At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead kitchen operations and create exceptional dishes in a vibrant corporate setting.
- Company: Join Vacherin, a diverse team that values individuality and togetherness.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, personal development, health support, and fun social events.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for growth and recognition.
- Why this job: Make an impact with your culinary skills while leading a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Experience in kitchen leadership and a passion for high-quality food 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.
We are looking for a Head Chef to join our team in London.
Location: London, EC2V 7JD
Salary: £50,000 per annum plus overtime.
Working pattern: 40 hours per week (Monday to Friday).
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.
Benefits
- 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 - London (Monday - Friday) employer: Compass Group PLC
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 will not only lead a talented kitchen team but also enjoy a range of benefits including personal development opportunities, a comprehensive wellbeing strategy, and regular social events that enhance camaraderie. With a focus on exceptional food quality and customer experience, Vacherin offers a rewarding environment for culinary professionals looking to make a meaningful impact in a dynamic corporate setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef - London (Monday - Friday)
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Compass Group PLC. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Compass Group PLC
Don't be shy about reaching out to Compass Group PLC directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef - London (Monday - Friday)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Compass Group PLC and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Compass Group PLC
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
