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- Tasks: Lead a vibrant kitchen, crafting innovative Thai dishes and managing a passionate team.
- Company: Join JKS Restaurants, an award-winning group with a focus on quality and creativity.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, dining discounts, wellness perks, and career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a culinary adventure, celebrating Thailand's rich flavours in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Head Chef and a passion for Thai cuisine are essential.
- Other info: Exciting career prospects in a critically acclaimed restaurant group.
The predicted salary is between 58000 - 58000 £ per year.
Salary - Up to £58,000 per year
Schedule - Full Time
Experience - Previous experience as a Head Chef within a quality restaurant. Knowledge of Thai cuisine is preferred, but not essential.
JKS Restaurants and Plaza Khao Gaeng are seeking a Head Chef to lead their kitchen at the Borough Yards location. The successful candidate will have a passion for Thai/Asian cuisine and have previous experience as a Head Chef. This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced Head Chef looking for a new role in an award-winning, critically acclaimed group.
The Restaurant Plaza Khao Gaeng is a celebration of Thailand's coast-to-jungle cooking, serving Khao gaeng dishes, which translates broadly as curry over rice. A kaleidoscope of curries rich with fresh coconut milk, aromatic curry pastes, and fermented fish for depth, alongside searingly hot stir-fries lifted with cooling herbs - all designed to be mixed, matched and spooned over rice.
In Thailand, the most popular khao gaeng spots expand to fill whatever space they can. Plaza takes inspiration from one such restaurant in Bangkok, now spread through an old cinema - curries laid out in gleaming trays beneath a faded façade, climbing the stairs to the former box office. It's anytime comfort food, offering pause and shade from the heat and noise of the street outside.
Our second Plaza Khao Gaeng opened in Borough Yards in November 2025, flanking the bustle of Borough Market, much as it would in Southern Thailand. Here, we take cues from electric markets, roadside stalls and family kitchens of the South - introducing new dishes alongside favourites from Thailand's deepest southern provinces.
The Position As Head Chef, you will be responsible for ensuring the delivery of consistent, high quality and innovative dishes throughout the whole operation; you will play a key role in menu development, working closely with the Directors. You will manage the overall kitchen operation as well as the day-to-day management of the kitchen team.
If you have the following, then we want to hear from you:
- Previous experience as a Head Chef in a high-quality restaurant;
- A passion for Thai cuisine;
- Strong awareness of trends and seasonality of produce;
- A highly creative approach to your work with excellent attention to detail;
- Proven ability to manage, train and motivate a kitchen brigade;
- Experience in managing staff costs, scheduling and reviewing staff rotas;
- Strengths in finances, purchasing and menu costing;
- A working knowledge of health and safety, compliance and procedures;
This is a very exciting opportunity not to be missed for a talented Head Chef eager to join a restaurant group with ambitious plans.
Benefits:
- Dine Out Allowance - Quarterly peer to peer at competitor restaurants;
- Lunch for 2 after probation;
- Up to 50% off dining across JKS restaurants;
- CODE App membership - Discount at some of the UK's best restaurants;
- Self care salary - £1,200 additional salary to spend on your self care;
- Discounted gym membership with up to 25% off at 4,000+ venues across the UK;
- 24/7 Doctor & prescription services for peace of mind healthcare;
- 8 free counselling sessions to support your mental wellbeing;
- Employee Assistance Program providing confidential support when you need it;
- Health, legal, money and debt support services available;
- Up to 55% off cinema tickets;
- Up to 25% off UK attractions (London Eye, Thorpe Park, SEA LIFE, and more);
- Up to 15% cashback at 70+ major retailers across the UK;
- Wagestream - stream a portion of your pay earlier when you need it;
- Access to financial advice to help with your financial planning;
- Company donations for your involvement with charities;
- Wedding gift & newborn care package - celebrating your big occasions;
- Staff parties & long service awards recognising your commitment;
- Employee referral scheme - earn up to £600 per referral;
- Additional holiday for every year with us (rising to 30 days).
The Group JKS Restaurants was founded by siblings Jyotin, Karam, and Sunaina Sethi in November 2008. Since its inception, the group has received critical acclaim and industry recognition, including 7 Michelin stars, 4 Michelin Bib Gourmands, a restaurant ranked among the World's 100 Best Restaurants, and a spot in the Sunday Times Best 100 Places to Work 2024. The JKS portfolio currently features Michelin-starred restaurants such as Trishna, Gymkhana, Kitchen Table, Sabor, Legado and Ambassadors Clubhouse; along with cult favourites Hoppers, Brigadiers, Berenjak, Plaza Khao Gaeng, Speedboat Bar, and Bibi. JKS Restaurants offers a unique opportunity to pursue a career in fine dining or to develop within trend-focused casual cuisine, with opportunities across all disciplines for those looking to advance their careers within a people-focused, collaborative hospitality group.
Head Chef in London employer: Plaza Khao Gaeng
Contact Detail:
Plaza Khao Gaeng Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with fellow chefs, restaurant owners, and food enthusiasts. Attend industry events or local food festivals to meet people who might know about job openings before they even hit the market.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, organise a tasting event or pop-up dinner to showcase your culinary talents. This not only gives you a chance to impress potential employers but also helps you build a portfolio of your work.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t be shy about reaching out directly! If you’ve got your eye on a specific restaurant, drop them a message or give them a call. Express your passion for their cuisine and ask if they’re looking for a Head Chef. You never know what opportunities might arise!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of exciting opportunities at JKS Restaurants, and applying directly through us can give you a better chance of landing that dream role. Plus, we love seeing passionate candidates who are eager to join our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When you're writing your application, let your love for Thai cuisine shine through! Share any experiences or dishes that have inspired you, and show us why you're the perfect fit for our kitchen.
Highlight Your Experience: Make sure to detail your previous roles as a Head Chef. We want to see how you've led teams, managed kitchens, and created amazing dishes. Use specific examples to demonstrate your skills and achievements!
Be Creative: This is your chance to showcase your creativity! If you have unique ideas for menu items or ways to improve kitchen operations, mention them in your application. We love innovative thinkers who can bring fresh perspectives to our restaurant.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It's the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Plaza Khao Gaeng.
How to prepare for a job interview at Plaza Khao Gaeng
✨Know Your Thai Cuisine
Even if knowledge of Thai cuisine isn't essential, showing a genuine passion for it can set you apart. Brush up on popular dishes, ingredients, and cooking techniques. Being able to discuss your favourite Thai dishes or share your experiences with them will demonstrate your enthusiasm and commitment to the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head Chef, you'll be managing a kitchen team, so it's crucial to highlight your leadership experience. Prepare examples of how you've successfully trained and motivated your team in the past. Discuss your approach to managing staff costs and scheduling, as this will show that you're not just a creative chef but also a capable manager.
✨Be Ready for Menu Development Discussions
The role involves working closely with the Directors on menu development. Come prepared with ideas for innovative dishes or improvements to existing ones. Research current food trends and think about how you can incorporate seasonal produce into your menu. This shows that you're proactive and ready to contribute from day one.
✨Understand Health and Safety Standards
Familiarise yourself with health and safety regulations relevant to kitchen operations. Be ready to discuss how you've implemented these standards in previous roles. This not only demonstrates your professionalism but also reassures the interviewers that you prioritise a safe working environment for your team.