At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic kitchen team and create exceptional culinary experiences.
- Company: Join the luxury lifestyle brand at Canary Riverside Plaza London, part of IHG Hotels & Resorts.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, free meals, paid holidays, and global career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace committed to your growth and wellbeing.
- Why this job: Be part of a vibrant team in a stunning location with a focus on authentic guest experiences.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Head Chef or Executive Chef with strong people management skills.
The predicted salary is between 37800 - 46200 £ per year.
Canary Riverside Plaza London, Vignette Collection is on the lookout for a dynamic Head Chef to inspire and lead! Join the excitement and become part of the team at Canary Riverside Plaza London, Vignette Collection by IHG - a landmark addition to the capital’s luxury lifestyle scene. Now proudly operating as Canary Riverside Plaza London, Vignette Collection, and part of IHG Hotels & Resorts' luxury and lifestyle portfolio, the hotel marks the brand's first property in London. Set in the heart of Canary Wharf with stunning views across the River Thames and London skyline, the hotel features 142 luxurious guestrooms and suites, stylish dining spaces, meeting and events facilities, and access to a luxury health club, spa and pool. Combining luxury hospitality with authentic, experiential and considerate travel, the hotel celebrates individuality, locality and meaningful guest experiences in one of London's most dynamic destinations.
As a Head Chef, your day-to-day will be driven by our Guests needs, however you can expect to cover the following duties and responsibilities (not all encompassing):
- Manage and lead our Kitchen team to providing culinary excellence to our Guests.
- Support both operationally (team development and management) and behind the scenes (managing finances and stock).
- Work closely with our Restaurant and Bars manager to ensure a coordinated F&B approach.
- Create and develop menus, with local knowledge and inspiration – whilst keeping up to date with both local, UK and worldwide food trends.
- Expertise in all sections of a fast-paced, high-end kitchen.
- Strong health and safety knowledge with an organised approach to ensuring the cleanliness of our Kitchen environment.
- Support our chefs to excel in their careers, encouraging training and promotion from within.
We are searching for someone who is passionate about people, thrives on delivering authentic service and takes pride in creating thoughtful guest experiences. In addition to this, we are looking for someone who has:
- Experience working within a Hotel restaurant as either an Executive Chef or a Head Chef (preferably for a minimum of 1-2 years).
- Strong people management skills specifically in training and developing employees, you will be someone who has supported with recruitment, onboarding and training of new starters.
- Hunger for success in the form of a high standard service, you will pay close attention to detail and ensure that our dishes are being produced to the highest standards within brand guidelines.
- To be a confident leader who enjoys to lead by example!
- Above all, you will have a positive attitude and be looking for your next challenge to see where your career can take you!
Joining our team means becoming part of a luxury lifestyle brand that values individuality, authentic connections and meaningful guest experiences. In return, we offer a wide range of benefits and opportunities designed to support your wellbeing, development and career growth such as:
- Financial security – A competitive salary, guaranteed hours, a free meal on shift, paid holidays!
- Growth and development – extensive training, opportunities for career progression across the world. IHG has been recognised as a ‘Best Employer 2025’ in the UK by Mercer.
- Colleague perks - worldwide discounted room rates and discounted F&B whilst on employee rate (IHG has over 6,000 hotels and growing), plus generous friends and family rate.
- Discounts through our portal on your supermarket shop, experiences and loads of retailers on our perks portal.
- Wellbeing – employee assistance programme available 24/7 and much more!
You must meet the legal requirements to work in the UK. As a Disability Confident Committed Employer, we are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. Please let us know if you require any adjustments or support at any stage, and your recruiter will assist you accordingly. At IHG Hotels & Resorts, we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We firmly believe that all our colleagues deserve to be treated equally and have the same opportunities to develop and grow their skills within our business and provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and colleagues without regard to an individual's race, colour, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, marital or familial status, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.
Head Chef employer: InterContinental Hotels Group
At Kimpton Clocktower Hotel, we pride ourselves on fostering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that values creativity and collaboration. As a member of our Meetings, Events, Groups and Reservations team, you'll enjoy comprehensive training and growth opportunities, alongside competitive benefits that enhance your work-life balance. Located in the heart of Manchester, our hotel offers a unique environment where you can thrive while delivering exceptional guest experiences.
Contact Details:
InterContinental Hotels Group 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 InterContinental Hotels Group. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to InterContinental Hotels Group
Don't be shy about reaching out to InterContinental Hotels Group 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 InterContinental Hotels Group 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 InterContinental Hotels Group
✨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!