Café - Head Chef

Café - Head Chef

London Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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Lexington Catering

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a dynamic catering team and create culinary masterpieces daily.
  • Company: Join Lexington, an award-winning caterer known for great food and exceptional service.
  • Benefits: Enjoy free lunches, flexible hours, 28+ days holiday, and exclusive discounts.
  • Why this job: Be part of a creative, fun culture that values diversity and personal growth.
  • Qualifications: 2+ years as Head Chef or Sous Chef with strong leadership and customer service skills.
  • Other info: Monday to Friday, 40 hours per week; we welcome all applicants and support inclusivity.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

Lexington is an award-winning contract caterer that focuses on providing great food and service to customers. To do this, we need fabulous people and we work hard to create an environment where our team members feel engaged, inspired, valued, and enjoy what they do.

Our way of saying thank you:

  • FREE On-Site Lunches: Savour delicious and healthy meals, on us, every day at work.
  • Flexible Working: Enjoy the freedom to balance work and personal life with our flexible working hours.
  • Holiday Allowance: Start with 28 days of holiday to relax and recharge, increasing to 31 days after two years of service.
  • Family Leave: Prioritise your family commitments with our family leave options designed to support you during important times.
  • Paid Charity Leave: Make a difference in your community with paid time off to volunteer for your favourite causes.
  • Opportunities for Career Progression: Grow and advance your career with us, supported by continuous learning and development opportunities.
  • Comprehensive Wellbeing Benefits: Access mental health support and a range of wellbeing benefits to keep you feeling your best, both professionally and personally.
  • Life Assurance & Pension Schemes: Secure your future with our life assurance and workplace pension schemes.
  • Exclusive Discounts & Perks: Enjoy discounts and cashback on entertainment, leisure activities, and much more, alongside our popular cycle-to-work scheme.

What you will be doing:

As a Head Chef, you will be proactively managing and supporting a catering team as well as creating a platform for financial growth through cost control and culinary excellence.

Responsibilities:

  • Recruiting, training, supporting, and developing people to deliver an efficient, high-quality service to Elior UK, customers, and clients.
  • Maintaining, ordering, and controlling food stocks within budget.
  • Ensuring ongoing team communications, including building internal and external relationships, management reporting, and client liaison to enable operational excellence.
  • Accountable for COSHH, Food Safety, H&S, legal regulations, environmental policies, and duty of care to customers and colleagues.

What can you bring?

In this role:

  • Proven leadership ability with a proactive, hands-on approach.
  • Genuine interest in customer service excellence.
  • Focused on the front line.
  • Catering experience essential with chef skills.
  • 2+ years experience as Head Chef or Sous Chef ready for their next step.

Working Pattern: Monday - Friday, 40 hours p/w.

Why it’s great to work for us:

At Lexington, we dare to be different in our food, catering, reception services, and work culture. Our values encourage creativity, boldness, and fun, fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We nurture talent, helping our people thrive and reach their potential.

We take pride in being an equal opportunity employer and welcome everyone. Let us know if you need any reasonable adjustments or assistance in your application, and feel free to share your pronouns.

Join our award-winning team passionate about serving delicious food to exceptional clients in London. Visit our website to hear from our team first-hand.

Café - Head Chef employer: Lexington Catering

Lexington is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and growth of its team members, offering a vibrant work culture where creativity and inclusivity thrive. With generous benefits such as free on-site lunches, flexible working hours, and ample holiday allowance, employees are supported both personally and professionally. The opportunity for career progression, alongside comprehensive wellbeing benefits, makes Lexington a rewarding place to build a meaningful career in the heart of London.
Lexington Catering

Contact Detail:

Lexington Catering Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Café - Head Chef

Tip Number 1

Network with other chefs and catering professionals in your area. Attend local culinary events or workshops to meet people who might have insights into the Head Chef position at Lexington.

Tip Number 2

Showcase your leadership skills by sharing examples of how you've successfully managed a kitchen team in the past. Highlight any initiatives you've taken to improve service quality or team morale.

Tip Number 3

Familiarise yourself with Lexington's values and culture. Tailor your conversations during interviews to reflect how your personal values align with theirs, especially around creativity and inclusivity.

Tip Number 4

Prepare to discuss your experience with cost control and food safety regulations. Be ready to provide specific examples of how you've maintained budgets and ensured compliance in previous roles.

We think you need these skills to ace Café - Head Chef

Leadership Skills
Team Management
Culinary Skills
Cost Control
Food Safety Knowledge
Health and Safety Regulations
Customer Service Excellence
Communication Skills
Training and Development
Inventory Management
Problem-Solving Skills
Creativity in Menu Development
Time Management
Adaptability

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience as a Head Chef or Sous Chef. Focus on your leadership skills, culinary expertise, and any achievements in cost control and team management.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for customer service excellence and your proactive approach to managing a catering team. Mention specific examples of how you've contributed to financial growth and operational excellence in previous roles.

Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, emphasise your knowledge of food safety regulations, COSHH, and health and safety practices. These are crucial for the role and will demonstrate your readiness to take on the responsibilities outlined in the job description.

Showcase Your Personality: Lexington values creativity and a fun work culture. Let your personality shine through in your application. Share your unique approach to cooking and team management, and how you can contribute to their diverse and inclusive workplace.

How to prepare for a job interview at Lexington Catering

Showcase Your Culinary Passion

Make sure to express your genuine love for cooking and food during the interview. Share specific examples of dishes you’ve created or culinary experiences that have shaped your career. This will demonstrate your enthusiasm and commitment to the role.

Highlight Leadership Experience

As a Head Chef, leadership is key. Be prepared to discuss your previous experiences in managing a team, training staff, and fostering a positive kitchen environment. Use concrete examples to illustrate how you've successfully led a team in high-pressure situations.

Understand the Company Culture

Research Lexington’s values and culture before the interview. Be ready to discuss how your personal values align with theirs, especially regarding creativity, inclusivity, and customer service excellence. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but that you genuinely want to be part of their team.

Prepare Questions About Operations

Come prepared with insightful questions about the kitchen operations, menu development, and team dynamics at Lexington. This not only shows your interest in the role but also your proactive approach to understanding how you can contribute to their success.

Café - Head Chef
Lexington Catering
Location: London
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