At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic kitchen team, creating fresh and exciting meals for a busy corporate environment.
- Company: Join a major London media and publishing organisation with a vibrant food culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary of £58,000 and a Monday to Friday work schedule.
- Other info: Collaborate with authors and chefs, and enjoy opportunities for creativity and growth.
- Why this job: Make your mark in a high-profile catering operation while inspiring a talented team.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in managing busy kitchens and a passion for innovative food.
The predicted salary is between 25290 - 30910 £ per year.
An opportunity for an experienced Senior Head Chef to take responsibility for a busy, high-profile corporate retail catering operation within a major London media and publishing organisation. The business has a substantial on-site workforce, with approximately 1,800 people on site on an average day and capacity for up to 2,000. The food operation is varied, fresh-food focused and offers several different dining options throughout the day.
The retail catering operation includes three main food counters, a small salad bar and a range of grab-and-go options. The offering includes:
- Three daily food counters serving breakfast, lunch and dinner.
- A street-food style counter serving up to 300 people.
- Freshly prepared sushi, salads and grab-and-go pots.
- Soups, jacket potatoes and a selection of hot fillings.
- A rotating hot sandwich offer from the internal Café.
- Fish and chips Fridays and other themed daily specials.
- A weekend grab-and-go offer featuring boxed meals, sandwiches, salads and confectionery.
Everything is prepared fresh in-house, with an emphasis on tasty, well-executed food, combining familiar home comforts with creativity and innovation. There are also opportunities to collaborate with the organisation's publishing division, including developing dishes inspired by cookery books and working alongside authors and chefs.
The Senior Head Chef will take ownership of the day-to-day kitchen operation, leading an established team of eight chefs, including the Hospitality Head Chef. Responsibilities will include:
- Leading, motivating and developing a stable, hardworking kitchen team.
- Maintaining consistently high standards of food quality, presentation and service.
- Overseeing menu planning, food development and daily specials.
- Managing production across multiple counters and service periods.
- Ensuring effective preparation, stock control, ordering and cost management.
- Maintaining excellent food safety and health and safety standards.
- Remaining hands-on and leading from the front during busy services.
- Providing flexibility and support to the hospitality operation when required, including occasional additional hours.
The operation runs predominantly Monday to Friday, with breakfast, lunch and dinner provision. Weekend requirements are more focused on preparing boxed meals and grab-and-go products.
We are looking for a confident, commercially aware Senior Head Chef with experience managing a busy, multi-outlet retail or contract catering operation. You will need to be:
- An accomplished kitchen leader, comfortable managing a team of eight.
- Experienced in high-volume fresh-food production.
- Creative and passionate about delivering interesting, accessible food.
- Organised, hands-on and commercially astute.
- Flexible enough to support hospitality requirements when needed.
- Comfortable managing multiple service periods and different food concepts.
Senior Head Chef employer: Host Staffing
Join a prestigious events and hospitality team in Central London as a Chef de Partie, where you'll enjoy a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With a focus on high-quality ingredients and a diverse range of culinary experiences, this role offers an excellent work-life balance, generous benefits including 36 days of annual leave, and opportunities for skill development within a dynamic kitchen environment. Embrace the chance to thrive in a vibrant city while crafting exceptional dining experiences for a variety of events.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Head 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 Host Staffing. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Host Staffing
Don't be shy about reaching out to Host Staffing 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 Senior Head 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 Host Staffing 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 Host Staffing
✨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!
