Full Time Head Chef Job, Events, Premium Catering Company
We’re looking for a talented and experienced Head Chef to lead a fast-paced, high-performing production team for one of London’s premier events catering business. This is a fantastic opportunity for a motivated culinary professional to oversee the delivery of world-class event cuisine while managing production, team development, and operational excellence.
Reporting to the Culinary Director, you will be responsible for leading the brigade in delivering exceptional food for a wide range of events — from intimate tastings to large-scale productions. You’ll champion British heritage cuisine, implement efficient systems, and play a key leadership role in ensuring quality, consistency, and innovation across the kitchen.
Key Responsibilities
* Kitchen Leadership & Team Culture
* Oversee the events kitchen team to ensure exceptional food production for events and tastings
* Lead daily briefings and weekly planning meetings with the core brigade
* Uphold and represent the company’s values in every aspect of kitchen operations
* Foster a collaborative, client-focused, and motivated team environment
Menu & Culinary Development
* Source high-quality ingredients, championing independent and emerging suppliers
* Collaborate with sous chefs on new dish development and seasonal menu planning
* Ensure all recipes are costed accurately, with detailed spec sheets and allergen documentation
* Stay current with industry trends and British culinary traditions
Operational Oversight
* Lead the logistics and production for all events, ensuring flawless delivery
* Implement and maintain clear kitchen SOPs for consistency and efficiency
* Manage food ordering, prep, delivery checks, and allergen compliance
* Collaborate closely with Event Managers to ensure budgets and timelines are met
Health, Safety & Hygiene
* Oversee HACCP compliance, risk assessments, and allergen tracking
* Lead and improve daily and weekly cleaning protocols
* Maintain standards in line with EHO guidelines and ensure an FSA 5-star hygiene rating
Team Development & Scheduling
* Recruit, onboard, and train new team members at all levels
* Manage rotas and workforce planning, ensuring adequate cover for all events
* Conduct appraisals and support employee development and wellbeing
* Build a strong pool of reliable freelance/temp chefs to support busy periods
Performance Indicators
* Client satisfaction and event feedback
* Delivery of target food gross profit
* Team retention and morale
* Hygiene compliance and EHO reports
* Labour cost control and reporting accuracy
What We're Looking For
* Proven experience in a senior events or high-end catering kitchen role
* Strong leadership and team-building capabilities
* In-depth understanding of seasonal British cuisine and current culinary trends
* Ability to manage logistics and multi-event operations with precision
* Excellent communication, organisation, and problem-solving skills
Position: Full-Time | Senior Kitchen Role
Salary: £55,000 - £60,000 plus Benefits
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