At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the kitchen team and create exceptional Italian dishes in a vibrant setting.
- Company: Join the iconic Royal Opera House and work at Cicoria, an Italian restaurant by Angela Hartnett.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 33 days holiday, staff dining, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Enjoy a supportive environment with excellent career growth and regular social events.
- Why this job: Be part of a unique culinary experience and inspire a passionate kitchen team.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef, with a love for quality food.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 55000 £ per year.
Salary: Up to 55,000 per annum (including tronc)
Shift hours: Full Time
Set within the iconic Royal Opera House, Cicoria is an Italian restaurant and terrace bar created in partnership with Angela Hartnett. The food is seasonal, ingredient led and rooted in the clarity and restraint of Italian cooking, delivered with consistency, confidence and care.
We are looking for a Head Chef to take ownership of the Cicoria kitchen, leading restaurant service, terrace dining, pre and post theatre trade, and selected events in one of London's most unique hospitality settings. This is a role for a chef who combines strong technical standards with calm leadership and commercial grip. Someone who takes pride in doing simple things exceptionally well, every time.
The Head Chef Role
As Head Chef, you'll lead the kitchen team and deliver consistently excellent food across restaurant service, terrace dining, pre-theatre menus, post-show trade and events. You'll set the tone in the kitchen, driving high standards, leading from the front during busy services, and ensuring every plate leaves the pass with care and confidence.
You will:
- Lead, train and develop the kitchen team, creating a strong and positive culture.
- Deliver beautiful, consistent Italian food with a focus on quality ingredients and seasonality.
- Take full ownership of kitchen operations, leading services with confidence.
- Remain calm, organised and positive under pressure.
- Work closely with front of house to ensure a seamless and memorable guest experience.
- Oversee prep, ordering, stock, wastage and overall kitchen organisation.
- Manage food cost, GP and the commercial performance of the kitchen.
- Maintain excellent standards of food safety, hygiene, allergens and health & safety.
- Drive creativity across menus, terrace moments, seasonal specials and events.
- Create an environment where the team feels supported, challenged and proud of the food they produce.
We are looking for someone with strong experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef in a quality restaurant, hotel or premium hospitality environment. Experience with Italian cooking would be a real advantage, but more important is passion, personality and a genuine love of good food.
Our Head Chef Company Benefits
- Competitive salary + tronc, targeted earnings 70-75k per annum
- 33 days paid holiday
- Staff dining provided daily
- Employee dining discounts
- Access to industry events and professional development opportunities
- Central London location with excellent transport links
We also offer:
- 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
Beyond experience, we're looking for someone with warmth, pride and ambition - a chef who leads by example, inspires the team and delivers food that guests remember.
Head Chef - Royal Opera House - Full Time - London employer: Compass Group
At the Royal Opera House, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that celebrates creativity and excellence in the culinary arts. As Head Chef at Cicoria, you'll not only lead a passionate kitchen team in a stunning location but also benefit from competitive pay, extensive training opportunities, and a supportive environment that prioritises your personal and professional growth. Join us to create memorable dining experiences while enjoying a range of employee benefits, including generous holiday allowances and wellbeing initiatives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef - Royal Opera House - Full Time - 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. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Compass Group
Don't be shy about reaching out to Compass Group 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 - Royal Opera House - Full Time - 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 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
✨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!
