At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a creative kitchen team, preparing diverse dishes for a bustling environment.
- Company: Vacherin celebrates diversity and fosters a fun, empowering workplace.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, personal development, health support, and holiday purchase scheme.
- Other info: Enjoy regular social events and excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Join us to innovate in food and hospitality while making a real impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in retail or catering, strong leadership, and a passion for food.
The predicted salary is between 51500 - 51500 £ 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, giving them the chance to shine and unlock their potential, fueling our strength and growth.
Location: Central London
Salary: £51,500 per annum
Working pattern: Monday-Friday, 40 hours per week (7am to 3:30pm)
About the role
We’re looking for an ambitious and creative Retail Head Chef to lead our kitchen team in London. You will oversee a team of five, preparing food across a salad bar, Grab & Go, hot mains, and a staff restaurant serving an average of 500 covers per day (breakfast and lunch), as well as two pop‑ups per week.
Key Responsibilities
- Ensure consistency, quality, and presentation of all dishes across daily service and events.
- Maintain strict food hygiene and safety standards (HACCP compliance).
- Conduct regular stock takes, manage inventory, and maintain kitchen equipment.
- Monitor food costs, minimise waste, and control the kitchen budget.
- Liaise with suppliers, place orders, and ensure the quality of delivered products.
- Represent the kitchen during client tastings and presentations.
- Collaborate with management on seasonal menu updates and special events.
- Lead the kitchen team, coaching and supporting staff while ensuring up‑to‑date training and performance feedback.
- Plan and develop menus that delight clients and customers, and manage smooth daily service.
Our Ideal Candidate
- Experience in retail, contract catering, or hotels with banqueting.
- Strong leadership and communication skills.
- A passion for innovation in food and hospitality.
What's in it for you?
- Personal development and training opportunities.
- Life assurance scheme.
- Pension scheme.
- Holiday allowance.
- Access to healthcare support app (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 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.
Retail Head Chef (Monday-Friday) employer: Compass Group PLC
At Vacherin, we pride ourselves on fostering a vibrant and inclusive work culture where creativity and individuality are celebrated. As a Retail Head Chef in Central London, you will not only lead a dynamic kitchen team but also enjoy a wealth of personal development opportunities, a supportive wellbeing strategy, and a range of benefits that enhance your work-life balance. Join us to unlock your potential in a role that combines culinary innovation with meaningful teamwork.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Retail Head Chef (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 Retail Head Chef (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!
