At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic kitchen team and create exceptional dishes in a vibrant corporate environment.
- Company: Join Vacherin, an award-winning hospitality team that values diversity and individuality.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, personal development, health support, and a great work-life balance.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team with excellent career growth and fun social events.
- Why this job: Make a real impact with your culinary skills while still having evenings free for yourself.
- Qualifications: Experience in leading kitchen operations and a passion for high-quality food and service.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 50000 £ per year.
At Vacherin we celebrate diversity and embrace individuality. We genuinely like the people we work with, and love coming together to reset, refresh and have fun. We empower our people through togetherness, we give them the chance to shine and unlock their potential, and they fuel our strength and growth. Are you passionate about food, drink and service, want to be part of an award-winning hospitality team - and still make it home for dinner? We are looking for a Head Chef to join our team in London.
Salary: £50,000 per annum plus Overtime
Working pattern: 40 hours per week (Monday to Friday)
Location: London, EC2V 7JD
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead kitchen operations across both retail and hospitality services within a busy corporate environment.
- Oversee food production for a staff dining operation serving approximately 300 covers across breakfast and lunch daily.
- Support hospitality delivery for meetings, events, and corporate functions while maintaining exceptional food quality and presentation.
- Manage kitchen operations within a building with a daily footfall of up to 800 people.
- Lead, motivate, and develop a team of 4 direct reports, including 2 Chefs and 2 Kitchen Porters.
- Plan and deliver high-quality, plated cuisine in a fast-paced environment.
- Manage stock, ordering, labour, and food cost control to achieve financial targets.
- Ensure all food is prepared and presented to a consistently high standard.
- Support menu development aligned with a modern, premium food offer.
- Maintain excellent food hygiene, health and safety, and compliance standards.
- Build strong relationships with the Catering Manager and wider operational team to ensure a seamless customer experience.
- Report directly to the Catering Manager and contribute to the overall success of the contract.
Our Ideal Candidate:
- Experience leading kitchen operations within workplace catering, hospitality, or premium food service environments.
- Strong understanding of both retail and hospitality catering operations.
- Commercially aware with a strong focus on food quality, customer experience, and cost control.
- Proven experience managing and developing kitchen teams.
- Comfortable operating in a busy corporate environment with varying service demands.
- Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and develop teams.
- Hands-on, proactive, and passionate about delivering exceptional food and service.
- Adaptable, organised, and confident working in a fast-paced environment.
What's in it for you:
- Personal Development and Training opportunities
- Life assurance scheme
- Pension scheme
- Holiday allowance
- Access to Healthcare Support App which includes Annual health check, Digital GP, Mental Health Consultations, Nutritional Consultations, Second Medical Opinion
- Eye care
- A great wellbeing strategy – including access to our Employee Assistance Programme, salary finance
- Family friendly support
- Regular social events and communication with our leaders
- A holiday purchase scheme
- Volunteering days
- Professional subscriptions
- Recognition schemes and people awards
- Long service awards
- Access to some great high street discount vouchers
Head Chef (Monday - Friday) in London employer: Chartwells Independent
At Vacherin, we pride ourselves on fostering a vibrant and inclusive work culture where individuality is celebrated and teamwork thrives. As a Head Chef in London, you'll enjoy a rewarding career with a competitive salary, excellent benefits, and ample opportunities for personal development, all while working Monday to Friday in a dynamic corporate environment that values your passion for food and service.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef (Monday - Friday) in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the hospitality industry. Attend events, join culinary groups, or even hit up local food festivals. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, organise a tasting event or pop-up kitchen to showcase your culinary talents. This not only gets your name out there but also gives potential employers a taste of what you can bring to their team.
✨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 you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 4
Keep it real! During interviews, be yourself and let your passion for food and service shine through. Share your experiences and how you’ve led teams in the past. Remember, they want to see the real you and how you fit into their vibrant culture!
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef (Monday - Friday) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food:When you're writing your application, let your love for food and service shine through! Share your experiences and what drives you in the kitchen. We want to see that spark!
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to match the job description. Highlight your experience in leading kitchen operations and managing teams, as these are key for us at Vacherin.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your skills and experiences are easy to read and understand. No need for fluff!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important details about the role!
How to prepare for a job interview at Chartwells Independent
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with the types of cuisine Vacherin offers. Be ready to discuss your ideas for menu development and how you can elevate their food quality. This shows your passion and understanding of their brand.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led and developed kitchen teams in the past. Highlight specific situations where you motivated your team or improved kitchen operations. This will demonstrate your ability to lead at Vacherin.
✨Understand the Corporate Environment
Familiarise yourself with the dynamics of working in a busy corporate setting. Be ready to discuss how you manage high-volume service while maintaining quality. This will show that you can handle the demands of their environment.
✨Emphasise Your Passion for Food and Service
During the interview, let your enthusiasm for food and hospitality shine through. Share stories about your culinary journey and what drives you to create exceptional dining experiences. This personal touch can set you apart from other candidates.
