At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a vibrant kitchen, creating Mediterranean-inspired dishes and training your team.
- Company: Join ETM Group, a top London hospitality business known for premium venues.
- 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 culinary excellence.
- Qualifications: Proven experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef in premium dining.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ 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.
Kitty Hawk ETM - London employer: ETM
At Kitty Hawk, part of the esteemed ETM Group, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and inclusive work culture in the heart of London. Our commitment to employee growth is reflected in our comprehensive benefits package, including competitive pay, generous leave, and extensive learning opportunities, all while working in a dynamic environment that encourages creativity and culinary excellence. Join us to lead a passionate team in crafting memorable dining experiences against the stunning backdrop of the London skyline.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Kitty Hawk ETM - London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the hospitality industry. Attend events, join online forums, or even pop into local venues to chat with staff. You never know who might have a lead on your dream Head Chef position!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your culinary flair! When you get the chance for an interview or trial shift, bring your A-game. Prepare a dish that showcases your skills and creativity, and don’t forget to talk about your passion for Mediterranean cuisine!
✨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 approach 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 family and ready to take on the challenge of shaping Kitty Hawk’s culinary identity.
We think you need these skills to ace Kitty Hawk ETM - London
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 leading a kitchen. We want to see your personality and passion for creating exceptional dining experiences.
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 the kitchen. We’re looking for someone who inspires their team to achieve excellence!
Be Specific About Your Experience:Don’t just list your previous roles; dive into the details! Talk about the high-quality environments you've worked in, the menus you've developed, and any challenges you've overcome. 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 for the best chance of success! It’s the easiest way for us to review your application and get to know you better. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Kitty Hawk!
How to prepare for a job interview at ETM
✨Know Your Culinary Concepts
Before the interview, dive deep into Mediterranean and Levant cuisine. 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 the new culinary adventure at Kitty Hawk.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to discuss your leadership approach and how you inspire and develop your team. Think of specific examples where you've successfully mentored chefs or improved kitchen performance. This is crucial as the role requires a strong kitchen leader who can 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 ability to drive menu performance while maintaining operational efficiency.
✨Be Ready for Problem-Solving Scenarios
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in a fast-paced kitchen environment. Prepare examples of challenges you've faced and how you adapted quickly to ensure quality and consistency. This will showcase your ability to thrive under pressure, a key trait for a Head Chef.
