At a Glance
- Tasks: Source and manage high-end food requests for VIP clients in a dynamic kitchen environment.
- Company: Join Odyssey, a leader in private aviation catering with Michelin-starred excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy career progression, a supportive team culture, and regular working hours.
- Other info: Thriving environment with opportunities to explore London while sourcing unique culinary items.
- Why this job: Be the vital link between clients and chefs, making luxury dining experiences happen.
- Qualifications: 2-4 years in fast-paced kitchens or hospitality; strong organisational skills required.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
- Kitchen Operations Associate – Full-Time, London-Based, Permanent Position
- About Odyssey
Odyssey is redefining private aviation catering by combining the culinary excellence of our two Michelin-starred chef with world-class customer service.
Already established in London Paris, and Miami we are expanding internationally with a simple promise: uncompromising quality, responsiveness, and personalisation.
The Role
We are looking for a Kitchen Operations Associate to join our London team.
This is a pivotal role in our day-to-day operations.
You will act as the voice of Odyssey for our clients, primarily in the UK but also supporting requests from our Paris and Miami markets.
You will ensure seamless coordination between our client services team and the kitchen, and handle high-touch concierge requests, from sourcing rare items in-store to managing urgent, last-minute luxury purchases for VIP clients.
Key Responsibilities
- Take ownership of sourcing: identify, purchase, and collect products across London, from specialist food suppliers to retail stores, based on kitchen and client requirements.
- Act as the operational link between clients, kitchen, and drivers, ensuring clear communication, feasibility, and smooth execution of orders at all times.
- Handle incoming requests (email and phone) with speed and accuracy, translating client needs into clear, actionable briefs for the kitchen team.
- Support day-to-day service operations, including troubleshooting issues, managing last-minute changes, and ensuring orders go out on time and to standard.
- Spend a significant portion of time outside the office/kitchen, running errands and sourcing items in line with operational needs.
- Make quick, practical decisions on sourcing alternatives when products are unavailable or timelines are tight.
- Work closely with chefs to understand ingredients, prep constraints, and kitchen workflows, ensuring requests are realistic and executable.
- Coordinate with drivers and logistics to ensure timely dispatch, accurate handovers, and real-time updates where needed.
- Maintain high attention to detail across orders, from quoting through to final delivery, ensuring consistency and quality.
Your Profile
- 2-4 years of experience in fast-paced, hands-on environments such as kitchens, food production, hospitality operations, or similar execution-focused roles.
- Comfortable working closely with chefs and operational teams; you understand kitchen constraints, urgency, and standards.
- Highly organised with strong attention to detail, you can manage multiple moving parts without things slipping.
- Proactive and resourceful: you take ownership, solve problems quickly, and don’t wait to be told what to do.
- Comfortable being on your feet and spending time outside the office, running errands, sourcing products, and navigating the city as part of the role.
- Calm under pressure, with the ability to handle last-minute changes and time-sensitive requests.
- Clear and concise communicator in English; able to translate requests into actionable instructions for the kitchen and team.
- Good knowledge of London (suppliers, food shops, logistics routes) is a strong plus.
- Previous experience in high-end food & beverage or premium environments is beneficial, but mindset and work ethic matter more than background.
What We Offer
- The chance to join a fast-growing business with high standards of excellence and genuine opportunities for career progression.
- A people-first, high-performance environment with a focus on craftsmanship, service, and team spirit.
A full-time, permanent contract with regular working hours (with occasional out-of-hours coverage during peak periods).
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Kitchen Operations Associate in London employer: Odyssey Dining
Odyssey is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of London where culinary excellence meets world-class service. As a Kitchen Operations Associate, you will thrive in a people-first culture that prioritises craftsmanship and teamwork, while enjoying genuine opportunities for career progression in a fast-growing business. With a focus on high standards and a supportive atmosphere, Odyssey ensures that every team member feels valued and empowered to make impactful contributions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Kitchen Operations Associate in 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 Odyssey Dining. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Odyssey Dining
Don't be shy about reaching out to Odyssey Dining 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 Kitchen Operations Associate in 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 Odyssey Dining 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 Odyssey Dining
✨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!