Executive chef - Restaurant in Oxford

Executive chef - Restaurant in Oxford

Oxford Full-Time 60000 - 80000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Berkeley Scott

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead culinary operations and create seasonal British menus in a premium restaurant.
  • Company: Renowned seasonal British restaurant in Central London with a focus on quality dining.
  • Benefits: 5-day work week, excellent support, and a chance for better work-life balance.
  • Other info: Opportunity to influence the culinary direction in a supportive environment.
  • Why this job: Shape innovative menus and inspire a talented kitchen team while enjoying great ingredients.
  • Qualifications: Proven experience as an Executive Chef with strong leadership and culinary skills.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.

I am seeking an exceptional Executive Chef to lead the culinary operation of a unique and highly regarded seasonal British restaurant in the heart of Central London. This is an exciting opportunity for an accomplished Executive Chef who thrives in a premium hospitality environment, combining outstanding à la carte dining with an impressive Private Dining Room operation that consistently delivers memorable guest experiences.

Alongside the restaurant, the business hosts a variety of bespoke events and hospitality functions, requiring an Executive Chef who can confidently oversee multiple catering offers while maintaining exceptional standards throughout. Working alongside an established Head Chef, a strong kitchen brigade, and a highly supportive senior management team, you will have the platform to focus on creativity, leadership, and culinary excellence. The restaurant is passionate about seasonal British produce, with herbs and leaves grown on-site, giving you the opportunity to create innovative menus that truly reflect the seasons.

This role requires an Executive Chef who can inspire teams, develop talent, and work collaboratively across the business to ensure the restaurant continues to deliver at the highest level.

Key Responsibilities
  • Lead and oversee all culinary operations across the restaurant, private dining, and events business.
  • Create and develop seasonal British menus showcasing the very best ingredients.
  • Design bespoke menus for private dining and exclusive client events.
  • Work closely with senior management to drive standards, creativity, and guest satisfaction.
  • Lead, mentor, and develop the kitchen brigade.
  • Maintain strong control of food costs, labour, and kitchen profitability.
  • Ensure the highest standards of food safety, compliance, and kitchen operations.
  • Oversee multiple catering offers while maintaining consistency and quality.
The Ideal Candidate
  • Proven experience as an Executive Chef or Senior Head Chef within a quality-led hospitality business.
  • Exceptional craft skills and a genuine passion for seasonal British cuisine.
  • Creative and innovative approach to menu development.
  • Strong leadership skills with experience managing and developing large teams.
  • Commercially aware with a solid understanding of cost control and budgeting.
  • Excellent knowledge of food safety and compliance.
  • Experience delivering restaurant dining alongside events and private dining operations.
The Offer
  • 5-day operation across a 6-day trading week (closed Sundays).
  • Some evening work required.
  • Excellent support structure with an established management and kitchen team.
  • High-quality ingredients, including produce grown on-site.
  • Opportunity to shape menus and influence the culinary direction of the business.
  • A genuine chance to achieve a better work-life balance than many Executive Chef roles while working in a premium food-led environment.

If you're currently working long hours and looking for a role that offers a healthier balance without compromising on quality, creativity, or ambition, this could be the perfect opportunity for an ambitious Executive Chef seeking their next challenge.

Great ingredients. Great people. Great food.

Executive chef - Restaurant in Oxford employer: Berkeley Scott

Join a prestigious seasonal British restaurant in Central London, where you will lead a talented kitchen brigade in crafting innovative menus that celebrate the finest local produce. With a strong emphasis on work-life balance and a supportive management team, this role offers exceptional opportunities for personal and professional growth in a vibrant culinary environment. Experience the joy of creating memorable dining experiences while enjoying a collaborative culture that values creativity and excellence.

Berkeley Scott

Contact Details:

Berkeley Scott Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Executive chef - Restaurant in Oxford

Tip Number 1

Get your CV and application in ASAP! With so many candidates vying for the Executive Chef role, being quick off the mark can really set you apart. We recommend applying through our website to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves.

Tip Number 2

Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts or attend culinary events to make connections. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.

Tip Number 3

Showcase your creativity! When you get the chance to interview, be ready to discuss your innovative menu ideas and how you can elevate the restaurant's offerings. We love seeing chefs who are passionate about seasonal British cuisine and can think outside the box.

Tip Number 4

Prepare for a practical test! Many top restaurants will want to see your skills in action. Brush up on your techniques and be ready to impress with your culinary prowess. We believe that showing your talent can speak volumes more than just words.

We think you need these skills to ace Executive chef - Restaurant in Oxford

Culinary Operations Management
Menu Development
Leadership Skills
Team Development
Food Safety Compliance
Cost Control
Budgeting

Some tips for your application 🫡

Get Your CV Spot On:Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your experience as an Executive Chef. Focus on your achievements in previous roles, especially those that showcase your creativity and leadership in a premium hospitality environment.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your passion for seasonal British cuisine and how you can bring innovative ideas to the table. Don’t forget to mention your experience with private dining and events!

Showcase Your Culinary Creativity:In your application, consider including examples of seasonal menus you've created or unique dishes that reflect your style. This will give us a taste of your culinary vision and how you can contribute to our restaurant's identity.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and get you in the running for this exciting opportunity!

How to prepare for a job interview at Berkeley Scott

Know Your Seasonal Ingredients

Make sure to brush up on seasonal British produce and how it influences your menu creations. Being able to discuss specific ingredients and their sourcing will show your passion for the role and align with the restaurant's ethos.

Showcase Your Leadership Style

Prepare to talk about your experience in leading kitchen teams. Share examples of how you've mentored staff and fostered a collaborative environment, as this role requires strong leadership skills to inspire and develop the kitchen brigade.

Demonstrate Creativity in Menu Development

Think about innovative menu ideas that reflect seasonal changes. Be ready to present a few concepts during the interview, showcasing your ability to create bespoke menus for private dining and events while maintaining high standards.

Understand Cost Control and Profitability

Brush up on your knowledge of food costs and budgeting. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve successfully managed kitchen profitability in previous roles, as this is crucial for maintaining the restaurant's exceptional standards.