At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic kitchen, crafting exceptional modern British cuisine and inspiring 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 career development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a passionate team committed to excellence and innovation in hospitality.
- Why this job: Make your mark in a vibrant rooftop restaurant with stunning views and a creative culinary identity.
- Qualifications: Proven experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef in high-quality dining.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
Aviary is a destination rooftop restaurant and bar in the heart of the City of London, offering a refined dining experience, vibrant atmosphere, and a strong focus on exceptional service. Known for its panoramic skyline views and premium positioning, Aviary delivers elevated modern British cuisine alongside expertly crafted cocktails, creating a memorable and sophisticated guest experience.
As part of ETM Collection within ETM Group, Aviary sits within a portfolio recognised for operational excellence, people development, and some of London's most distinctive hospitality venues.
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 - London, EC2A 1DX employer: ETM Group
Aviary, part of the esteemed ETM Group, is an exceptional employer that offers a vibrant work culture in the heart of London, where creativity and culinary excellence thrive. With a strong focus on employee development, competitive benefits, and a commitment to quality service, our Head Chefs enjoy autonomy in shaping their kitchen's identity while being supported by a passionate team. Join us to elevate your career in a dynamic environment that values innovation and fosters personal growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef - London, EC2A 1DX
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with fellow chefs, restaurant owners, and industry professionals. Attend food festivals, culinary events, or even local meet-ups to make those valuable connections that could lead to your next big opportunity.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Consider hosting a pop-up event or collaborating with local businesses to showcase your culinary creations. This not only builds your portfolio but also gets your name out there in the foodie community.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t shy away from social media! Use platforms like Instagram to share your dishes, kitchen adventures, and behind-the-scenes moments. It’s a great way to attract attention from potential employers and showcase your passion for food.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’re always on the lookout for talented chefs who are ready to make their mark. By applying directly, you’ll have a better chance of standing out and getting noticed by our hiring team.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef - London, EC2A 1DX
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 inspires you in the kitchen. We want to see that spark of creativity and passion that makes you a great fit for our team.
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 developed and mentored others in previous roles. We value inspiring leaders who can foster a culture of excellence.
Be Specific About Your Experience:Don't just list your past jobs; tell us about your achievements! Use specific examples to demonstrate your experience in high-quality dining environments and how you've managed kitchen financials. This helps us understand your capabilities better.
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 you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Aviary. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at ETM Group
✨Know Your Culinary Identity
Before the interview, take some time to reflect on your culinary style and how it aligns with Aviary's modern British cuisine. Be ready to discuss your previous experiences and how they have shaped your approach to menu development and food presentation.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head Chef, leadership is key. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a kitchen team, mentored junior chefs, and fostered a culture of excellence. Highlight specific instances where your leadership made a tangible difference in the kitchen.
✨Demonstrate Financial Acumen
Brush up on your knowledge of kitchen financials, including GP management and cost control. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve balanced creativity with profitability in past roles, and think of ways you can apply this at Aviary.
✨Emphasise Your Passion for Food
Let your enthusiasm for food shine through during the interview. Talk about your appreciation for seasonality and evolving food trends, and be ready to share your thoughts on how these elements can enhance the dining experience at Aviary.
