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 professional 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, 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, 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
ETM Group is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises creativity and excellence in the heart of London. As a Head Chef at Aviary, you will enjoy competitive pay, guaranteed hours, and numerous benefits including generous discounts, a supportive learning environment, and opportunities for personal growth within a renowned hospitality group. Join us to lead a passionate team in delivering unforgettable dining experiences while enjoying the perks of working in one of London's most iconic venues.
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 other chefs and hospitality professionals. Attend industry events, join culinary groups on social media, and don’t be shy about reaching out to people in your desired venues. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, create a portfolio of your best dishes or even a video showcasing your cooking techniques. This is a great way to demonstrate your creativity and passion for food, which is exactly what places like Aviary are looking for.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to pop up. Reach out directly to restaurants you admire, like those in the ETM Group. Express your interest and share your experience. Sometimes, the best opportunities come from a simple conversation.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We at StudySmarter encourage you to use our platform to find and apply for jobs. It’s a straightforward way to get your application in front of the right people and shows you’re serious about landing that Head Chef role.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef - London, EC2A 1DX
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food:When you're writing your application, let your love for food shine through! Share your culinary journey and what drives you to create exceptional dining experiences. We want to see that spark!
Highlight Your Leadership Skills:As a Head Chef, you're not just cooking; you're leading a team. Make sure to showcase your experience in mentoring and developing others. We’re looking for someone who inspires their kitchen crew to achieve greatness.
Demonstrate Financial Acumen:Don’t shy away from discussing your understanding of kitchen financials. Talk about how you've managed costs and driven profitability in previous roles. We value candidates who can balance creativity with commercial success.
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 get to know you better. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Aviary!
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 guest satisfaction.
✨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 any specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them to inspire your team.
✨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 share any strategies you've implemented to optimise labour and reduce costs.
✨Passion for Food Trends
Stay updated on current food trends and seasonal ingredients. During the interview, express your enthusiasm for modern cuisine and how you incorporate seasonality into your menus. This will show that you're not just a chef, but a culinary innovator who can elevate the dining experience at Aviary.
