Location: The Gantry London, Curio Collection by Hilton
Department: Kitchen
If your skills, experience, and qualifications match those in this job overview, do not delay your application.
Hours: 40 hours per week
Days: Five days out of seven
Salary: £60-£65k depending on experience
Employment Type: Permanent, full time
Join Cairn Group – Where People Drive Hospitality Forward, Together
At Cairn Group, we're passionate about creating memorable guest experiences, and it all starts with our people
We're looking for an inspiring and people focused Head Chef to lead the next phase of The Gantry's culinary operation, with a particular focus on our growing meetings and events business.
Working closely with Cairn Group's central Food and Beverage team, you will develop commercially strong menus, build a skilled and confident brigade, and ensure food safety, allergen management and operational standards remain at the heart of everything we deliver
About the Role
As Head Chef, you will take ownership of the day to day kitchen operation while working closely with Cairn Group's central Food and Beverage team to develop and deliver menus that reflect the needs of our guests, our event diary and The Gantry's identity
You will:
- Lead the kitchen operation across our Meeting Space, Union Social and in room dining
- Build a strong food offer for our meeting spaces, private dining, receptions and celebrations
- Work closely with the meetings and events team from initial enquiry through to event delivery
- Collaborate with Cairn's central Food and Beverage team on seasonal menus, event packages and new concepts
- Own kitchen standards, food safety, allergens, HACCP and audit readiness
- Build a structured training and development plan for every member of the brigade
- Develop future kitchen leaders and create clear succession within the team
- Control food cost, labour, purchasing, stock and waste
- Lead from the kitchen during key services and major events
- Create a culture of accountability, consistency and continuous improvement
Make Every Moment Matter
Every day is different, but every day you'll have the opportunity to make a positive impact. You will:
- Lead and inspire a team that delivers exceptional guest experiences
- Create a welcoming environment where guests feel valued
- Support the development and growth of team members
- Drive service standards and operational excellence
- Build positive relationships across the hotel
- Help shape a culture where people can perform, grow and succeed
Bring Your Personality. We'll Help You Build Your Career.
We're looking for people who:
- Have a proven Head Chef or strong Senior Sous Chef background within a hotel, quality restaurant or events operation
- Understand Meetings, Events and volume event delivery
- Are confident managing food safety, allergens and kitchen compliance
- Can demonstrate strong food costing, gross profit and labour management
- Have successfully trained and developed a kitchen brigade
- Are comfortable working collaboratively within an agreed group food direction
- Lead by example and take ownership
- Build positive relationships across kitchen, food and beverage, sales and events
- Perform confidently in a busy and evolving hotel.
- Want to continue developing their leadership career
If you enjoy creating exceptional food experiences, building strong teams and helping shape a growing hotel operation, we'd love to hear from you
Why Cairn Group?
Our People First culture combines ambitious standards with genuine support, creating an environment where individuals are trusted to perform, encouraged to grow and recognised for the contribution they make. We believe success is built through collaboration, accountability and a shared commitment to excellence, giving our people the foundation to build long term careers with purpose
What you'll enjoy as part of the team
At Cairn Group, we recognise that our people are at the heart of our success. That's why we offer a range of benefits designed to support your wellbeing, reward your contribution and help you build a rewarding career with us
As part of the Cairn team, you'll enjoy:
- Discounted stays across our hotels and venues
- Food, beverage, spa and leisure discounts
- Access to retail, entertainment and lifestyle discounts
- Leadership and career development programmes
- Long service awards recognising your commitment and contribution
- Refer a friend scheme
- Employee Assistance Programme offering confidential support whenever you need it
- Health Care Cash Plan
- Meals on duty
- Wellbeing resources and support
- Opportunities to develop and progress across our diverse hospitality portfolio
We're committed to creating an environment where people feel supported, valued and empowered to grow. xgikmsk Whether you're starting your career or taking the next step in leadership, Cairn Group offers the opportunity to build a career with purpose, alongside a team that's stronger together
About The Gantry London, Curio Collection by Hilton
The Gantry London, Curio Collection by Hilton is an award winning urban resort and design led hotel in the heart of Stratford, East London. Contemporary design, art and vibrant social spaces run throughout the hotel, alongside destination dining, rooftop experiences and dedicated spaces for meetings and events, all moments from Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
Join us and help create exceptional experiences every day
