At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic kitchen team and create innovative menus for an exceptional dining experience.
- Company: Join Hilton, the UK's #1 Great Place to Work 2026, in a stunning countryside location.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, free meals, career growth, and amazing discounts.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team with opportunities for personal development and sustainability initiatives.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in culinary excellence while working with elite sports teams.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Head Chef or high-performing Sous Chef in a quality hospitality environment.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
WELCOME TO A WORLD OF OPPORTUNITIES AT THE UK's #1 GREAT PLACE TO WORK 2026, AS VOTED BY OUR TEAM MEMBERS! Hilton at St George's Park is entering an exciting new era of culinary delivery, and we are seeking an inspiring, strategic and engaging Executive Head Chef to lead our kitchen operation. This truly unique Hilton property is set in acres of Staffordshire countryside just outside Burton upon Trent. It is proud to be the home of English Football.
We can offer you:
- Competitive annual salary
- Free and healthy meals when on duty
- Grow your Career!
- Personal Development programmes designed to support you at every step of your career
- A chance to make a difference through our Corporate Responsibility programmes
- Team Member Travel Program: discounted hotel nights plus 50% off Food and Beverages (subject to individual outlets)
- Team Member Referral Program
- High street discounts: with Perks at Work
- Holiday: 28 days including bank holidays (increasing yearly to up to 33 days)
- Discounted dental and health cover
- Free Parking
- Subsidised Taxi Scheme
- Guest Experience Day after successfully passing probation
- Modern and inclusive Team Member's areas
As an Executive Head Chef, you will be fully accountable for the overall culinary direction, quality and performance of the hotel's kitchen operation. You will lead, inspire and develop a high-performing Head Chef and kitchen brigade while delivering innovative menus and exceptional dining experiences across all outlets.
This role requires a blend of strong people leadership, commercial acumen and hands-on culinary expertise to ensure standards remain consistently high while meeting financial and operational objectives.
Key Responsibilities
- Culinary Leadership & Quality
- Provide clear leadership to the kitchen brigade, driving engagement, development and succession planning
- Deliver creative, market-relevant menus that meet guest expectations and align with Hilton brand standards
- Ensure the consistent production of high-quality food across all hotel outlets, events and functions
- Demonstrate a robust understanding of elite nutrition and wellness
- Regularly review the hotels offerings in partnership with the Food & Beverage Director, FA nutrition community and Hilton's Food and Drink team to reflect trends and guest feedback
- Operational & Financial Management
- Oversee all aspects of kitchen operations, including planning, forecasting, budgeting and resource management
- Maintain robust food control and waste management systems to protect margins without compromising quality and support our ESG Goals
- Manage departmental financial performance in line with hotel objectives and targets
- Ensure staffing levels and rota planning meet business demands and comply with local legislation
- People Management & Development
- Recruit, train, coach and develop the kitchen team to build a strong, capable and motivated workforce
- Address performance, conduct and capability matters fairly and promptly in line with company policies
- Ensure team members are fully informed on menus, promotions, events and standards
- Lead regular team communication meetings to support engagement and alignment
- Compliance, Safety & Sustainability
- Ensure full compliance with all food safety, allergen management, health and safety, hygiene, security and fire regulations
- Proactively manage maintenance, cleanliness and hazard reporting within kitchen areas
- Promote environmentally responsible working practices and minimise food waste
- Build positive working relationships with suppliers, contractors and internal stakeholders
What We're Looking For
To succeed in this role, you will demonstrate the following skills, experience and behaviours:
- Proven experience as a Head Chef, or as a high-performing Sous Chef (In a large conference-based property) ready for the next step, within a high-quality hotel or hospitality environment
- Strong leadership capability with the ability to inspire, develop and retain talented teams
- A creative, quality-driven approach to food production
- Solid commercial awareness and experience managing kitchen finances
- Excellent communication, organisation and stakeholder management skills
- Ability to prioritise effectively, manage multiple demands and meet deadlines
- A relevant trade qualification (proof may be required)
Desirable
- Management qualification or formal leadership training
- Competence with Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook
At Hilton, It Matters Where You Stay, but The Stay is only one side of the story. We know it takes hundreds of jobs to create unforgettable experiences for our guests - and behind every job, there's an extraordinary person working to make each Stay magical. That's why at Hilton, Every Job Makes the Stay.
Executive Head Chef employer: London Hilton on Park Lane
Contact Detail:
London Hilton on Park Lane Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive Head Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow chefs, industry contacts, or even alumni from your culinary school. 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 culinary skills! Consider hosting a pop-up event or a tasting session to showcase your creativity and flair. This not only gets your name out there but also gives potential employers a taste of what you can bring to their kitchen.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply – engage! When you find a role that excites you, reach out directly to the hiring manager or team. A quick message expressing your enthusiasm can set you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 4
Keep learning and adapting! Stay updated with the latest culinary trends and techniques. Whether it’s through online courses or workshops, showing that you’re committed to growth can make a big impression on potential employers.
We think you need these skills to ace Executive Head Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Culinary Excellence: When writing your application, let your love for food and cooking shine through! Share your culinary journey and what inspires you to create exceptional dining experiences. We want to see your personality and passion reflected in your words.
Tailor Your Application to Us: Make sure to customise your application to fit the Executive Head Chef role at Hilton. Highlight your relevant experience, especially in leading kitchen teams and managing operations. We’re looking for someone who aligns with our values and can contribute to our exciting culinary direction!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon that might confuse us. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and experience at a glance.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at London Hilton on Park Lane
✨Know Your Culinary Vision
Before the interview, take some time to define your culinary vision and how it aligns with Hilton's brand standards. Be ready to discuss innovative menu ideas that reflect current trends and guest expectations, showcasing your creativity and strategic thinking.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a kitchen team in the past. Highlight your ability to inspire and develop talent, manage performance issues, and create a positive work environment. This will demonstrate your strong people management skills.
✨Understand Financial Management
Brush up on your knowledge of kitchen finances, including budgeting, forecasting, and waste management. Be prepared to discuss how you've managed costs while maintaining high-quality food production, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Emphasise Compliance and Sustainability
Familiarise yourself with food safety regulations and sustainability practices. Be ready to share how you've implemented these in previous roles, as Hilton values environmentally responsible working practices and compliance with health and safety standards.