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For Companies 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.
- 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.
- Other info: Be part of a 6-shift week, fostering teamwork and creativity.
The predicted salary is between 44000 - 66000 £ per year.
Head Chef | East London | Creative Position
We\’re a neighbourhood restaurant in the heart of East London — the kind of place people come back to week after week, not because we\’re trying to be the most talked-about restaurant in London, but because the food is honest, the wine is natural, and it genuinely feels like home.
Since 2012, we\’ve been doing things our way: a daily-changing menu that follows the seasons, all pasta and bread made in-house, charcuterie sourced from Mangalitza pigs raised in Somerset, all from an open kitchen — and we wouldn\’t have it any other way.
Now we\’re looking for a Head Chef to lead our kitchen — and help shape what it becomes next.
The role
This is a genuine opportunity to reshape the menu and put your stamp on a much-loved kitchen. We\’re not looking for someone to maintain the status quo — we want a creative, visionary chef who has real ideas and the confidence to execute them.
Our food has always been rooted in Italian cooking, but led by the best of British seasonal produce. That intersection — Italian soul, British seasonality — is at the heart of what we do, and we want a Head Chef who gets that instinctively and gets excited by it.
This is also a brilliant step up for a talented Sous or Senior Sous Chef who\’s ready to take the lead. You\’ll inherit a kitchen with great bones — a skilled team, strong supplier relationships, and a clear identity — with the freedom to take it somewhere new.
What we’re looking for
- A Head Chef, or a Senior Sous Chef looking for their first Head Chef position.
- A genuine passion for Italian cooking and British seasonal produce.
- A creative, visionary thinker — someone with real opinions about food and the enthusiasm to back them up.
- A collaborator, not a dictator — someone who builds a kitchen culture people actually want to be part of.
- Confidence to run a daily-changing menu and make it feel effortless.
- Real pride in handmade pasta, proper pizza, and simple food done brilliantly and honestly.
- Someone fun to work with — life\’s too short for a miserable kitchen.
What you’ll get
- Real creative freedom and the chance to reshape the menu from the ground up.
- A supportive ownership team who care about doing things properly.
- Competitive salary.
We want to share our passion for food and wine with you. No hiding, no secrets — just passion and enthusiasm, the way it should be. If that sounds like your kind of kitchen, get in touch.
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Head Chef employer: JKS Restaurants
Contact Detail:
JKS Restaurants Recruiting Team
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.