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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a talented kitchen team and create exceptional, innovative dishes.
- Company: Award-winning independent caterer in Central London with a vibrant culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension scheme, training opportunities, and birthday off.
- Why this job: Showcase your culinary creativity and inspire a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Experienced Head Chef with strong leadership and organisational skills.
- Other info: Join a dynamic company committed to social responsibility and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 46000 - 48000 £ per year.
Location: Central London
Salary: £46,000-£48,000 per annum
Are you an experienced Head Chef passionate about fresh food, developing talent, and thriving in a fast-paced environment? Houston & Hawkes are looking for an experienced Head Chef to lead our catering team at a prestigious Central London site. This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase your skills, create exceptional food, and lead a talented team in a dynamic environment.
Responsibilities
- Lead and manage the kitchen team, ensuring smooth operations and high-quality output.
- Oversee food preparation, presentation, and compliance with dietary and allergen requirements.
- Manage stock, budgets, and compliance with Food Safety, Health & Safety, and COSHH standards.
What We’re Looking For
- A seasoned Head Chef with experience in contract catering and high-volume environments.
- Strong leadership skills to train, mentor, and develop your team, ensuring consistent quality and innovation.
- Exceptional organisational and financial skills to manage multiple offerings and deliver budgeted targets.
What We Offer
- Recognized as one of the Top 20 Companies to Work in Hospitality.
- The opportunity to work closely with the Director of Food and receive tailored support.
- An exciting menu featuring innovative concepts and cuisines to showcase your creativity.
- The chance to lead and inspire a large brigade of chefs, fostering growth and excellence.
- Contributory pension scheme.
- Free access to the company Employee Assistant Programme.
- Life assurance at two times salary.
- Company events including all company Christmas party.
- Recognition schemes and people awards.
- Family-friendly support, including enhanced maternity and paternity leave and adoption leave.
- Day off on your birthday.
- Referral bonuses.
- Training and development opportunities.
Houston & Hawkes is a young and dynamic independent caterer based in the South East. We are proud to be an award-winning company, ranked among the top 30 companies to work for in the hospitality industry, and the first certified B Corp catering company. We believe in creating memorable experiences for our customers through our vibrant, creative, and sustainable food offerings. Committed to social responsibility, passionate about Great British produce and dedicated to our talented teams. Join Houston & Hawkes and be part of a team that values excellence, creativity, and professional growth.
HEAD CHEF employer: Houston & Hawkes
Contact Detail:
Houston & Hawkes Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land HEAD CHEF
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow chefs, industry contacts, and even friends who might know someone at Houston & Hawkes. A personal connection can make all the difference in landing that interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your culinary creativity! Prepare a unique dish or menu concept that reflects your style and share it during your interview. This will not only impress but also demonstrate your passion for fresh food and innovation.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to talk numbers! Brush up on your financial skills and be prepared to discuss how you’ve managed budgets and stock in previous roles. This shows you’re not just a creative chef but also a savvy manager.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace HEAD CHEF
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food: When writing your application, let your love for fresh food and creativity shine through. Share specific examples of dishes you've created or innovative concepts you've implemented in previous roles.
Highlight Your Leadership Skills: As a Head Chef, strong leadership is key. Make sure to mention your experience in training and mentoring kitchen teams. We want to see how you've developed talent and fostered a positive kitchen environment.
Be Organised and Financially Savvy: Demonstrate your organisational skills by detailing how you've managed stock and budgets in high-volume settings. Mention any specific achievements related to cost control or compliance with health and safety standards.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of success. It’s the easiest way for us to review your application and get to know you better!
How to prepare for a job interview at Houston & Hawkes
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with the types of dishes and cuisines that Houston & Hawkes offers. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their innovative menu and bring your own creative flair to the table.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head Chef, strong leadership is key. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a kitchen team in the past, focusing on training, mentoring, and fostering a positive work environment. Highlight any specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to inspire others.
✨Understand Food Safety Regulations
Brush up on your knowledge of food safety, health and safety standards, and COSHH regulations. Be prepared to discuss how you ensure compliance in your kitchen and how you manage stock and budgets effectively.
✨Bring Your Passion for Fresh Food
Houston & Hawkes values fresh, sustainable produce. Share your passion for using high-quality ingredients and how you incorporate seasonal produce into your menus. This will show your alignment with their commitment to Great British produce.
