Job Description
HEAD CHEF – PREMIUM FOOD PRODUCTION KITCHEN
Sydenham, South East London
£50,000–£55,000
45 hours per week | Mostly Monday–Friday | Daytime hours
Lead a High Growth Premium Food Kitchen
An exciting opportunity has opened for an experienced Head Chef to lead operations in a fast-growing premium food production kitchen based in South East London.
This is not a traditional restaurant role.
You will be joining an ambitious food business creating high-quality products for restaurants and hospitality clients, including:
* Premium sauces
* Starters
* Prepared vegetable products
* Tailored menu components
* Tailored food solutions
Working directly with an industry-leading founder and Michelin-star trained chef, you will play a key role in scaling a rapidly growing division with strong long-term progression opportunities.
The Role
As Head Chef, you will take ownership of the daily running of the kitchen and lead a team of 6.
You will be responsible for making sure all products are produced to an exceptional standard, delivered on time, and organised efficiently in a high-volume environment.
Key responsibilities include:
* Leading day-to-day kitchen operations
* Managing production schedules and workflow
* Team leadership, rotas and training
* Ordering, stock management and waste control
* Maintaining premium food quality and consistency
* Improving systems, organisation and kitchen processes
* Supporting sampling and new product development
About you
You are a strong operational chef who combines high culinary standards with excellent organisation.
You enjoy building structure, leading teams, and taking real ownership.
You will likely have experience as a:
* Head Chef
* Production Head Chef
* Sous Chef
* Central Kitchen Manager
* Development Chef
* Catering Head Chef
* Food Production Manager (fine dining)
You must have:
* Strong chef background with restaurant experience
* Exposure to fine dining or premium food standards
* Experience in production, prep or catering kitchens
* High-volume food operation experience
* Leadership experience managing teams
* Excellent organisation and forward planning
* Hands-on, no-ego attitude
Ideal Personality
We are looking for someone who is:
* Highly organised
* Detail-focused
* Calm under pressure
* Solutions-driven
* Flexible and adaptable
* Team-oriented
* Proud of their work
This role suits someone who takes ownership, solves problems proactively, and wants to help build something special.
Why Join?
* Join an exciting high-growth food concept at an early stage
* Work directly with a Michelin-level culinary leader
* Real autonomy and influence over kitchen operations
* Daytime hours
* Predominantly Monday–Friday schedule
* Strong progression opportunities as the business grows
* Opportunity to shape systems, culture, and standards from the ground up