At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic kitchen team to create exceptional dishes and drive operational excellence.
- Company: Join Arcade, a vibrant collection of innovative dining destinations.
- Benefits: Enjoy 50% off food, refer-a-friend bonuses, and access to wellness services.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team passionate about hospitality and creativity.
- Why this job: Shape the future of hospitality with creative culinary concepts and growth opportunities.
- Qualifications: Proven experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef in a high-volume kitchen.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 33500 £ per year.
About Arcade:
Arcade is a collection of vibrant dining destinations and a platform for building the next generation of hospitality brands. Alongside our venues sits Arcade Create, our brand development platform. Brands developed through the platform include Manna, Solis, Hero, and many more, with successful concepts expanding beyond Arcade into standalone locations around the world.
About the role:
As Head Chef for Growth Brands, you will lead the kitchen team to deliver exceptional food quality, operational excellence, and a high-performing kitchen culture. Working closely with our Brand Partners, you'll help shape the future food direction of the business, supporting the development and growth of successful concepts with the ambition to expand beyond Arcade into standalone locations around the world.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead and inspire the kitchen team to deliver consistently outstanding food and service
- Drive high standards of food quality, presentation, and execution across every shift
- Manage day-to-day kitchen operations, ensuring efficiency, organisation, and compliance
- Recruit, train, coach, and develop kitchen team members to reach their full potential
- Ensure all HACCP, Food Safety, and Health & Safety standards are consistently upheld
- Oversee stock control, food cost, labour management, and waste reduction initiatives
- Collaborate with Brand Partners and senior leadership on menu development, concept evolution, and growth opportunities
- Support the continued expansion of high-performing brands into future standalone locations
- Conduct regular kitchen checks, audits, and performance reviews
- Respond professionally and effectively to guest feedback relating to food quality and experience
- Support rota planning, reporting, and operational analysis to drive business performance
We'd love to hear from you if you:
- Have proven experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef in a high-volume, quality-led kitchen
- Bring strong fresh food experience and a genuine understanding of working with quality ingredients
- Are passionate about fresh food, bold flavours, and delivering exceptional dishes consistently
- Bring expert knowledge of kitchen operations, food safety, and team management
- Hold a Food Safety Level 3 qualification or equivalent
- Are passionate about delivering exceptional food and maintaining consistently high standards
- Bring strong financial awareness, including labour control, stock management, and GP performance
- Have experience training, mentoring, and developing kitchen teams
- Stay up to date with food trends and bring creativity alongside operational discipline
- Are highly organised with excellent communication and leadership skills
- Bring a positive, hands-on attitude and lead by example every day
We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds.
Working at Arcade:
Our teams are 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.
At Arcade, we're more than just a restaurant group... We're a collective of bold, diverse food and drink brands driven by creativity, collaboration, and a passion for hospitality. We believe in growing together, empowering our people, and creating opportunities to thrive across all areas of the business. Whether onsite, behind the scenes or head office, working at Arcade means being part of something exciting, fast-moving, and truly unique in the hospitality industry.
Benefits of being part of the team:
- Refer a friend bonus
- Internal wage advance facility to instantly access the wages you've earned
- A restaurant recognition budget for Birthday goodies and career milestones
- 50% off food in our restaurants for you and your loved ones
- 50% off food in JKS restaurants within Arcade for you and your loved ones
- Access to counselling, remote GP/physio services, legal advice and more through Hospitality Action 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year
- Summer and Christmas team parties where we all down tools and have some fun!
Head Chef - Growth Brands - London employer: leisurejobs
Giggling Squid is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises family values and a passion for Thai cuisine. With a strong focus on employee development through comprehensive training programmes, competitive salaries, and generous benefits like weekly pay and staff discounts, we ensure our team members feel valued and supported. Join us in Leamington Spa, where you can enjoy a fulfilling career in one of the UK's fastest-growing restaurant groups while embracing the warmth of our unique Thai heritage.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef - Growth Brands - London
✨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 leisurejobs. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to leisurejobs
Don't be shy about reaching out to leisurejobs 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 - Growth Brands - London
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 leisurejobs 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 leisurejobs
✨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!
