.
Responsibilities
- Deliver exceptional food quality and consistency in every service
- Lead and inspire a small team, creating a positive and accountable kitchen culture
- Drive weekly and monthly sales targets while identifying opportunities to maximise revenue
- Manage labour budgets effectively through smart scheduling and team deployment
- Control food costs, stock levels, ordering, and waste to deliver strong profitability
- Ensure full compliance with food safety, health & safety, and hygiene standards
- Work closely with the Site Operations Manager to drive performance and solve challenges quickly
Qualifications
- Bring proven experience as a Senior Sous Chef, Head Chef, Kitchen Manager, Brand Lead Chef, or similar leadership role within a high‑volume hospitality environment
- Take real pride in product quality and consistently deliver exceptional food experiences
- Run your kitchen with an ownership mindset and understand the importance of commercial performance
- Have a strong understanding of sales, labour, food cost, and stock management
- Know how to balance operational excellence with delivering an outstanding guest experience
- Have experience leading, motivating, and developing small kitchen teams
- Bring excellent organisational and problem‑solving skills and perform well under pressure
- Maintain high standards of food safety, compliance, and operational discipline
We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds.
Benefits
- 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!
Brand Lead Chef - Arcade employer: Arcade
Arcade is an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and dynamic work culture, perfect for ambitious hospitality professionals looking to make a significant impact. With a focus on employee growth, we offer unique benefits such as a refer-a-friend bonus, access to wellness services, and generous discounts at our restaurants, all within the bustling environment of Covent Garden. Join us to lead one of our exciting chef-led brands and thrive in a fast-paced setting where your culinary expertise and leadership will shine.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Brand Lead Chef - Arcade
✨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 Arcade. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Arcade
Don't be shy about reaching out to Arcade 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 Brand Lead Chef - Arcade
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 Arcade 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 Arcade
✨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!
