Head Chef – Senior Leadership Role, Salary: £42,000–£44,000 per year
Location: South East London (with travel to prestigious London venues)
Schedule: Predominantly Monday–Friday.
Chop & Chip Co is entering a major phase of growth, and we’re seeking an accomplished Head Chef with the vision, authority, and operational expertise to lead our production kitchen at a senior level. This role goes beyond day‑to‑day cooking — it’s an opportunity to shape a high‑performing kitchen, drive culinary standards, and influence the strategic development of a rapidly expanding events catering operation.
You will oversee food production for large‑scale events, tastings, and high‑profile clients, ensuring excellence across multiple service styles.
Working closely with senior management, you’ll play a key role in developing menus, refining systems, and building a strong, motivated brigade capable of delivering exceptional food consistently.
Key Leadership Responsibilities
- Strategic Kitchen Leadership — Set the tone, standards, and culture of the kitchen. Lead a growing brigade with confidence, clarity, and high expectations.
- Operational Command — Oversee production for events of varying scale and complexity, ensuring flawless execution, efficiency, and consistency.
- Team Development & Performance — Mentor senior chefs, build capability within the team, and implement training that strengthens skill, discipline, and cohesion.
- Quality, Safety & Compliance — Uphold and advance our FSA 5‑Star standards, ensuring rigorous food safety, hygiene, and operational discipline.
- Financial & Resource Management — Drive food cost control, labour planning, and operational efficiency while maintaining premium quality.
- Menu Innovation & Culinary Direction — Contribute to the evolution of diverse menu styles, from street food to plated dining, shaping the culinary identity of the business.
About YouYou’ll thrive in this role if you bring:
- Extensive experience in senior kitchen leadership within high‑volume or high‑end environments
- Strong expertise in Mediterranean cuisine and modern event catering styles
- A proven ability to manage multiple teams, workflows, and event schedules
- Exceptional organisational and operational capability
- A leadership style that inspires excellence, accountability, and pride
- A forward‑thinking approach to menu development, kitchen systems, and team culture
What You’ll Gain
- A senior leadership position within a dynamic, ambitious catering company
- The opportunity to influence kitchen structure, menu direction, and operational strategy
- A supportive environment that values creativity, innovation, and professional growth
- A predominantly Monday–Friday schedule with weekend availability during peak season
- 33 days holiday (including Christmas), contributory pension, yearly bonus, tips, and expenses
About Chop & Chip CoChop & Chip Co is a leading events and banqueting caterer operating across prestigious venues in London and the surrounding regions. With a production kitchen in South East London and additional offices in Southampton, we deliver exceptional food for corporate clients, high‑net‑worth individuals, weddings, and large‑scale events.
Our offering spans street food, sharing boards, canapés, bowl food, plated dining, and family‑style service.
We are recognised for our quality, creativity, and professionalism — and we’re looking for a Head Chef who shares our ambition and drive.
Requirements
- Minimum 5 years’ experience as a chef (senior‑level experience strongly preferred)
- Ability to commute reliably to London or relocate before starting
- Weekend availability when required
- In‑person role
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: £42,000.00-£44,000.00 per year
Benefits:
Ability to commute/relocate:
- London SE12 8LG: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Experience:
- Chef: 3 years (preferred)
- Cooking: 3 years (preferred)
Work Location: In person
