At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a vibrant kitchen, creating 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 career development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a passionate team committed to quality and innovation.
- Why this job: Make your mark in a dynamic environment with a focus on creativity and excellence.
- Qualifications: Proven experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef in premium dining.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 60000 £ 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, 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, WC2N 4JH employer: ETM Group
At ETM Group, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters creativity and excellence. As the Head Chef at Kitty Hawk, you'll enjoy competitive pay, generous benefits including a 50% discount at our venues, and opportunities for professional growth within one of London's leading hospitality groups. With a focus on employee development and a supportive environment, you will have the autonomy to shape your culinary vision while being part of a passionate team dedicated to delivering outstanding dining experiences.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef - London, WC2N 4JH
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend food festivals, culinary events, or even local meet-ups. You never know who might be looking for a Head Chef or who can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, organise a tasting event or pop-up dinner to showcase your culinary talents. This not only gives potential employers a taste of what you can do but also helps you build your personal brand.
✨Tip Number 3
Research the venue! Before any interview, dive deep into Kitty Hawk's menu and ethos. Understanding their culinary direction will help you tailor your ideas and show them you're genuinely interested in leading their kitchen.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the ETM Group family and ready to take on this exciting challenge.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef - London, WC2N 4JH
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 inspires you about the Mediterranean and Levant cuisines. We want to see that spark!
Highlight Your Leadership Skills:As a Head Chef, you'll be leading a team, so make sure to showcase your leadership experience. Talk about how you've developed and mentored your team in previous roles. We’re all about inspiring kitchen leaders!
Be Clear on Financial Acumen:Don’t shy away from discussing your understanding of kitchen financials. Mention your experience with cost control and GP management. We need someone who can balance creativity with profitability, so show us you can do just that!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to get your application and for you to stay updated on the process. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Kitty Hawk!
How to prepare for a job interview at ETM Group
✨Know Your Culinary Concepts
Before the interview, dive deep into Mediterranean and Levantine cuisines. Familiarise yourself with seasonal ingredients and popular dishes from these regions. This will not only show your passion for food but also demonstrate your readiness to lead a new culinary adventure at Kitty Hawk.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to discuss your leadership approach and how you inspire and develop your kitchen team. Think of specific examples where you've successfully mentored staff or improved kitchen dynamics. This is crucial as the role requires strong leadership skills to foster a culture of excellence.
✨Understand Financial Acumen
Brush up on your knowledge of kitchen financials, including GP management and cost control. Be ready to discuss how you've balanced creativity with profitability in past roles. This will highlight your commercial awareness and ability to drive menu performance effectively.
✨Be Ready for Problem-Solving Scenarios
Anticipate questions about how you've handled challenges in a fast-paced kitchen environment. Prepare examples that showcase your problem-solving abilities and adaptability. This will demonstrate your capability to thrive under pressure, which is essential for a Head Chef.
