At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic kitchen team to create high-quality dishes for corporate catering.
- Company: Growing catering company in South West London with a focus on quality and innovation.
- Benefits: £25 per hour, stable daytime hours, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Join a passionate team and enjoy excellent work-life balance.
- Why this job: Perfect for chefs who love structured hours and want to make an impact in catering.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef in high-volume catering.
The predicted salary is between 52000 - 52000 £ per year.
We are looking for a talented and experienced Head Chef to lead the kitchen operations of a growing catering company supplying high-quality hot food, canapés, salads, and corporate catering to offices and local businesses across South West London. This is an excellent opportunity for a chef who enjoys structured daytime hours, thrives in a fast‑paced production environment, and takes pride in delivering consistently high standards.
The Role
As Head Chef, you will oversee the daily production and service within a busy catering kitchen, leading an experienced brigade to deliver fresh, high‑quality food for corporate clients and events. The menu offering includes:
- South Asian‑inspired hot dishes
- British classics such as lasagne and traditional comfort food
- Fresh salads and healthy lunch options
- Canapés, buffets, and working lunches for office hospitality and events
You will be responsible for ensuring smooth kitchen operations, maintaining quality and consistency, and meeting daily production deadlines.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead, motivate, and develop the kitchen team
- Oversee all food preparation and production
- Prepare and cook a variety of South Asian‑inspired dishes and British classics
- Ensure food quality, consistency, and presentation standards are maintained
- Manage kitchen prep, ordering, stock control, and daily production schedules
- Maintain excellent food hygiene and health & safety standards
- Work closely with management to support business growth and client satisfaction
- Ensure all orders are delivered accurately and on time
About You
- Previous experience as a Head Chef or strong Senior Sous Chef within a production kitchen or high-volume catering environment or contract catering
- Strong organisational and leadership skills
- Comfortable working in a fast‑paced kitchen with multiple daily deadlines
- Experience with both modern Asian flavours and classic British cuisine
- Passionate about quality food and efficient kitchen operations
- Reliable, hands‑on, and proactive in leading a team
Working Hours
This is a full‑time, hourly paid role offering an excellent work‑life balance. Shift Patterns:
- 5:00am – 1:00pm
- 5:00am – 2:00pm
Predominantly Monday to Friday, with occasional flexibility required depending on business needs. Must be able to drive.
Pay & Benefits
- £25 per hour
- Full‑time hours
- Daytime shifts only
- Stable Monday–Friday schedule
- Opportunity to join a growing and ambitious catering business
- Supportive and experienced team environment
Kellan Group (including all of our brands, Berkeley Scott and Xpress Recruitment) are committed to promoting equal opportunities to people regardless of age, gender, religion, belief, race, sexuality or disability. We operate as an employment agency and employment business.
Daytime Head Chef – Lead High-Volume Catering (Mon–Fri) employer: Berkeley Scott
Join a dynamic and growing catering company in South West London as a Daytime Head Chef, where you will enjoy structured daytime hours and a supportive team environment. With a focus on high-quality food production and employee development, this role offers an excellent work-life balance and the opportunity to lead a talented brigade in delivering exceptional culinary experiences for corporate clients. Embrace your passion for both South Asian and British cuisine while contributing to a business that values quality, consistency, and client satisfaction.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Daytime Head Chef – Lead High-Volume Catering (Mon–Fri)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow chefs, catering professionals, and even local businesses. 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! If you can, create a portfolio of your best dishes or even host a tasting event. This gives potential employers a taste of what you can bring to their kitchen.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings. Reach out directly to catering companies you admire and express your interest. A personal touch can make all the difference.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for talented chefs like you. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people.
We think you need these skills to ace Daytime Head Chef – Lead High-Volume Catering (Mon–Fri)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience:When you're writing your application, make sure to highlight your previous experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef. We want to see how you've led teams and managed high-volume catering operations, so don’t hold back!
Be Specific About Your Skills:Mention your skills in preparing both South Asian-inspired dishes and British classics. We love a chef who can juggle different cuisines, so let us know how you’ve done this in the past!
Keep It Professional Yet Personal:While we appreciate professionalism, we also want to get a sense of your personality. Share a bit about what drives your passion for cooking and leading a team. A personal touch can really make your application stand out!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Berkeley Scott
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Make sure you’re familiar with the types of dishes mentioned in the job description, especially South Asian-inspired hot dishes and British classics. Be ready to discuss your experience with these cuisines and how you would approach creating new menu items.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head Chef, you'll need to lead a team effectively. Prepare examples of how you've motivated and developed kitchen staff in the past. Think about specific challenges you've faced and how you overcame them while maintaining a positive team environment.
✨Demonstrate Your Organisational Prowess
This role requires strong organisational skills, so be prepared to talk about how you manage kitchen prep, stock control, and production schedules. Share any systems or processes you’ve implemented to ensure smooth operations in a high-volume setting.
✨Emphasise Food Safety and Hygiene Knowledge
Food hygiene and health & safety standards are crucial in a catering environment. Brush up on relevant regulations and be ready to discuss how you ensure compliance in your kitchen. Highlight any certifications you have that demonstrate your commitment to food safety.
