At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the culinary direction and craft innovative menus for a new rooftop bar.
- Company: Join a historic family-run hotel with a modern vision for hospitality.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days holiday, training opportunities, and discounts across outlets.
- Why this job: Shape a unique dining experience in a vibrant London location.
- Qualifications: Proven experience as Head Chef or Executive Sous Chef in a fast-paced environment.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team with excellent career growth potential.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
Hours: 40 hours per week
Location: Bloomsbury, London
About Us: 'Project A' is the new destination rooftop bar at The Imperial, Bloomsbury opening Summer 2026. Part of the Imperial London Hotels family, we are a seventh generation, family run business with a 187 year legacy and a renewed vision for modern, authentic London hospitality.
About the Role: We are seeking an exceptional Head Chef to lead the culinary direction of 'Project A'. This is a rare opportunity to shape a brand new rooftop dining experience from the ground up - crafting menus, building a high performing team and defining a food identity that reflects creativity, seasonality and a sense of place in the heart of Bloomsbury, London. You will oversee all kitchen operations at 'Project A', leading a brigade including Sous Chefs, CDPs, Commis Chefs and Kitchen Porters. You will set the standards for quality, consistency and presentation, ensuring every dish reflects the ambition and elevated character of 'Project A'.
What You'll Be Doing:
- You will work collaboratively with the 'Project A' General Manager and Front of House teams to deliver exceptional guest experiences, balancing creativity with operational discipline.
- From menu development to food safety, team culture to financial performance, you will be accountable for the full culinary operation.
- Develop seasonal, innovative menus that reflect 'Project A's' identity and London's diverse food culture.
- Lead, train, and inspire the kitchen team, creating a supportive, high performance environment.
- Ensure consistent delivery of high quality dishes, aligned with recipes, presentation standards, and food safety regulations.
- Manage stock levels, ordering, menu costings, and food GP to meet financial targets.
- Oversee kitchen systems, preparation, and service to ensure efficiency and consistency.
- Maintain rigorous hygiene and safety standards, ensuring all documentation is compliant and up to date.
- Collaborate across departments to support seamless bar operations and exceptional service.
- Recruit, mentor, and develop kitchen talent, ensuring strong succession planning.
- Keep up to date with culinary trends, techniques, suppliers, and best practices to continually evolve the offering.
Who You Are:
- You will have proven experience as Head Chef or Executive Sous Chef ideally in a new opening hotel environment.
- Have strong culinary skills with a passion for creativity, flavour development and modern presentation.
- Experience running a fast paced kitchen, delivering high standards under pressure.
- Strong leadership ability with a track record of building, developing and motivating teams.
- Solid financial and operational understanding including GP control, labour management and P&L awareness.
- Excellent communication and organisational skills.
- Level 3 Food Safety, Professional Cookery qualification and strong understanding of food hygiene and safety regulations.
- Flexibility to work varied shifts in line with a 24/7 hotel operation.
What's In It for You:
- 28 days holiday, rising to 33 with length of service (including bank holidays).
- Access to ILH Training Academy programmes, apprenticeships and supported study.
- Holiday Purchase Scheme.
- Complimentary uniform dry cleaning, plus discounted personal dry cleaning.
- Interest free Season Ticket Loan.
- Workplace Pension.
- Team member flat rate and 50% friends and family hotel discount.
- 50% discount across ILH F&B outlets.
- Discounted drinks at Blooms Caf.
- Employee funded Health Cash Plan.
- Local Bloomsbury discounts.
- Early Pay access.
- Shopping discounts with selected retailers.
- Salary sacrifice schemes including nursery care, cycle to work, and technology.
- Access to mental health first aiders, wellbeing support and the Employee Assistance Programme.
If you are ready to shape a landmark rooftop bar and lead a talented team in one of London's newest hospitality openings, we would love to hear from you!
Head Chef \'Project A\' - Rooftop Bar at The Imperial (New Opening Hotel) - London employer: Imperial London Hotels
Contact Detail:
Imperial London Hotels Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef \'Project A\' - Rooftop Bar at The Imperial (New Opening Hotel) - London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry folks. Attend culinary events, join local chef groups, or even hit up food festivals. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Head Chef gig at 'Project A'.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, organise a tasting event or pop-up to showcase your culinary creativity. This not only highlights your talent but also gives potential employers a taste of what you can bring to the table at 'Project A'.
✨Tip Number 3
Research is key! Dive deep into 'Project A's' concept and the Imperial London Hotels' ethos. Tailor your approach to reflect their vision for modern hospitality, and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their unique rooftop dining experience.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in being part of the 'Project A' team. Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef \'Project A\' - Rooftop Bar at The Imperial (New Opening Hotel) - London
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 excites you about leading a new kitchen. We want to see your personality and creativity come alive in your words.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored specifically for the Head Chef role at 'Project A'. Highlight relevant experience, especially in new openings or high-pressure environments. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why you’re the perfect fit for 'Project A'. Discuss your vision for the rooftop bar and how you plan to create an exceptional dining experience. Keep it engaging and to the point!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Imperial London Hotels
✨Know Your Culinary Vision
Before the interview, think about how you would define the culinary identity of 'Project A'. Be ready to discuss your ideas for seasonal menus and how they reflect London’s diverse food culture. This shows your passion and creativity, which are key for a Head Chef role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led and developed kitchen teams in the past. Highlight specific instances where you motivated your team or improved kitchen operations. This will demonstrate your strong leadership ability, which is crucial for this position.
✨Understand Financial Management
Brush up on your knowledge of GP control, labour management, and P&L awareness. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve managed costs in previous roles and how you plan to ensure financial targets are met at 'Project A'. This will show that you have a solid operational understanding.
✨Stay Current with Culinary Trends
Research the latest culinary trends and techniques that could be relevant to 'Project A'. Bring up any innovative ideas you have for menu development during the interview. This not only shows your commitment to evolving the offering but also your enthusiasm for the role.