At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and elevate our culinary programme across multiple vibrant venues.
- Company: Join The Standard, a dynamic lifestyle hotel in the heart of London.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28-33 days holiday, medical assistance, and worldwide travel discounts.
- Other info: Opportunities for growth and development within Hyatt's global network.
- Why this job: Be part of a creative team shaping exciting dining experiences in a high-energy environment.
- Qualifications: 3-5 years as an Executive Chef in a similar high-volume setting.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 84000 £ per year.
London sets the perfect stage for The Standard’s first European flagship and since opening in 2019, The Standard, London has firmly established itself as one of the capital’s most dynamic lifestyle hotels. Set in King’s Cross within the hotel’s iconic brutalist building, The Standard brings its design-led, culture-driven, activation-heavy philosophy to the heart of the city. With 266 guestrooms and a constant programme of Happenings, from DJs and brunches to live music and cultural panels, the hotel has become both a neighbourhood fixture and an international destination.
Our Restaurants, Bars and Rooftop terraces are legendary, and The Standard is synonymous worldwide as a shining beacon for nightlife and culturally relevant dining. Isla delivers seasonal, produce-led menus focused on light proteins and minimal-intervention wines, served within a serene garden terrace that operates year-round; Double Standard blends American diner spirit with classic British pub culture, serving hearty fare, beers and cocktails from midday to late; The Rooftop stretches across the 11th floor with panoramic London views, specialty cocktails and pizza by the slice; while Decimo, our 10th floor destination restaurant, celebrates bold Mexican-Spanish cooking over fire, mezcal cocktails and dramatic skyline views accessed via our iconic red-pill lift. Together, these venues create a complex, high-volume, multi-outlet food and beverage operation running from early morning through late night, welcoming hotel guests, London locals and international visitors alike.
In London, The Standard’s signature mix of playful, sophisticated and unexpected hospitality continues to evolve, rooted firmly in the culture and energy of the city. We are now looking for an Executive Chef who will embody our Anything but Standard ethos and lead the continued evolution of our culinary programme.
Your role as the Executive Chef for The Standard, London, will involve working in partnership with the General Manager, Director of F&B and our Regional Food & Culinary teams to lead, evolve and continuously elevate the hotel’s food programme across both the Main Kitchen and the Decimo Kitchen. With two distinct kitchen operations supporting Isla, Double Standard, The Rooftop, private dining, event spaces and In Room Dining from the Main Kitchen, alongside the dedicated Decimo Kitchen delivering its bold, fire-led Mexican-Spanish concept, this is an incredibly hands-on role where you will need to turn your hand to anything.
This position is pivotal within the business. You will be a strong operator with a diverse culinary background, capable of balancing concept integrity with commercial performance to ensure productivity and profit are maintained at optimum levels. You will of course be passionate about cooking, with an exceptional working knowledge of complex, high-volume kitchen operations. Your extensive understanding of the latest food trends and the London restaurant scene will allow you to evolve our offerings in a way that not only delights our guests but excites and surprises them, delivering culinary experiences that are anything but Standard.
Kitchen leadership is central to this role, from daily sourcing of ingredients, development and production of dishes, product control, stock management and food cost oversight, to maintaining rigorous food hygiene and health and safety standards. Your keen eye for detail means you never miss a thing, and your visible presence within the operation ensures that standards are upheld meticulously across every service.
As a natural team leader, you remain calm during challenging situations and lead from the front. You will motivate, coach and develop both kitchen brigades, fostering a culture of accountability, creativity and pride. This is not a “Standard” Executive Chef role; you will need stamina and passion, be highly social and confident, handle pressure with composure, thrive in a high-volume, high-energy environment and operate seamlessly as part of the wider senior management team.
Do you have what it takes to be our Executive Chef at The Standard, London? A minimum of 3-5 years’ experience as an Executive chef or Head Chef gained within a similar Lifestyle Hotel or large 4- or 5-star Hotel in London is essential for this role.
In addition to this you may also have:
- A background in a High-Volume property with a complex multi-outlet F&B operation with both Hotel and Restaurant experience
- A solid understanding of the London culinary scene, emerging trends and competitors, local business requirements and understanding of the local labour market
- Excellent Commercial understanding (combined with some imaginative blue sky thinking to create an exciting, continually evolving culinary destination)
- Good commercial acumen with experience in menu engineering, recipe costing and food control
- Have previously led and managed a large kitchen brigade
- Experience across a range of senior management disciplines, with exceptional attention to detail and the ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously
- Strong project management skills gained through previously relaunching or opening Restaurants
- A flexible approach to working hours which may include some late finishes and weekends; this is not a 9-5 role
If you think you have what it takes to be our Executive Chef at The Standard, London we’d love to hear from you! All applicants must be eligible to live and work in the United Kingdom. Documented evidence of eligibility will be required from candidates prior to commencing employment.
28 Days Holiday rising to 33 days with service, Pension Scheme, Life Assurance (4 x Annual Salary), Medical Assistance (including online GP and Physio), Employee Assistance Programme with Well-being service, Membership to Headspace Meditation app, Worldwide Travel Discounts via The Standard Advantage platform, Employee & Family Rates across all Standard and Hyatt properties worldwide, Growth and Development opportunities internationally with Hyatt, In-house Experience Programme, F&B Discounts ranging from 25-50%, Recruitment Referral Bonus up to £1,000, Tuition Aid Scheme & subsidised training, Season Ticket Loan & Bike 2 Work Scheme, Social Committee with regular monthly social activities.
Executive Chef employer: The Standard, London
The Standard, London is an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and dynamic work culture, perfect for those passionate about hospitality. With a focus on employee growth and development, you will have the opportunity to lead talented teams in a lively environment while enjoying competitive benefits and a supportive atmosphere that values creativity and collaboration.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive Chef
✨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 The Standard, London. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to The Standard, London
Don't be shy about reaching out to The Standard, London 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 Executive Chef
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 The Standard, London 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 The Standard, London
✨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!
