At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the kitchen team, ensuring high-quality food and a positive work environment.
- Company: BAO is dedicated to creating a supportive and thriving culinary atmosphere.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary of up to £55,000 and a full-time schedule.
- Other info: Be part of a 6-shift week, fostering teamwork and creativity.
- Why this job: Join a team that values care, calmness, and pride in their work culture.
- Qualifications: Previous experience as a Head Chef or in a similar role is essential.
The predicted salary is between 44000 - 66000 £ per year.
Experience - Previous experience as a Head Chef within a quality restaurant. Knowledge of Thai food is preferred.
JKS Restaurants and Plaza Khao Gaeng are seeking a Head Chef to lead their kitchen operations. The successful candidate will have a passion for Thai/Asian cuisine and have previous experience as a Head Chef. This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced Head Chef looking for a new role in an award winning, critically acclaimed group.
Plaza Khao Gaeng is a celebration of Thailand’s coast-to-jungle cooking, serving Khao gaeng dishes, which translates broadly as “curry over rice”. A kaleidoscope of curries rich with fresh coconut milk, aromatic curry pastes, and fermented fish for depth, alongside searingly hot stir-fries lifted with cooling herbs - all designed to be mixed, matched and spooned over rice.
In Thailand, the most popular khao gaeng spots expand to fill whatever space they can. Plaza takes inspiration from one such restaurant in Bangkok, now spread through an old cinema - curries laid out in gleaming trays beneath a faded façade, climbing the stairs to the former box office. It’s anytime comfort food, offering pause and shade from the heat and noise of the street outside.
The Position
As Head Chef, you will be responsible for ensuring the delivery of consistent, high quality and innovative dishes and specials; you will play a key role in menu development, working closely with the Group Exec Chef and Chef Director. You will manage the overall kitchen operation, including prep schedules, stock control, budgeting and maintenance, as well as the day to day management of the kitchen team.
If you have the following, then we want to hear from you:
- Previous experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef in a high quality restaurant;
- Strong awareness of trends and seasonality of produce;
- A passion for Thai and/or Asian cuisine;
- A highly creative approach to your work with excellent attention to detail;
- Proven ability to manage, train and motivate a kitchen brigade;
- Experience in managing staff costs, scheduling and reviewing staff rotas;
- Strengths in finances, purchasing and menu costing;
- A working knowledge of health and safety, compliance and procedures;
This is a very exciting opportunity not to be missed for a talented Head Chef eager to join a restaurant group with ambitious plans.
At Chaiyo, we believe in a culture that truly backs our people. Hospitality is a people industry, and we're committed to rewarding the hard work and loyalty that makes us who we are.
Award-Winning Workplace
Recognised as one of The Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2026
Dining & Hospitality
- Dine Out Allowance - Quarterly peer to peer at competitor restaurants
- Lunch for 2 after probation
- Up to 50% off dining across JKS restaurants
- CODE App membership - Discount at some of the UK's best restaurants
- Self care salary - £1,200 additional salary to spend on your self care.
- Discounted gym membership with up to 25% off at 4,000+ venues across the UK
- 24/7 Doctor & prescription services for peace of mind healthcare
- 8 free counselling sessions to support your mental wellbeing
- Employee Assistance Program providing confidential support when you need it
- Health, legal, money and debt support services available
Entertainment
- Up to 55% off cinema tickets
- Up to 25% off UK attractions (London Eye, Thorpe Park, SEA LIFE, and more)
- Up to 15% cashback at 70+ major retailers across the UK
- Wagestream - stream a portion of your pay earlier when you need it
- Access to financial advice to help with your financial planning
- Company donations for your involvement with charities
Special Occasions & Recognition
- Wedding gift & newborn care package - celebrating your big occasions
- Staff parties & long service awards recognising your commitment
- Employee referral scheme - earn up to £600 per referral
- Additional holiday for every year with us (rising to 30 days)
The Group
JKS Restaurants was founded by siblings Jyotin, Karam, and Sunaina Sethi in November 2008. Since its inception, the group has received critical acclaim and industry recognition, including 8 Michelin stars, 4 Michelin Bib Gourmands, a restaurant ranked among the World’s 100 Best Restaurants, and a spot in the Sunday Times Best 100 Places to Work 2026.
The JKS portfolio currently features Michelin-starred restaurants such as Trishna, Gymkhana, Kitchen Table, Sabor, Legado and Ambassadors Clubhouse; along with cult favourites Hoppers, Brigadiers, Berenjak, Plaza Khao Gaeng, Speedboat Bar, and Bibi.
JKS Restaurants offers a unique opportunity to pursue a career in fine dining or to develop within trend-focused casual cuisine, with opportunities across all disciplines for those looking to advance their careers within a people-focused, collaborative hospitality group.
#J-18808-LjbffrHead Chef employer: JKS Restaurants
At JKS Restaurants, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that celebrates individuality and fosters professional growth. As a Pastry Chef de Partie at the Michelin-starred Ambassadors Clubhouse in Mayfair, you'll be part of a passionate team dedicated to delivering authentic Punjabi cuisine while enjoying benefits like generous dining discounts, personalised development plans, and additional holiday for every year with us. Join us to elevate your culinary career in a supportive environment that values hard work and creativity.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Showcase your leadership style during the interview. Since BAO values a supportive and calm approach, be prepared to share examples of how you've fostered a positive kitchen environment in your previous roles.
✨Tip Number 2
Research BAO's culinary philosophy and menu offerings. Understanding their approach will allow you to align your vision with theirs, demonstrating that you're not just a fit for the role but also for their brand.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss how you handle high-pressure situations. As a Head Chef, you'll need to manage stress effectively, so think of specific instances where you've successfully navigated challenges in the kitchen.
✨Tip Number 4
Network with current or former employees of BAO if possible. They can provide insights into the company culture and expectations, which can help you tailor your approach during the application process.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role:Read the job description carefully to understand what BAO is looking for in a Head Chef. Highlight your relevant experience and how it aligns with their values of care and support.
Craft a Tailored CV:Make sure your CV reflects your previous experience in similar roles. Emphasise your leadership skills, ability to work under pressure, and any achievements that demonstrate your capability to create a positive kitchen environment.
Write a Compelling Cover Letter:In your cover letter, express your passion for cooking and leading a team. Share specific examples of how you've fostered a supportive atmosphere in past positions and how you plan to bring that to BAO.
Proofread Your Application:Before submitting, double-check your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application shows attention to detail, which is crucial for a Head Chef role.
How to prepare for a job interview at JKS Restaurants
✨Show Your Leadership Style
As a Head Chef, your leadership style is crucial. Be prepared to discuss how you lead your team, manage stress in the kitchen, and create a positive environment. Share specific examples of how you've supported your team in previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Your Culinary Expertise
Expect questions about your culinary skills and experience. Be ready to talk about your favourite dishes, cooking techniques, and how you stay updated with food trends. Consider bringing a portfolio of your work or recipes that showcase your creativity.
✨Discuss Team Dynamics
BAO values a supportive atmosphere, so be prepared to discuss how you foster teamwork. Talk about how you handle conflicts in the kitchen and ensure everyone feels valued. Highlight any initiatives you've taken to improve team morale.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
You might face scenario-based questions to assess your problem-solving skills. Think about past challenges you've encountered in the kitchen and how you resolved them. This will demonstrate your ability to remain calm under pressure and make sound decisions.
