At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a talented kitchen team and create exceptional, innovative menus.
- Company: Join a prestigious hospitality operation in the heart of St Paul’s, London.
- Benefits: Enjoy a Monday–Friday schedule, competitive salary, and exclusive discounts.
- Other info: Access career development opportunities and a supportive team culture.
- Why this job: Make your culinary mark in a high-profile environment with creative freedom.
- Qualifications: Proven experience as a Head Chef or ambitious Senior Sous Chef.
The predicted salary is between 28575 - 34925 £ per year.
Job Description
Hospitality Head Chef | St Paul’s, London
Ready to make your mark in a high-profile culinary environment?
Join us as Head Chef and lead an exciting hospitality operation where creativity, quality and outstanding food are at the heart of everything we do.
Working hours: Monday–Friday, 7:00am–3:30pm (40 hours per week), with additional overtime available and weekends off!
The opportunity
We’re looking for an ambitious, passionate Head Chef to lead a high-profile corporate hospitality operation in the heart of St Paul’s, London.
This is an exciting opportunity to take ownership of a busy, premium food operation, delivering exceptional food and service while leading and developing a talented team of 9 chefs.
The operation includes 30 private hospitality rooms, breakfast and à la carte dining, seasonal hot and cold buffets, conference and events catering for up to 250 guests, and a rooftop terrace.
You’ll have the opportunity to showcase your creativity, develop innovative menus and deliver restaurant-quality food at scale.
Key responsibilities
- Lead the kitchen operation, ensuring exceptional food quality, consistency and presentation.
- Develop seasonal menus, oversee menu costing and drive culinary innovation.
- Manage, motivate and develop the kitchen team, building a positive, high-performing culture.
- Take ownership of food purchasing, stock control, labour costs and waste management.
- Maintain the highest standards of food safety, hygiene and compliance.
- Work closely with the Executive Chef and wider hospitality team to deliver an outstanding dining experiences.
- Drive continuous improvement across food quality, operational efficiency and commercial performance.
About you
- Proven experience as a Head Chef within premium corporate hospitality, high-end hotels, restaurants or contract catering.
- Ideally, two to three years’ experience at Head Chef level, or an ambitious Senior Sous Chef ready to step up.
- Experience delivering high-volume food to exceptional standards, with a fine dining or Michelin-starred background advantageous.
- Strong leadership, menu development and commercial management skills.
- Excellent attention to detail, creativity and a passion for seasonal food.
- A hands‑on approach with the ability to inspire a team and thrive in a fast-paced environment.
Why join us?
- Lead a prestigious, high‑profile corporate hospitality operation.
- Work with an established and talented culinary team.
- Enjoy a Monday–Friday working pattern.
- Make your mark through menu innovation and culinary excellence.
- Access opportunities for career development and progression within the business.
We ensure you're rewarded for all your hard work, which is why we offer a comprehensive benefits package which includes but is not limited to:
Benefits
- Contributory pension scheme
- Grow your career with our Career Pathways and My Learning programmes
- Quick access for you and your immediate family to a Digital GP, and wider healthcare benefits
- Exclusive travel discounts with TUI, Expedia, Booking. com and many more
- Save money on your food shop with discounts on Tesco, Sainsbury's, Morrisons and many more
- Up to 44% off cinema tickets to enjoy your favourite blockbuster
- Receive cash rewards every time you spend and use them on a wide range of brands
- Un-wind with us with free wellness, mindfulness and exercise classes
- You can share all discounts and offers with your friends and families
About Us
Restaurant Associates provides brilliant hospitality through our food, drink and services.
We work with our partners and collaborate with our clients to achieve great things together.
Every day, our teams of passionate hospitality professionals strive for excellence in delivering employee dining and hospitality to some of the UK's leading workplace as well as inspiring exceptional experiences in iconic cultural and heritage destinations.
- Job Reference
- Job
Reference: com/1111/G77101/ /R/SU #RAGroup Compass Group UK&I is committed to fostering an environment where every individual can truly be themselves at work and has equal opportunities to advance in their careers.
We strive to build a culture that respects and celebrates the unique talents, beliefs, backgrounds, and abilities of all our team members.
We want our colleagues to feel valued, empowered to reach their full potential, and to thrive - because diversity is our strength!
Hospitality Head Chef in London employer: Compass Group UK&I
As a Chef Manager in our corporate environment, you will thrive in a supportive and dynamic workplace that values creativity and innovation in food services. We offer competitive salaries, a Monday to Friday schedule for work-life balance, and ample opportunities for professional growth within our culinary team. Join us to be part of a culture that celebrates excellence and fosters your passion for culinary arts.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Hospitality Head Chef in London
✨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 UK&I. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Compass Group UK&I
Don't be shy about reaching out to Compass Group UK&I 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 Hospitality Head Chef in London
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 UK&I 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 UK&I
✨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!
