At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead culinary operations and develop future kitchen leaders across multiple locations.
- Company: Heard, a premium fast-casual burger brand by Michelin-starred chef Jordan Bailey.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, unlimited holiday, 50% off food, and birthday off.
- Other info: Collaborative environment focused on culinary creativity and operational excellence.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a high-growth food brand with global expansion opportunities.
- Qualifications: Proven experience as an Executive Chef in high-volume, premium restaurants.
The predicted salary is between 85000 - 95000 £ per year.
Heard. is a premium fast-casual smash burger concept from 2 Michelin-starred chef Jordan Bailey, born from a desire to take an everyday classic and make it quietly exceptional. We combine top-quality, thoughtfully sourced ingredients with the rigour and technique of the world’s best kitchens. No gimmicks, no shortcuts - just maximum flavour done right.
After a massive year touring the UK’s biggest events and launching our permanent homes in Borough and Soho, we are looking forward to our next chapter. With our third and fourth sites on the horizon, we are preparing the business for rapid scale, global expansion, and long-term franchise readiness.
To get us there, we are looking for a Group Executive Chef who thinks like a culinary director and operates like a systems engineer. You won't just be running kitchens; you will take full ownership of the "Heard Kitchen Engine" - building the operational infrastructure, standardising site execution, locking down commercial performance, and developing our future culinary leaders.
The Heard Package
- Salary: £85,000 - £95,000 per year (depending on experience)
- Holiday: Unlimited paid holiday. We trust you to manage your time, your team, and your results.
- Benefits: Access to benefits platform from day one including 50% off food and drink in our sites, cycle to work scheme and high street discounts.
- The Food: A monthly meal for you and four guests, on us.
- Your Birthday off!
What You’ll Do
You will operate across four core responsibility pillars, bridging head office strategy with restaurant-level operational reality:
- Talent & People Development
- Build the Kitchen Leadership Bench: Identify, train, and develop internal talent, actively building our pipeline of future Head Chefs and Sous Chefs as the group expands.
- Set the Cultural Tone: Set a cold-to-warm shift in kitchen energy - building a supportive, high-accountability environment where feedback is generous and BOH/FOH operate as one team.
- Structured Onboarding: Design and launch structured kitchen training programmes so new hires hit our quality benchmarks quickly.
- Quality, Standards & Global Scalability
- Own the Heard Kitchen Playbook: Document, update, and enforce our cross-site standardisation - from prep methods and plating to equipment usage and comprehensive recipe specs, making the business "franchise-ready" and prepared for global expansion.
- Taste Obsessively & Audit: Conduct regular quality audits and rotating tastings across all locations to catch slippage in quality, presentation, or portioning long before the guest does.
- International Openings & Travel: Occasional International travel to lead site launches and conduct follow-up standards audits.
- EHO & Compliance Readiness: Drive flawless HACCP compliance, food safety, and hygiene standards, keeping every site audit-ready every single day.
- Commercial Performance & Supplier Partnerships
- Own the Kitchen P&L: Maintain daily/weekly control of Food COGS, waste streams, and site variance.
- Supplier Relations & Timely Feedback: Build strong, accountable relationships with our supply chain network.
- Labour Efficiency: Partner with Head Chefs to build operational schedules that protect team well-being while hitting labour targets and shift-prep readiness.
- Menu Implementation & Creative Synergy
- Bridge Concept to Execution: Work side-by-side with our dedicated Development Chef.
- Feasibility & Rollouts: Ensure every new dish, special, or seasonal LTO can be executed flawlessly and consistently within the physical confines, equipment, and speed requirements of our kitchens.
What You Bring
- Multi-Site Culinary Leadership: Proven experience as an Executive Chef, Group Head Chef, or Operations Chef managing multiple high-volume, premium fast-casual or high-standard restaurants.
- Systems & Operations Mindset: Obsessed with documentation, consistency, and building scalable frameworks that outlive any single individual.
- Commercial Acumen: Deep fluency in kitchen P&Ls, food margin control, stock tracking systems, and supplier contract negotiations.
- Flexibility for Travel: Willing and excited to travel internationally to oversee new country openings and support our local international culinary leaders.
- Collaborative Spirit: The ability to work seamlessly with Head Office, site Head Chefs, and our Development Chef - combining operational precision with culinary creativity.
This is an opportunity to define the operational DNA of a high-growth food brand, not simply manage a group of restaurants. So, if you are a grounded culinary leader who takes systems and food seriously but leaves the stuffy formality at the door, we would love to hear from you.
Executive Chef employer: Heard Soho
Heard is an exceptional employer that values its team members and fosters a vibrant work culture in the heart of Borough. With competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits from day one, and a strong commitment to professional growth through formal qualifications and clear progression paths, employees are empowered to thrive in a fast-paced environment. Join us to be part of a dynamic team where your contributions are recognised, and you can truly make an impact as we expand our unique burger concept.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive Chef
✨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 Heard Soho. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Heard Soho
Don't be shy about reaching out to Heard Soho 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 Executive Chef
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 Heard Soho 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 Heard Soho
✨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!
