At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and shape the culinary direction of a luxury hotel, inspiring a talented team.
- Company: Join Four Seasons, a globally respected luxury brand committed to exceptional experiences.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, wellness days, and discounts at Four Seasons properties.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with strong internal progression opportunities and a focus on innovation.
- Why this job: Make a lasting impact on culinary excellence in a flagship London property.
- Qualifications: Proven experience as an Executive Chef or leading Executive Sous Chef in luxury settings.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.
About Four Seasons
Four Seasons is powered by our people. We are a collective of individuals who crave to become better, to push ourselves to new heights and to treat each other as we wish to be treated in return. Our team members around the world create amazing experiences for our guests, residents, and partners through a commitment to luxury with genuine heart. We know that the best way to enable our people to deliver these exceptional guest experiences is through a world-class employee experience and company culture.
At Four Seasons, we believe in recognizing a familiar face, welcoming a new one and treating everyone we meet the way we would want to be treated ourselves. Whether you work with us, stay with us, live with us or discover with us, we believe our purpose is to create impressions that will stay with you for a lifetime. It comes from our belief that life is richer when we truly connect to the people and the world around us.
About the location
Set in the heart of the City, overlooking Tower Bridge and the Tower of London, Tower Bridge is the starting point for discovering London’s historic past, alongside its exhilarating present. This five-star hotel features a grade II listed building with 100 rooms and 41 residential apartments. It offers a stunning ballroom, multiple meeting rooms, a destination spa with 8 treatment rooms, and a comprehensive Food and Beverage offering including Mei Ume (Chinese/Japanese cuisine) and Rotunda (all day dining, afternoon tea & bar).
The role
As Executive Chef, you will be responsible for the overall leadership, strategy, and performance of all culinary operations within the hotel. You will play a key role within the Food and Beverage leadership team, contributing to the broader vision, positioning, and long-term success of the hotel. Your remit includes Cooper's Cut, Rotunda Bar and Lounge, Mei Ume, In Room Dining, Banqueting, and employee dining. You will lead a large, multi-layered team, ensuring alignment across outlets while allowing each to maintain a distinct identity. This is a highly visible leadership role requiring both strategic thinking and a strong operational presence. You will set standards, build culture, and drive excellence across the entire kitchen operation.
What You Will Do
- Define and deliver the culinary vision for the hotel, ensuring each outlet has a clear identity and consistent standard
- Lead, inspire, and develop a large culinary team, building a performance driven and people-focused culture
- Oversee menu development across all outlets, balancing creativity, guest expectations, and profitability
- Drive financial performance through effective cost control, forecasting, and operational discipline
- Maintain exceptional standards in food quality, presentation, hygiene, and safety
- Collaborate closely with Food and Beverage, Sales, Marketing, and Events teams to maximise opportunities
- Champion sustainability and responsible sourcing across the culinary operation
- Represent the hotel’s culinary offering internally and externally, contributing to brand reputation
- Support recruitment, succession planning, and the development of future culinary leaders
What We Are Looking For
- Proven experience as an Executive Chef or leading Executive Sous Chef within a luxury or high-profile multi-outlet environment
- Strong leadership presence with the ability to inspire and develop large teams
- A clear culinary style combined with understanding of diverse concepts and guest expectations
- Strong commercial acumen and experience managing budgets and cost structures
- Experience across both restaurant and banqueting operations
- A balanced leadership approach combining structure, creativity, and collaboration
- Passion for innovation, quality, and continuous improvement
- Alignment with Four Seasons values and the Golden Rule philosophy
What We Offer
- Highly competitive salary package
- Excellent training and clearly defined career development pathways
- Strong internal progression opportunities across London and the global Four Seasons portfolio
- Holiday entitlement increasing with service up to 33 days
- Up to two paid Wellness Days per year
- Company Sick Pay, increasing with service
- Life insurance while on duty
- Up to 20 complimentary nights at Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts worldwide, increasing with service, as well as heavily discounted rates at all properties
- 50% discount across UK Four Seasons food and beverage outlets from day one for up to four guests
- Complimentary meals while on duty in Pepys Cellar, our staff cafeteria, with refreshments available throughout the day
- Discounted gym membership with City’s Leonardo Hotel
- Bupa Dental Cover and MediCash healthcare plans available
- Enhanced maternity and paternity pay
- Uniform with complimentary professional dry cleaning from day one
- Season Ticket Loan and Cycle to Work scheme available from day one
- Access to Wagestream for greater pay flexibility and discounts
- Employee recognition programmes including monthly awards and events
- Annual themed team events plus regular social, charitable and sporting activities
Lead something exceptional
This is an opportunity to shape the culinary identity of a flagship London property, lead a talented and ambitious team, and make a lasting impact within a globally respected luxury brand. If you are a confident, forward-thinking culinary leader who thrives in complex environments and values both people and performance, we would be delighted to hear from you. We look forward to receiving your application.
Executive Chef employer: Four Seasons
At Four Seasons Hotel London at Tower Bridge, we pride ourselves on fostering a culture of excellence and personal growth, making it an exceptional employer for culinary professionals. With a commitment to employee development, competitive benefits, and a vibrant work environment in one of London's most iconic locations, our team members are empowered to create unforgettable experiences while enjoying generous perks such as up to 33 days of holiday, complimentary stays at our hotels, and a strong focus on wellness. Join us to lead a talented culinary team and shape the future of luxury dining in a supportive and dynamic setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Connect with industry professionals on LinkedIn and attend culinary events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your culinary skills! Consider hosting a pop-up event or a tasting session to showcase your unique style and creativity. This not only builds your portfolio but also gets you noticed by potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings; reach out directly to restaurants or hotels you admire. A well-crafted email expressing your passion and interest can go a long way in landing an interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got some fantastic opportunities waiting for talented chefs like you. Make sure to check it out and submit your application to join our amazing team at Four Seasons.
We think you need these skills to ace Executive Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your love for culinary arts shine through! Share your experiences and what drives you in the kitchen. We want to see your personality and passion for creating exceptional dining experiences.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Executive Chef role. Highlight relevant experience, especially in multi-outlet environments, and showcase your leadership skills. We’re looking for someone who can inspire a large team, so don’t hold back!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why you’re the perfect fit for Four Seasons. Be specific about how your culinary vision aligns with our values and how you plan to lead our diverse outlets. Make it personal and engaging!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our amazing company culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at Four Seasons
✨Know Your Culinary Vision
Before the interview, take some time to define your culinary vision. Think about how you would shape the identity of each outlet at Four Seasons. Be ready to discuss your ideas on menu development and how you can balance creativity with guest expectations.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As an Executive Chef, your leadership presence is crucial. Prepare examples of how you've inspired and developed large teams in the past. Highlight your approach to building a performance-driven culture and how you align your team with the hotel's values.
✨Demonstrate Financial Acumen
Be prepared to discuss your experience managing budgets and cost structures. Share specific strategies you've used to drive financial performance while maintaining exceptional food quality and presentation. This will show that you understand the commercial side of culinary operations.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Collaboration is key in this role. Think about how you've worked closely with other departments like Sales, Marketing, and Events in previous positions. Be ready to share examples of how these collaborations maximised opportunities and enhanced guest experiences.
