Head Chef - Mediterranean in London

Head Chef - Mediterranean in London

London Full-Time 45000 - 55000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
ETM Group London

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a vibrant kitchen, crafting Mediterranean-inspired dishes and mentoring your team.
  • Company: Join ETM Group, a top London hospitality business known for premium dining experiences.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, 50% discounts, generous leave, and a supportive work environment.
  • Other info: Be part of a passionate team dedicated to exceptional food and memorable guest experiences.
  • Why this job: Make your mark in a dynamic kitchen with creative freedom and a focus on excellence.
  • Qualifications: Proven experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef in high-quality dining.

The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.

Kitty Hawk is a contemporary rooftop bar and restaurant in the heart of the City of London, offering a lively dining experience, stylish surroundings, and a strong focus on exceptional service. Set above the capital with sweeping skyline views, Kitty Hawk combines seasonal menus with a vibrant drinks offering, creating a social and elevated guest experience. As part of ETM Collection within ETM Group, Kitty Hawk sits within a portfolio recognised for operational excellence, people development, and some of London’s most distinctive hospitality venues. Perched on the 6th floor of Page8 Hotel, Kitty Hawk enters a bold new chapter, and the launch of a completely new culinary concept inspired by the Mediterranean and Levant.

We are looking for a Head Chef to lead Kitty Hawk in a new culinary adventure. The role will require a seasoned Head Chef with the skill to lead, develop, taste, and train a new menu concept. The new concept at Kitty Hawk will draw on the culinary influence from coastlines, markets, and kitchens across many countries, from the sun-drenched shores of Southern Europe to the spice-filled tables of the Eastern Mediterranean.

Role Overview: At ETM Group, being a Head Chef is both a creative leadership role and a commercial responsibility. You’re not just leading a kitchen — you’re shaping the culinary identity of your venue, driving standards, and delivering exceptional food experiences that reflect our premium positioning and EPIC values. Across our ETM Collection venues — from rooftop restaurants to refined dining spaces — our Head Chefs lead high-performing kitchen teams to deliver seasonal, modern menus with consistency, creativity, and precision. You are responsible for setting the tone in your kitchen, fostering a culture of excellence, and ensuring every dish reflects the quality and attention to detail our guests expect.

We place our kitchens in the hands of passionate and inspiring chefs. As Head Chef, you’ll operate with a high level of ownership and autonomy, supported by a group known for delivering premium hospitality at scale. From menu development and supplier relationships to team development and cost control, you will balance creativity with strong commercial acumen to drive performance. If you are passionate about food, leadership, and delivering exceptional dining experiences, this is an opportunity to make your mark within one of London’s leading hospitality groups.

Company Benefits:

  • Competitive industry pay (based on salary & Tronc)
  • Guaranteed 48 hours per week contract
  • 50% discount for you and up to 5 friends at any of our venues
  • 5.6 weeks paid annual leave
  • Pension
  • Healthcare Plan
  • Quarterly Incentive Scheme
  • Generous employee referral scheme
  • Discounted shopping at many high street stores
  • Cycle to work scheme
  • Access to Stream for better money management
  • Access to the award-winning Hospitality Action Charity, offering an Employee Assistance Program
  • Group wide Learning and Development opportunities
  • Complementary hot drinks in your venue
  • Complementary meal on shift
  • Your birthday lunch is on us

The ideal candidate will present:

  • Proven Experience: You have significant experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef in a high-quality or premium dining environment, ideally with experience within fast-paced kitchens.
  • Leadership Skills: You are a strong and inspiring kitchen leader, with a passion for developing and mentoring your team.
  • Financial Acumen: You have a solid understanding of kitchen financials, including GP management, cost control, and labour optimisation.
  • Quality & Consistency: You are committed to delivering exceptional food standards with a strong attention to detail.
  • Commercial Awareness: You understand how to balance creativity with profitability, driving menu performance and operational efficiency.
  • Problem-Solving Ability: You thrive in a fast-paced kitchen environment and can adapt quickly to challenges.
  • Passion for Food: You have a deep appreciation for modern cuisine, seasonality, and evolving food trends.
  • A Hands-On Approach: You lead from the front, maintaining a strong presence in the kitchen and setting the standard for your team.

