At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic kitchen team and create exceptional menus for exciting events.
- Company: Join Five Star Catering at the Copper Box Arena, a major venue for sports and entertainment.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, opportunity to shape culinary experiences, and work in a vibrant environment.
- Other info: Be part of a team that values creativity, excellence, and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make your mark in a fast-paced setting while delivering top-notch food to thousands.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Head Chef in high-volume hospitality and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 25290 - 30910 £ per year.
- Five Star Catering is looking for an experienced
- Head Chef with strong kitchen management experience to lead the kitchen operation at the
Copper Box Arena.
This is a major venue with a capacity of 7,500, delivering food across nine permanent kiosks, seven pop-up areas and premium hospitality throughout a busy calendar of sporting, entertainment and corporate events.
This is a leadership role for someone who combines culinary excellence with commercial awareness, operational discipline and the ability to lead a high-performing kitchen in a fast-paced events environment.
You'll play a key role in shaping the venue's food offer while ensuring every service is delivered safely, efficiently and to the highest possible standard.
The Role
- You will take overall responsibility for the venue’s catering operation, including:
- Leading and developing the kitchen team across retail and hospitality operations.
- Creating seasonal hospitality menus and event catering packages that enhance the guest experience while achieving commercial targets.
- Managing menu costing, recipe development and food margins to maximise profitability without compromising quality.
- Planning menus alongside the General Manager to continually evolve the venue's food offer.
- Managing departmental budgets, food costs, gross profit and kitchen P&L.
- Maintaining exceptional food quality, consistency and presentation across every outlet and event.
- Managing stock control, ordering and supplier relationships to minimise waste and maximise efficiency.
- Driving kitchen performance, productivity and continuous operational improvement.
- Ensuring full compliance with food safety, allergen and health & safety legislation.
- Working closely with the General Manager and wider operations team to deliver successful event days from planning through to service.
- Recruiting, training and developing kitchen staff while creating a positive, high-performing culture.
- Maintaining exceptional standards of cleanliness, organisation and operational excellence at all times.
You will need
- Previous experience as a Head Chef within a high-volume hospitality or events environment.
- Strong kitchen management experience leading large teams.
- Proven experience developing hospitality menus and accurately costing dishes to deliver both quality and profitability.
- A strong understanding of food costs, GP, stock control and departmental P&L.
- Experience leading, developing and motivating kitchen teams.
- The ability to remain calm and make decisions under pressure during busy event days.
- Excellent knowledge of food safety, allergen management and health & safety legislation.
- Strong organisational, communication and leadership skills.
- A hands-on approach with an exceptional eye for detail and the ambition to help create one of the UK's leading food and hospitality destinations.
How to apply
Please send your CV and a short introduction outlining your relevant experience to
Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK.
Head Chef in London employer: Five Star Catering
Five Star Catering is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at the Copper Box Arena, where culinary creativity meets high-volume service. With a strong focus on employee development and a culture that values teamwork and excellence, you will have the opportunity to lead a talented kitchen team while crafting innovative menus for a diverse range of events. Enjoy competitive benefits and the chance to make a significant impact in a prestigious venue known for its vibrant atmosphere and commitment to quality.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef in London
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Five Star Catering. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Five Star Catering
Don't be shy about reaching out to Five Star Catering directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Five Star Catering and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Five Star Catering
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
