Head Chef

Head Chef

Full-Time 31500 - 38500 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Watermans Richmond

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a talented kitchen team to create exquisite Mediterranean and Italian dishes.
  • Company: Join Watermans Richmond, a vibrant hospitality group with a passion for exceptional food.
  • Benefits: Full-time position with immediate start and opportunities for creative input.
  • Other info: Weekend availability essential; no visa sponsorship available.
  • Why this job: Shape a long-term culinary project with strong standards and growth potential.
  • Qualifications: Extensive experience in Mediterranean or Italian kitchens and excellent brunch knowledge.

The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.

Job Description

Experienced HEAD CHEF.

Mediterranean & Italian Brunch / À La Carte Concept.

Richmond, London.

We are currently searching for a highly experienced Head Chef to lead the kitchen of an ambitious and growing hospitality concept in Richmond.

This is not a standard pub kitchen role.

We are looking for a serious chef with strong Mediterranean and Italian experience, capable of delivering high quality breakfast, brunch and refined à la carte dining at consistently high standards.

Our food direction combines

  • elevated Mediterranean cuisine.
  • premium brunch and breakfast.
  • fresh seafood and grill dishes.
  • elegant sharing plates.
  • modern Italian influences.
  • commercially successful but beautifully executed food.

The ideal candidate will have

  • strong experience within respected Mediterranean or Italian kitchens.
  • excellent breakfast and brunch knowledge.
  • confident à la carte and high-volume service experience.
  • strong leadership and organisational skills.
  • calm, professional kitchen presence.
  • creativity balanced with consistency.
  • excellent attention to detail and presentation.
  • stable long‑term employment history.

We are not looking for

  • trend-driven “Instagram chefs”.
  • candidates with constant short‑term job hopping.
  • basic pub‑food background only.
  • inexperienced junior chefs applying above their level.

We value

  • Elegant food without unnecessary complication.
  • Premium quality without ego.
  • Creativity with consistency.

This is a genuine opportunity for a chef who wants to help shape a long‑term project with strong standards, creative input and future growth potential.

Important.

At present, we are unfortunately unable to offer visa sponsorship.

Applications requesting sponsorship only will not be considered.

Richmond, London.

Full Time.

Weekend availability essential.

Watermans Richmond. "For Those Who Know." Work

Experience

Required

Employment

Full‑time

Starting time

Immediate start!

About Watermans Richmond

We are a well‑established hospitality group with several successful restaurants and bars across London.

Now expanding into Richmond, we’re bringing our passion for great food, exceptional service, and vibrant atmosphere to a new location.

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Head Chef employer: Watermans Richmond

Watermans Richmond is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that celebrates creativity and high standards in Mediterranean and Italian cuisine. With a commitment to employee growth and the opportunity to shape a long-term culinary project, our team enjoys a supportive environment where passion for food and service thrives. Located in the heart of Richmond, we provide a unique chance to be part of an expanding hospitality group dedicated to delivering premium dining experiences.

Watermans Richmond

Contact Details:

Watermans Richmond Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Head 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 Watermans Richmond. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!

Reach Out Directly to Watermans Richmond

Don't be shy about reaching out to Watermans Richmond 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 Head Chef

Mediterranean Cuisine Expertise
Italian Cuisine Expertise
Breakfast and Brunch Knowledge
À La Carte Service Experience
High-Volume Service Experience
Leadership Skills
Organisational Skills

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 Watermans Richmond 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 Watermans Richmond

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!