At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the kitchen team and create innovative dishes at a new Spanish restaurant.
- Company: Join JKS Restaurants, a critically acclaimed group with 7 Michelin stars.
- Benefits: Enjoy discounts, gym memberships, and a personalised development plan.
- Other info: Additional holiday and employee referral bonuses available.
- Why this job: Be part of London's vibrant culinary scene and showcase your creativity.
- Qualifications: Must have experience as an Executive Chef in fine dining, preferably Michelin level.
The predicted salary is between 68000 - 102000 £ per year.
Salary - up to 85,000 per annum
Schedule - Full Time
Experience - Previous experience in fine dining/Michelin
From the founders of the Michelin-starred Sabor, Chef Nieves Barragán Mohacho, in partnership with JKS Restaurants, is seeking a talented and passionate Head Chef to be part of Legado—a brand-new Spanish restaurant opening this summer in Shoreditch. If you’re ready to be part of an exciting new chapter in London’s culinary scene and work with a talented team delivering exceptional food and hospitality, we want to hear from you!
We’re looking for an experienced Executive Chef who shares the same enthusiasm, dedication and passion for food, vibrant hospitality and a unique culinary experience.
The Location
Legado, meaning ‘legacy’ in Spanish will showcase the depth and diversity of Spanish food. With over two decades of experience leading Spanish cuisine in London, Chef Nieves is bringing her vision to life at Legado, a celebration of Spain’s regional culinary heritage. Legado will open summer 2025 in Montacute Yards, just off Shoreditch High Street.
The Position
As Executive Chef, you will be responsible for ensuring the delivery of consistent, high quality and innovative dishes throughout the whole operation; you will play a key role in menu development, working closely with Nieves and her team. You will manage the overall kitchen operation 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 an Executive Chef or Head Chef in a quality Restaurant (preferably Michelin level)
- Strong awareness of trends and seasonality of produce
- 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 an exceptional Executive Chef eager to join a restaurant group with ambitious plans.
Benefits & Culture
Our team is the most important part of our business, translating our passion for genuine hospitality to our guests every day. We are proud to work with industry-leading talent and recognise the importance of offering our teams the tools, guidance and experience necessary to build confidence and grow. We encourage you to bring your whole self to work and celebrate the skills and characteristics that make you unique. Your commitment to be kind and work hard comes with a range of benefits such as:
- Treat Yourself Monthly JKS Dining Out Allowance
- Up to 50% off dining across JKS Restaurants
- Retail & Takeaway Discounts
- Code App Membership
- Company tech scheme
- Look After Yourself Discounted Gym Membership
- Wagestream – stream your pay earlier
- Company Donations for your involvement with Charities
- Cycle to work Scheme
- Employee Assistance Program
- Enhanced Maternity/Paternity Leave
- Access to Financial Advice
- Wedding Gift & New-born Care Package - Celebrating your big occasions
- Season Ticket Loan
- Progress Yourself Access to our fantastic L&D Calendar
- A personalised learning & development plan to develop your skills and knowledge
- Career progression with a fast-growing, critically acclaimed restaurant group.
Be Yourself
Additional holiday for every year with us (rising to 30 days)
Employee referral scheme - paying up to £600 per referral
Staff parties & long service awards
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 7 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 2024. The JKS portfolio currently features Michelin-starred restaurants such as Trishna, Gymkhana, Kitchen Table, Sabor, and Lyle’s, along with cult favourites Hoppers, BAO, Brigadiers, Berenjak, Plaza Khao Gaeng, Speedboat Bar, Bibi, and Ambassadors Clubhouse. Pubs include The Cadogan Arms, The George and The Hound. 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.
Executive Chef - London employer: Legado
Contact Detail:
Legado Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive Chef - London
✨Tip Number 1
Network with industry professionals, especially those who have experience in Michelin-starred restaurants. Attend culinary events or workshops where you can meet chefs and restaurateurs, as personal connections can often lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Stay updated on the latest trends in Spanish cuisine and fine dining. Follow influential chefs and food critics on social media, and engage with their content to demonstrate your passion and knowledge during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Consider creating a portfolio showcasing your previous work, including menu designs, photos of dishes, and any awards or recognitions you've received. This can serve as a powerful visual aid when discussing your experience and creativity.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Legado and its founders thoroughly. Understanding their vision and values will allow you to tailor your approach and show how your culinary philosophy aligns with theirs, making you a more attractive candidate.
We think you need these skills to ace Executive Chef - London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in fine dining and Michelin-level establishments. Emphasise your leadership skills, creativity, and any relevant achievements in previous roles.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for Spanish cuisine and your vision for the role of Executive Chef at Legado. Mention specific dishes or culinary trends you admire and how you plan to incorporate them into the menu.
Showcase Your Culinary Philosophy: In your application, include a brief section about your culinary philosophy and how it aligns with Legado's mission to celebrate Spain’s regional culinary heritage. This will demonstrate your understanding of the restaurant's concept.
Highlight Team Management Experience: Detail your experience in managing kitchen teams, including training and motivating staff. Provide examples of how you've successfully led a brigade in a high-pressure environment, ensuring quality and consistency.
How to prepare for a job interview at Legado
✨Showcase Your Culinary Passion
As an Executive Chef, your passion for food should shine through. Be prepared to discuss your culinary journey, inspirations, and how you plan to bring the essence of Spanish cuisine to life at Legado.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Highlight your experience in managing and motivating a kitchen team. Share specific examples of how you've successfully trained staff and fostered a positive working environment, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Discuss Menu Development Ideas
Come equipped with innovative ideas for menu development that align with the restaurant's vision. Show your understanding of seasonal produce and current culinary trends, which will demonstrate your creativity and attention to detail.
✨Prepare for Financial Discussions
Be ready to talk about your experience with budgeting, menu costing, and managing staff costs. This role requires a strong grasp of finances, so showcasing your skills in this area will be beneficial.