Executive Head Chef

Executive Head Chef

London Full-Time 48000 - 72000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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The Gantry Hotel London

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a dynamic kitchen team and create innovative menus for our vibrant venues.
  • Company: Join RBH, a top-rated hospitality company that values diversity and employee wellbeing.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, discounted hotel stays, and free meals on duty.
  • Other info: This role does not oversee certain venues, allowing focus on core culinary operations.
  • Why this job: Be part of a passionate team delivering exceptional dining experiences in a lively environment.
  • Qualifications: Proven experience as an Executive Chef in upscale dining; strong leadership and culinary creativity required.

The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.

At RBH we believe our people are our biggest assets and understand the value in putting them first. Our approach to diversity in the workplace, health & wellbeing, sustainability and individuality sets us apart from our competitors and is one of the reasons we are rated Top 30 Best Places to Work in Hospitality!

We are passionate about the industry and always on the lookout for new talent to join us on our journey...

SUMMARY

Lead with Passion. Cook with Purpose. Inspire Every Plate. At The Gantry, we pride ourselves on delivering exceptional hospitality, where every guest experience is elevated by outstanding food and drink. Whether it’s a hearty breakfast, a casual lunch, or an elegant dinner, Union Social is the go-to spot for hotel guests and casual visitors alike — serving a full range of food and beverages from morning to night.

We are now seeking a creative, experienced, and highly motivated Executive Head Chef to lead and oversee the full scope of culinary operations across multiple venues and services within the hotel.

OUR BENEFITS

  • Discounted hotel room rates for you and your friends & family
  • An additional days leave for your birthday
  • Enhanced Maternity, adoption & shared parental leave
  • Course Sponsorship
  • Refer a Friend scheme (earn £250 for each referral up to 5 referrals)
  • Flexible working arrangements
  • Wagestream - choose how and when you get paid
  • Life Insurance
  • Employee Assistance Programme
  • Social and wellness events and activities all year round
  • Bi-monthly employee (£400 net) & Employee of the year (£1500 net)
  • Free meals on duty saving you over £1000 per year

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF AN EXECUTIVE HEAD CHEF AT OUR HOTEL

What you'll be doing...

  • Lead and manage the entire kitchen brigade across all internal food outlets, including Union Social (restaurant), The Coupe bar, private dining, The Conservatory (events), and 24-hour room service.
  • Develop and execute innovative, seasonal menus aligned with The Gantry’s culinary vision.
  • Maintain exceptional food quality, presentation, hygiene, and health & safety standards.
  • Manage food costs, inventory, and supplier relationships effectively.
  • Recruit, mentor, and inspire kitchen staff — creating a positive, supportive team culture.
  • Work closely with F&B and Events teams to ensure seamless service and outstanding guest experiences.

Note: This role does not oversee the STK rooftop restaurant, Hermanos Coffee Shop (ground floor), or Soul Mama live entertainment venue, as these are managed separately.

WHAT WE NEED FROM YOU

  • Proven experience as an Executive Chef or Head Chef in a 4- or 5-star hotel or upscale dining environment.
  • Passion for culinary innovation and delivering unforgettable dining experiences.
  • Strong leadership with the ability to coach, develop, and energise a diverse team.
  • Creativity and curiosity for experimenting with new flavours and concepts.
  • In-depth knowledge of HACCP and food safety regulations.
  • Financial awareness, with experience managing budgets and controlling costs.
  • A sharp eye for detail and a hands-on, can-do attitude.
  • High energy, adaptability, and a commitment to excellence in a dynamic environment.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

RBH Hospitality Management is an equal opportunity employer. We believe in hiring a diverse workforce and sustaining an inclusive, people-first culture. If at any point throughout our process you require reasonable adjustments, please contact.

Executive Head Chef employer: The Gantry Hotel London

At RBH, we prioritise our people, fostering a vibrant work culture that champions diversity, health, and sustainability. As an Executive Head Chef at The Gantry, you will lead a passionate culinary team in a dynamic environment, with access to exceptional benefits including flexible working arrangements, course sponsorship, and opportunities for personal growth. Join us in creating unforgettable dining experiences while enjoying a supportive atmosphere that celebrates individuality and innovation.
The Gantry Hotel London

Contact Detail:

The Gantry Hotel London Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Executive Head Chef

✨Tip Number 1

Showcase your culinary creativity by preparing a unique dish that reflects your style and innovation. This could be a great conversation starter during interviews and demonstrates your passion for food.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with current or former employees of The Gantry or RBH Hospitality Management. They can provide valuable insights into the company culture and expectations, which can help you tailor your approach.

✨Tip Number 3

Stay updated on the latest culinary trends and sustainability practices in the hospitality industry. Being knowledgeable about these topics can set you apart as a candidate who is aligned with the company's values.

✨Tip Number 4

Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you've successfully managed kitchen teams in the past. Highlight specific examples where you've inspired and developed staff, as this is crucial for the Executive Head Chef role.

We think you need these skills to ace Executive Head Chef

Culinary Innovation
Menu Development
Leadership Skills
Team Management
HACCP Knowledge
Food Safety Regulations
Budget Management
Cost Control
Creativity in Cooking
Attention to Detail
Inventory Management
Supplier Relationship Management
High Energy and Adaptability
Exceptional Communication Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience as an Executive Chef or Head Chef in upscale dining environments. Emphasise your leadership skills, culinary innovation, and any specific achievements that align with the role.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for culinary arts and your vision for leading a kitchen brigade. Mention how your values align with RBH's commitment to diversity and exceptional guest experiences.

Showcase Your Creativity: Include examples of innovative menus or dishes you have developed in previous roles. This will demonstrate your creativity and ability to deliver unforgettable dining experiences, which is crucial for this position.

Highlight Financial Acumen: Discuss your experience managing budgets and controlling food costs. Providing specific examples of how you've successfully managed inventory and supplier relationships will strengthen your application.

How to prepare for a job interview at The Gantry Hotel London

✨Showcase Your Culinary Passion

During the interview, express your genuine passion for culinary arts. Share specific examples of how you've innovated in the kitchen or created memorable dining experiences. This will resonate with their commitment to exceptional hospitality.

✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills

As an Executive Head Chef, strong leadership is crucial. Be prepared to discuss your experience in managing kitchen teams, mentoring staff, and fostering a positive work culture. Highlight any successful team-building initiatives you've implemented.

✨Discuss Menu Development

Since the role involves developing seasonal menus, come prepared with ideas or concepts that align with The Gantry’s culinary vision. Discuss your approach to menu planning and how you incorporate local ingredients and trends.

✨Understand Financial Management

Be ready to talk about your experience with budgeting and cost control in the kitchen. Provide examples of how you've managed food costs effectively while maintaining quality, as this is key to the role.

Executive Head Chef
The Gantry Hotel London
Location: London
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