At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a vibrant kitchen, create exceptional food experiences, and inspire your team.
- Company: Join Houston & Hawkes, an award-winning contract caterer in London.
- Benefits: Enjoy a £50,000 salary, free meals, and exclusive culinary masterclasses.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team with excellent career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Showcase your creativity and make a real impact in fine dining.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Head Chef with a passion for hospitality and leadership.
HEAD CHEF
Monday to Friday | £50,000 | London
Lead an exceptional kitchen where outstanding food, premium hospitality and innovation come together.
Houston & Hawkes is looking for an experienced Head Chef to lead one of our prestigious workplace hospitality sites. This is a fantastic opportunity for a passionate chef with a strong background in retail, hospitality and fine dining, who enjoys creating exceptional food experiences while leading and developing a high-performing team.
This role combines a vibrant retail food offer with premium hospitality and fine dining events, making every day different. You'll have the opportunity to showcase your creativity, deliver exceptional standards and build an outstanding food culture within the site.
THE ROLE
- Lead the day-to-day operation of a busy kitchen
- Deliver an exceptional retail food offer with fresh, seasonal menus
- Create outstanding hospitality and fine dining experiences
- Inspire, coach and develop your kitchen team
- Manage food cost, labour and GP performance
- Build strong client relationships and exceed expectations
- Maintain the highest food safety and compliance standards
- Drive innovation and continuously improve the food offer
WHAT YOU'LL BRING
- Previous experience as a Head Chef within premium contract catering, hotels or restaurants
- Strong retail and hospitality experience
- A genuine passion for fine dining and exceptional presentation
- Excellent leadership and people management skills
- Commercial awareness with experience managing budgets and food costs
- Creativity, organisation and attention to detail
- A positive, hands-on approach with a passion for developing other
WHY JOIN HOUSTON & HAWKES?
- £50,000 salary plus overtime
- Monday to Friday working pattern
- Birthday off every year
- Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave
- Free meals on duty
- Pension scheme
- Life assurance
- Employee Assistance Programme
- CODE Hospitality membership
- Exclusive masterclasses with award-winning chef Sally Abé, offering hands-on learning, fresh inspiration and the opportunity to develop your culinary skills alongside one of the UK's most respected chefs
- Foodie Socials
- Ongoing learning, development and genuine career progression
- Summer Awards Party celebrating our people and achievements
- Christmas Party at one of London's outstanding venues
ABOUT HOUSTON & HAWKES
Houston & Hawkes is an independent, award-winning contract caterer delivering exceptional workplace hospitality across London. As a Certified B Corp, recipient of the King's Award for Enterprise and one of The Caterer's Best Places to Work in Hospitality, we’re committed to creating incredible food, developing talented people and building careers that last.
Head Chef employer: Houston and Hawkes - Head Office
Houston & Hawkes is an exceptional employer that values its employees by fostering a dynamic and inclusive work culture in the heart of London. With a strong emphasis on professional development, team collaboration, and a commitment to delivering premium hospitality experiences, employees are encouraged to grow their skills and advance their careers while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of the city. The company offers competitive benefits and a supportive environment, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in the events and hospitality sector.
Contact Details:
Houston and Hawkes - Head Office Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land 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 Houston and Hawkes - Head Office. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Houston and Hawkes - Head Office
Don't be shy about reaching out to Houston and Hawkes - Head Office 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
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 Houston and Hawkes - Head Office 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 Houston and Hawkes - Head Office
✨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!