About Us: ETM Group is a leading London hospitality business, home to a collection of premium restaurants, bars, and iconic sports venues. Through our portfolio of standout London venues across ETM Collection and ETM Sport London, we deliver exceptional food, drink, entertainment, and guest experiences across the capital. From elevated rooftop dining to high-energy match-day occasions, our venues are united by a commitment to quality, innovation, and memorable hospitality. At the heart of our success are our people, guided by our EPIC values: Excellence, Passion, Integrity, and Challenge. ETM Group are proud to be an equal opportunity employer who seek to recruit and retain the most talented individuals from a variety of backgrounds, skills, and perspectives.

Head Chef - Mediterranean in London employer: ETM Group London

At Kitty Hawk, located atop the stunning Page8 Hotel in the heart of London, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and inclusive work culture. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through our extensive learning and development opportunities, competitive benefits, and a supportive environment where creativity thrives. Join us as a Head Chef and lead a passionate team in crafting innovative Mediterranean-inspired dishes while enjoying a generous employee discount and a host of perks that make working with us truly rewarding.

ETM Group London

Contact Details:

ETM Group London Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Head Chef - Mediterranean in London

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with fellow chefs, restaurant owners, and industry professionals. Attend culinary events or local food festivals to meet people who can help you land that Head Chef role.

Tip Number 2

Show off your skills! If you can, organise a tasting event or pop-up dinner to showcase your Mediterranean-inspired dishes. This is a great way to demonstrate your creativity and passion for food directly to potential employers.

Tip Number 3

Don’t just apply — engage! When you find a job listing that excites you, reach out to the hiring manager on LinkedIn or through their website. A personal touch can make all the difference in getting noticed.

Tip Number 4

Research the venue! Before an interview, dive deep into Kitty Hawk’s menu and ethos. Being knowledgeable about their culinary direction will show your genuine interest and help you stand out as a candidate who’s ready to lead their kitchen.

We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef - Mediterranean in London

Culinary Leadership
Menu Development
Team Development
Cost Control
Financial Acumen
Quality Control
Attention to Detail

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for Food:When writing your application, let your love for food shine through! Share your culinary journey and what excites you about Mediterranean cuisine. We want to see your personality and passion reflected in your words.

Highlight Your Leadership Skills:As a Head Chef, you're not just cooking; you're leading a team. Make sure to showcase your leadership experience and how you've inspired others in the kitchen. We’re looking for someone who can foster a culture of excellence!

Be Specific About Your Experience:Don’t just list your previous roles; dive into the details! Talk about your achievements, menu development, and how you've managed kitchen finances. We want to know how your experience aligns with our vision at Kitty Hawk.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures it gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at ETM Group!

How to prepare for a job interview at ETM Group London

Know Your Mediterranean Flavours

Dive deep into the culinary influences of the Mediterranean and Levant. Familiarise yourself with key ingredients, traditional dishes, and modern twists that could inspire your menu ideas. This will show your passion for the role and your understanding of the concept they’re aiming for.

Showcase Your Leadership Style

Prepare to discuss your leadership approach and how you foster a positive kitchen culture. Think of examples where you've successfully mentored team members or resolved conflicts. This is crucial as they’re looking for someone who can inspire and lead a high-performing team.

Demonstrate Financial Savvy

Brush up on your knowledge of kitchen financials, including GP management and cost control. Be ready to share how you’ve balanced creativity with profitability in past roles. This will highlight your commercial acumen, which is essential for the Head Chef position.

Bring Your Problem-Solving Skills

Think of specific challenges you've faced in fast-paced kitchen environments and how you overcame them. Being able to articulate your problem-solving abilities will demonstrate your readiness to handle the dynamic nature of the role at Kitty Hawk.