At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead kitchen operations, create innovative menus, and manage a high-performing team.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking food business in East London focused on health and wellbeing.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, Monday to Friday hours, 28 days holiday, and private healthcare.
- Why this job: Be part of a purpose-led team that values quality, nutrition, and culinary innovation.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef with a background in catering or production kitchens.
- Other info: Real input into menu development and a referral scheme for successful candidate introductions.
A forward-thinking food business in East London is seeking a skilled, hands-on Head Chef to lead its kitchen operations. This role offers a unique opportunity to step into a kitchen that focuses on functional, performance-led food designed to support energy, gut health, and mental clarity.
The successful candidate will take full ownership of the back-of-house operation: developing creative, scalable menus, overseeing smooth daily production, maintaining cost efficiency, and building a high-performing kitchen team. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced chef with a background in catering or dark kitchens to join a business that prioritises quality, wellbeing, and purpose.
Key Responsibilities- Lead and manage all aspects of kitchen operations
- Develop and implement functional, flavour-forward menus
- Ensure consistency and efficiency across daily food production
- Monitor and manage food costs, stock, and ordering
- Recruit, train, and support a small kitchen team
- Uphold food safety and hygiene standards at all times
- Proven experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef
- Background in catering, production kitchens, or dark kitchen operations
- Strong leadership and organisational skills
- Confidence managing volume without compromising quality
- Interest in nutrition, wellbeing, and food innovation
- Reliable, detail-oriented, and solutions-focused
- £40,000 – £44,000 per year, depending on experience
- Monday to Friday working hours (early mornings to afternoons)
- 28 days paid holiday (including bank holidays)
- An additional day off for your birthday
- Private healthcare support (after probation)
- Real input into menu development and kitchen strategy
- A purpose-led, collaborative working environment
Head Chef, £40,000 - £44,000 DOE, Full-time, Monday to Friday, London employer: CORElevate
Contact Detail:
CORElevate Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef, £40,000 - £44,000 DOE, Full-time, Monday to Friday, London
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in functional and performance-led food. This will not only help you understand the business's focus but also allow you to showcase your knowledge during any discussions or interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare to discuss your previous experience in managing kitchen operations, particularly in catering or dark kitchens. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've developed menus and led teams effectively.
✨Tip Number 3
Highlight your leadership skills by thinking of ways you've successfully trained and supported kitchen staff in the past. Consider how you can demonstrate your ability to build a high-performing team during the interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Show your passion for nutrition and wellbeing by preparing some ideas for innovative dishes that align with the company's values. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly understands their mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef, £40,000 - £44,000 DOE, Full-time, Monday to Friday, London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef. Focus on your background in catering, production kitchens, or dark kitchen operations, and emphasise your leadership skills.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for functional, performance-led food. Discuss your interest in nutrition and wellbeing, and how your culinary philosophy aligns with the company's values.
Showcase Your Menu Development Skills: If possible, include examples of menus you have developed in previous roles. Highlight your ability to create flavour-forward dishes while maintaining cost efficiency and quality.
Highlight Team Management Experience: Discuss your experience in recruiting, training, and managing kitchen teams. Provide specific examples of how you've built high-performing teams and maintained food safety and hygiene standards.
How to prepare for a job interview at CORElevate
✨Showcase Your Culinary Creativity
Prepare to discuss your approach to menu development. Highlight any innovative dishes you've created that align with the focus on functional and flavour-forward food, as this will resonate well with the company's ethos.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully led a kitchen team in the past. Discuss your methods for training and supporting staff, as well as how you maintain morale and efficiency during busy service periods.
✨Discuss Cost Management Strategies
Since the role involves monitoring food costs and stock, prepare to explain your experience with budgeting and cost control. Share specific instances where you've successfully managed expenses without compromising quality.
✨Emphasise Your Passion for Nutrition
Given the company's focus on wellbeing and nutrition, express your interest in these areas. Talk about any relevant experiences or knowledge you have regarding healthy cooking practices and how they can enhance menu offerings.