At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic kitchen team to create exceptional culinary experiences for high-profile events.
- Company: Join Convene Hospitality Group, a leader in creating memorable gatherings and experiences.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, creative environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Hands-on role with a focus on innovation, sustainability, and team development.
- Why this job: Be part of London's exciting new event venue and shape its culinary identity.
- Qualifications: 5-8 years of culinary leadership experience in high-volume settings required.
The predicted salary is between 49500 - 60500 £ per year.
Please note: candidate must currently reside in the UK and be able to work in the UK without sponsorship.
Convene Hospitality Group (CHG) operates a global portfolio of lifestyle brands focused on creating places and experiences that bring people together. The company designs, develops, and operates hospitality-driven destinations to host gatherings of all kinds, ranging from small corporate meetings to immersive brand activations and beyond. We love bringing people together in person, and that passion for great experiences extends to our employees as well. If you're interested in creating inspiring moments of connection, consider joining our team.
About Convene Rathbone
Located in the heart of London's iconic West End, Convene Rathbone is set to open in Spring 2027 as one of the city's most anticipated new Meetings & Events destinations. The 54,000-square-foot venue at One Rathbone Square will combine Convene's signature hospitality with industry-leading production capabilities to create a new standard for experiential events. Purpose-built for immersive experiences, the venue will support everything from high-profile conferences and brand showcases to luxury receptions and bespoke gatherings, bringing together advanced production technology with exceptional event delivery and meaningful human connection.
As a member of our opening leadership team, you'll play a key role in shaping the culture, guest experience, and long-term success of one of London's most exciting new event venues.
About the Role:
The Head Chef is the operational heartbeat of the Rathbone kitchen. Reporting to the Executive Chef, this role brings our culinary vision to life by leading the kitchen brigade, upholding exceptional food safety and quality standards, and driving culinary excellence across the venue's high-profile event spaces. This is a hands‑on leadership role for a chef who can inspire a talented team, elevate every service, and set the standard for exceptional food and hospitality at Rathbone.
Food Vision
As a key guardian of our culinary identity, you will champion our six core values: Modern, Seasonal, Generous, Innovative, Sustainable, and Commercial. You will ensure that every plate served, whether for an intimate lunch or a large-scale conference, delivers artisan quality and high-impact flavours that go beyond standard hospitality expectations.
What You'll Do:
- Culinary Operations & Service Delivery
Oversee daily kitchen operations, ensuring seamless execution across all outlets and event spaces. Work alongside the Executive Chef to translate seasonal menu concepts into practical, consistent, and visually stunning daily offerings. Take direct ownership of the "pass", ensuring food presentation, temperature, and timing meet our exacting standards. Manage the execution of Private Event Orders, ensuring station prep, workflows, and communication are flawless for high-volume, bespoke client events. Dynamically adjust staffing levels, prep schedules, and workflows based on daily business volumes and upcoming event needs.
- Operational Excellence & Financial Control
Maintain the kitchen in a continuous "tour‑ready" state, enforcing rigorous food safety, sanitation, and hygiene standards (HACCP) at all times. Direct purchasing, receiving, and inventory control to minimize waste and ensure peak operational readiness. Monitor food costs, labour hours, and operating expenses daily, implementing corrective actions to stay within disciplined financial targets. Ensure all kitchen equipment is maintained, serviced, and utilized safely by the team.
- Team Leadership & Culture
Act as a hands‑on, player‑coach who fosters a supportive, respectful, and high‑energy kitchen environment. Conduct effective pre‑shift meetings to brief the team on daily business, client specifications, and production goals. Mentor and develop junior chefs and the wider culinary team, focusing on skill development, consistency, and standard operating procedures. Handle performance management and staffing issues professionally and promptly, working closely with the Executive Chef to cultivate a "1% better every day" culture.
What We Look For:
- Education
Degree or diploma in Culinary Arts (or equivalent NVQ/City & Guilds qualifications), or recognised professional cookery qualification backed by hands‑on culinary leadership.
- Experience
Minimum 5-8+ years of progressive culinary and kitchen management experience in high-volume, premier venues, including leading teams ranging from small kitchen crews up to 20+ staff members.
- Specialised Knowledge & Attributes
High operational adaptability and a client‑first mindset to accommodate tailored menus and dynamic event needs. Proven track record leading fine‑dining, farm‑driven, or high-volume complex foodservice operations. Extensive experience managing large‑scale private events, banquets, and customised corporate hospitality programmes.
Head Chef -Live Events (New Opening!) employer: Convene
Convene is an exceptional employer that values flexibility and collaboration, offering a unique opportunity for a Chef de Partie to thrive in a dynamic environment across multiple London venues. With a Monday–Friday rhythm and flexible shifts, employees enjoy a balanced work-life while being part of a supportive team dedicated to delivering outstanding client experiences. The company fosters a culture of growth and creativity, ensuring that every team member has the chance to develop their culinary skills and advance their career in the vibrant hospitality sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef -Live Events (New Opening!)
✨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 Convene. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Convene
Don't be shy about reaching out to Convene 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 -Live Events (New Opening!)
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 Convene 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 Convene
✨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!
