At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic catering team and create culinary excellence.
- Company: Award-winning contract caterer focused on great food and service.
- Benefits: Free meals, flexible hours, 28+ days holiday, and career growth opportunities.
- Other info: Diversity and inclusion are at our core; we welcome all applicants!
- Why this job: Join a people-first company where your voice matters and you can thrive.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership and catering experience, with a passion for customer service.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ 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.
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.
- Recruiting, training, supporting and people development to deliver an efficient, high quality service to Elior UK, customer and client
- 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 customer and colleagues
Working Pattern: Monday to Friday
What can you bring?
- 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
Brilliant Work Deserves Brilliant Perks!
- Free, tasty meals - Enjoy tasty, nutritious food on us while you work!
- Flexible working - including part time roles, because life doesn’t run on a 9-5 schedule.
- Plenty of Time to Unwind - 28 days of holiday, and after two years, enjoy even more with 31 days.
- Leave for life’s important moments - whether family, personal or unexpected.
- Give back time - paid volunteering days for the causes you care about.
- Room to grow - career development and learning opportunities for all stages of your career.
- Wellbeing first - mental health support and wellbeing perks.
- Financial security - pension schemes and life assurance.
- Exclusive discounts - save on entertainment, leisure, and even travel!
We’re a people-first business with over 10,000 colleagues across the UK, serving everything from stadiums to hospitals, schools to workplaces. Our mission? To enrich lives everywhere, every day. And here’s the best part - 87% of our team say they’re proud to work here!
Not sure you match every single requirement? Apply anyway! Research shows that many people - especially women and those from underrepresented backgrounds - hold back unless they meet 100% of the criteria. But we hire for potential, not just experience. If you’re passionate and ready to grow, we want to hear from you!
At Elior, diversity and inclusion aren’t just policies, they’re who we are. We know that different perspectives make us stronger, and we’re dedicated to creating an environment where everyone feels seen, heard, and empowered to succeed.
Need any support or adjustments during the application process? Just let us know - we’re happy to help!
Ready to join us? Hit ‘Apply Now’ and let’s chat!
Head Chef - Harewood Ave, London employer: Lexington-Catering
Elior is an exceptional employer located in the vibrant heart of London, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment for its team members. With a strong emphasis on employee wellbeing, career development, and a culture that values diversity, Elior offers fantastic benefits such as flexible working hours, generous holiday allowances, and opportunities for personal growth. Join us to be part of a people-first organisation where your contributions are recognised and celebrated, making every day at work fulfilling and rewarding.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef - Harewood Ave, London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the catering industry, attend local food events, or join culinary groups online. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, create a portfolio showcasing your best dishes and culinary achievements. A visual representation of your talent can really make you stand out during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by researching the company culture and values. At Elior, they value diversity and inclusion, so be ready to discuss how you can contribute to that environment and support your team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t hesitate to apply through our website! Even if you don’t meet every single requirement, remember that we hire for potential. If you’re passionate about food and leadership, we want to hear from you!
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef - Harewood Ave, London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When you're writing your application, let your love for cooking and customer service shine through! We want to see your enthusiasm for the role and how you can bring that energy to our team.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head Chef position. Highlight your relevant experience, especially in leadership and culinary skills, so we can see how you fit into our vision at Lexington.
Be Authentic:Don’t be afraid to be yourself in your application. We value authenticity and want to know who you are beyond your qualifications. Share your unique experiences and what makes you a great fit for our team!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lexington-Catering
✨Know Your Culinary Stuff
Brush up on your culinary skills and be ready to discuss your favourite dishes, cooking techniques, and how you manage a kitchen. Be prepared to share specific examples of how you've handled challenges in the kitchen or improved a menu.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a Head Chef, leadership is key. Think about how you motivate and develop your team. Prepare to discuss your approach to training staff and how you handle conflicts or performance issues within the team.
✨Understand the Business Side
Familiarise yourself with cost control and budgeting in a catering environment. Be ready to talk about how you've managed food stocks and contributed to financial growth in previous roles.
✨Emphasise Customer Service Excellence
Elior values customer service, so think about how you can enhance the dining experience. Prepare examples of how you've gone above and beyond for customers and how you ensure high-quality service in your kitchen.
