Head Chef – London

Salary: £41,922 per annum, increasing to £45,321 per annum following successful completion of probation
Permanent Position
Location: Central London

We are currently recruiting for an experienced Head Chef to join a prestigious, high-volume contract catering site based in Central London. 

This is an exciting opportunity for a talented culinary professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment and has a strong background leading high-volume contract catering kitchens. The successful candidate will play a key role in delivering exceptional food quality, maintaining operational excellence, and leading a high-performing kitchen team.

The Role

As Head Chef, you will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the kitchen operation, ensuring consistently high standards across food production, menu delivery, food quality, kitchen performance, compliance, and customer satisfaction.

You will lead and inspire a large kitchen team, oversee busy service periods, manage food costs and stock control, and work closely with the wider management team to deliver an outstanding catering operation.

The Ideal Candidate

• Proven experience as a Head Chef, Executive Chef, Senior Sous Chef, or in a similar leadership role
• Essential: Previous experience managing high-volume contract catering kitchens
• Strong leadership and people-management skills
• Experience leading large kitchen teams within a busy catering environment
• Excellent understanding of food safety, health & safety, and compliance standards
• Strong knowledge of menu planning, stock control, food costing, and kitchen management
• Commercially aware with the ability to manage budgets and deliver financial targets
• Passionate about delivering high-quality food and exceptional customer experiences
• Ability to remain calm, organised, and hands-on in a high-pressure environment
• Excellent communication and organisational skills
• Must have the right to work in the UK

What’s on Offer

• £41,922 per annum, rising to £45,321 per annum
• Permanent position
• Prestigious central location
• Holiday entitlement
• Company benefits package (details to be discussed at interview)
• Opportunity to work within a high-profile and respected contract catering operation

Kellan Group (including all of our brands, Berkeley Scott and Xpress Recruitment) are committed to promoting equal opportunities to people regardless of age, gender, religion, belief, race, sexuality or disability. We operate as an employment agency and employment business. You'll find a wide selection of vacancies on our websites