Head Events Chef Job

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