At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a new fine dining Thai restaurant and create exceptional dishes.
- Company: Join Chaiyo, a vibrant new venture in partnership with JKS Restaurants.
- Benefits: Enjoy discounts, gym memberships, and a personalised development plan.
- Other info: Opportunities for career progression in a collaborative hospitality group.
- Why this job: Be part of London's exciting culinary scene and shape a restaurant's identity.
- Qualifications: Experience as an Executive Chef or Head Chef, preferably at Michelin Star level.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 90000 £ per year.
Salary - up to £90,000 per annum
Schedule - Full Time
Experience - Previous experience in fine dining.
Chaiyo Restaurants, in partnership with JKS Restaurants, is seeking a talented and passionate Executive Chef to lead an extraordinary new chapter: a landmark fine dining Thai restaurant opening in Central London. If you're ready to be part of one of the most exciting new openings in London's culinary scene, working alongside a world-class team committed to delivering exceptional food and genuine Thai hospitality at the very highest level, we want to hear from you.
Chaiyo was born from Chef Luke Farrell's near two-decade love affair with Thailand, its food, its spirit, and its people. Chaiyo has built a reputation for restaurants that carry the true soul of Thai life into the heart of London. Each venue is an expression of a culture Luke has called home, celebrated through vibrant food, warm hospitality, and an infectious passion for sharing it all. Central to Chaiyo's ethos is Luke's Ryewater Nursery in Dorset, where a growing collection of tropical greenhouses supplies the restaurants with the brilliantly fresh herbs and aromatics that are essential to genuine Thai cooking.
As Executive Chef, you will be the culinary heartbeat of this exciting new venture. You will be responsible for the delivery of consistent, innovative, and technically exceptional dishes across the entire operation, playing a pivotal role in menu development and shaping the culinary identity of the restaurant from the ground up. You will manage all kitchen operations and provide clear, inspiring leadership to your brigade.
If you have the following, we want to hear from you:
- Previous experience as an Executive Chef or Head Chef in a quality restaurant, preferably at Michelin Star level
- A deep understanding and genuine passion for Thai cuisine, its regional diversity, and its cultural significance
- Strong awareness of culinary trends, ingredient seasonality, and provenance
- A highly creative approach to your work with exceptional attention to detail
- Proven ability to manage, train, and motivate a kitchen brigade to perform at the very highest level
- Experience managing staff costs, scheduling, and reviewing rotas
- Strengths in finance, purchasing, and menu costing
- A thorough working knowledge of health and safety, compliance, and procedures
This is a very exciting opportunity not to be missed for a talented Executive Chef eager to join a restaurant group with ambitious plans.
Benefits & Culture
Our team is 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. We encourage you to bring your whole self to work and celebrate the skills and characteristics that make you unique. Your commitment to be kind and work hard comes with a range of benefits such as:
- Treat Yourself Monthly JKS Dining Out Allowance
- Up to 50% off dining across JKS Restaurants
- Retail & Takeaway Discounts
- Code App Membership
- Company tech scheme
- Look After Yourself Discounted Gym Membership
- Wagestream - stream your pay earlier
- Company Donations for your involvement with Charities
- Cycle to work Scheme
- Employee Assistance Program
- Enhanced Maternity/Paternity Leave
- Access to Financial Advice
- Wedding Gift & New-born Care Package - Celebrating your big occasions
- Season Ticket Loan
- Progress Yourself Access to our fantastic L&D Calendar
- A personalised learning & development plan to develop your skills and knowledge
- Career progression with a fast-growing, critically acclaimed restaurant group.
- Be Yourself Additional holiday for every year with us (rising to 30 days)
- Employee referral scheme - paying up to £600 per referral
- Staff parties & long service awards
The Group JKS Restaurants was founded by siblings Jyotin, Karam and Sunaina Sethi in November 2008. The group has received critical acclaim and industry recognition since its inception, including 8 Michelin stars, 4 Michelin Bib Gourmands. The JKS portfolio currently includes Michelin Starred restaurants Trishna, Gymkhana, Kitchen Table, Sabor, Legado and Ambassadors Clubhouse; as well as cult favourites Hoppers, Brigadiers, Berenjak, Plaza Khao Gaeng, Speedboat Bar and Bibi. JKS Restaurants offers a unique chance to either pursue a career in fine dining or develop within casual trend focused cuisine, with opportunities across all disciplines for those looking to progress their careers within a people focused, collaborative hospitality group.
Executive Chef - New Opening employer: Chaiyo
Chaiyo Restaurants, in partnership with JKS Restaurants, offers an exceptional opportunity for an Executive Chef to lead a landmark fine dining Thai restaurant in Central London. With a strong commitment to quality and a vibrant work culture, employees benefit from extensive learning and development opportunities, generous dining discounts, and a supportive environment that celebrates individuality and career progression. Join a passionate team dedicated to delivering outstanding culinary experiences while enjoying a range of employee benefits that enhance both personal and professional growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive Chef - New Opening
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend culinary events, food festivals, or even local chef meet-ups. It's all about making connections and getting your name out there in the industry.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Consider hosting a pop-up event or a tasting menu at a local venue. This not only showcases your culinary talents but also gives potential employers a taste of what you can bring to their kitchen.
✨Tip Number 3
Get social! Use platforms like Instagram to share your culinary creations and engage with other chefs and foodies. It’s a great way to build your personal brand and attract attention from restaurant groups like ours.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing passionate chefs who are eager to join our team. Make sure to highlight your unique experiences and what excites you about working with us at Chaiyo.
We think you need these skills to ace Executive Chef - New Opening
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Thai Cuisine:When you're writing your application, let your love for Thai food shine through! Share any experiences or dishes that have inspired you, and show us how you can bring that passion to our new restaurant.
Highlight Your Leadership Skills:As an Executive Chef, you'll be leading a team, so make sure to emphasise your leadership experience. Talk about how you've motivated and trained your brigade in the past, and how you plan to inspire them at Chaiyo.
Be Creative with Your Menu Ideas:We want to hear your innovative ideas for our menu! Include a few concepts or dishes that reflect your culinary style and understanding of Thai cuisine. This is your chance to showcase your creativity!
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It's the best way for us to receive your details and get to know you better. We can't wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Chaiyo
✨Know Your Thai Cuisine
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Thai cuisine, especially its regional diversity and cultural significance. Be prepared to discuss your favourite dishes and how you would incorporate authentic flavours into the menu.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As an Executive Chef, you'll need to inspire your kitchen brigade. Think about examples from your past where you've successfully managed a team, trained staff, or resolved conflicts. Highlight your leadership style and how it aligns with creating a positive kitchen environment.
✨Demonstrate Your Creativity
Prepare to share your innovative ideas for menu development. Think outside the box and be ready to discuss how you would create technically exceptional dishes that reflect the restaurant's vision. Bring along any previous menus or concepts you've developed as examples.
✨Understand the Business Side
Familiarise yourself with the financial aspects of running a kitchen, such as cost management and menu pricing. Be ready to discuss how you would handle budgeting and purchasing, as well as your approach to maintaining high standards while managing costs.
