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- Tasks: Lead a dynamic kitchen, ensuring top-notch food quality and team collaboration.
- Company: Join Company of Cooks, partnering with renowned chef Angela Hartnett at the Royal Opera House.
- Benefits: Enjoy free meals, employee discounts, and access to training and development opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape a new restaurant experience in a vibrant location while working with a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Seeking an experienced Head Chef or strong Senior Sous with a passion for seasonal cooking.
- Other info: Opportunity for mentorship from industry leaders and a supportive work culture.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 84000 £ per year.
We are Company of Cooks, and we believe brilliant food and drink starts with brilliant people. For over 25 years, we’ve been part of some of the UK’s most loved cultural destinations, from historic palaces and botanical gardens to buzzing galleries and performance spaces, running the cafés, restaurants, bars and events that bring these incredible places to life.
Our values – Craft, Creativity and Community – guide everything we do. They shape how we work together, how we support our partners, and how we make each guest feel welcome. If you care about food, people and doing things properly, you’ll feel right at home here.
Wherever we are, we do more than serve. We bring places to life through food, service and creativity and we’re looking for a Head Chef to join our team in London.
Location: Central London, W1J 7BQ
Salary: £45,000 per annum
Working Pattern: 5 over 7 days, 40 hours per week, mainly working 8am to 4:30pm however flexibility is required for evening events
About This role:
We are looking for a Head Chef to join a small, close-knit team, working across a variety of events including conferences and weddings within a contract catering environment. This role would suit a chef with experience in events and high-volume service, who is ready to step up into their first Head Chef position. We’re looking for someone hands-on, organised, and confident leading a team while delivering consistently high standards.
Key responsibilities
- To prepare and oversee all preparation of food to the highest standard
- To produce food in a timely fashion to ensure smooth service to the customers
- To ensure that all appropriate ingredients are available for the menus
- To develop and plan menus that are in line with client and customer expectations
- To be creative when menu planning and including the client and customers
- Pride yourself on food quality and hygiene standard
- Overall responsibility for managing the kitchen team
- Provide feedback and coaching on performance
- To ensure that the kitchen team have completed up to date COSSH and Food Hygiene training
What\’s in it for you?
Working with Company of Cooks has its perks! People are at the heart of everything we do, so we\’ve developed a range of benefits to keep you happy.
- Personal Development and Training opportunities
- Life assurance scheme
- Pension scheme
- Holiday allowance
- Eye care
- A great wellbeing strategy – including access to our Employee Assistance Programme, salary finance
- Access to Healthcare Support App which includes Annual health check, Digital GP, Mental Health Consultations, Nutritional Consultations, Second Medical Opinion
- Family friendly support
- A holiday purchase scheme
- Regular social events and communication with our leaders
- Volunteering days
- Recognition schemes and people awards
- Long service awards
- Access to some great high street discount vouchers
Company of Cooks officially formed part of CH&CO Catering Group Ltd in 2020.
A Honest Approach, A Passionate Team, Quietly Confident
Head Chef - London employer: Company of Cooks
Contact Detail:
Company of Cooks Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef - London
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Angela Hartnett's culinary style and philosophy. Understanding her approach to ingredient-led, Italian-rooted cooking will help you align your vision with the restaurant's concept during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your leadership skills by preparing examples of how you've successfully managed a kitchen team in high-pressure environments. Highlighting your ability to maintain calm and consistency will resonate well with the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 3
Network within the London culinary scene, especially with professionals who have worked with Company of Cooks or Angela Hartnett. Personal connections can provide valuable insights and potentially give you an edge in the application process.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your approach to seasonal cooking and sourcing quality ingredients. Being able to articulate your passion for these aspects will demonstrate your fit for the role and commitment to the restaurant's ethos.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef - London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and expectations of the Head Chef position. Familiarise yourself with Angela Hartnett's culinary style and the vision for the new restaurant.
Tailor Your CV: Craft your CV to highlight relevant experience in high-volume kitchens and leadership roles. Emphasise your skills in menu development, team management, and seasonal cooking to align with the job requirements.
Write a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for food and leadership. Share specific examples of how you've successfully managed a kitchen, developed menus, or mentored staff, showcasing your fit for this unique opportunity.
Showcase Your Culinary Philosophy: In both your CV and cover letter, convey your culinary philosophy and approach to seasonal cooking. Discuss how you prioritise quality ingredients and how you plan to create a positive team culture in the kitchen.
How to prepare for a job interview at Company of Cooks
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head Chef, strong leadership is crucial. Be prepared to discuss your previous experiences in leading a kitchen team, how you handle high-pressure situations, and your approach to mentoring junior chefs.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Seasonal Cooking
The role requires a deep respect for ingredients and seasonal cooking. Share your thoughts on sourcing local produce, your favourite seasonal dishes, and how you incorporate these into your menu planning.
✨Prepare for Menu Development Discussions
Since you'll be working closely with Angela Hartnett's team on menu development, come ready with ideas. Think about how you would create a menu that reflects the restaurant's vision while also showcasing your culinary style.
✨Emphasise Team Culture and Inclusivity
Creating a positive and inclusive team culture is key. Be ready to discuss how you foster teamwork, support your staff, and ensure everyone feels valued in the kitchen environment.