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: Enjoy private medical insurance, 25 days leave, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Other info: Embrace a culture of continuous learning and make a real impact in the community.
- 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 venues 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.
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.
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.
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:
- 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 minimise 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 utilised safely by the team.
- 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.
- 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.
- Deep understanding of UK Food Safety regulations, HACCP guidelines, Food Hygiene Standards, labour management, profit‑and‑loss targets and inventory systems.
- In‑depth knowledge of the London food scene, what is trending and what can be used in the property.
- Technical Proficiency: Proficient with software tools including Google Suite, Slack and Zoom.
- Leadership Style: A visionary leader who inspires excellence, promotes a culture of continuous learning and maintains composure in high‑pressure flagship environments.
Physical Requirements & Working Conditions:
- Capability to stand, sit or walk for extended periods.
- Flexibility to work long or irregular hours, including early mornings, late nights and weekends based on operational volume and client events.
At Convene Hospitality Group, we want you to feel supported in every part of your life. Here’s what you can expect:
- Health & Wellness: Private medical insurance, subsidised fitness and eye care, plus well‑being and personal support programs.
- Time Off & Balance: 25 days annual leave, bank holidays and company sick pay.
- Financial Benefits: Bonus scheme, interest‑free loans for rail travel or further education, and a Cycle to Work program.
- Growth & Recognition: Career development opportunities and programmes to celebrate your achievements.
- Community & Impact: Volunteer, donate and make a real impact through your work.
At Convene Hospitality Group, we believe great teams are built by bringing together people with different backgrounds, perspectives and experiences. Our values of GRIT (Genuine, Relentless, Integrity and Teamwork) shape how we show up for each other every day. We want everyone here to feel welcome, supportive and free to be themselves. If you’re excited to grow, learn and make an impact, we’d love to have you on the team.
Convene Hospitality Group is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.
Head Chef -Live Events (New Opening!) New London, UK employer: Convene
Convene Hospitality Group is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and growth of its employees, offering a supportive work culture in the vibrant heart of London. As part of the opening leadership team at the new Rathbone venue, you will have the unique opportunity to shape the culinary experience while enjoying benefits such as private medical insurance, generous annual leave, and career development programmes. Join us to create inspiring moments of connection and be part of a team that values diversity, integrity, and teamwork.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef -Live Events (New Opening!) New London, UK
✨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!) New London, UK
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!
