Head Chef - London
Do not pass up this chance, apply quickly if your experience and skills match what is in the following description.
Head Chef Back of House Contract: Permanent
Salary:
THE ROOF GARDENS
The Roof Gardens is a social club in the sky, 100 feet above the streets of Kensington. Close to an acre of private gardens with views across London to the horizon, The Roof Gardens is a new generation members club. A place of escape, bursting with wildflowers, olive and mulberry trees, grassy lawns and hidden nooks. An Art Deco gem created in 1938, The Roof Gardens has a legendary legacy. People have come together, the curious, creative, riotous, radical and respected alike. Every chapter scatters their seeds in the soil; we are merely the latest gardeners in its ongoing story.
Created for season-by-season, morning-to-moonlight experiences. Al fresco Italian in the Walled Garden, vibrant, healthy twists on club classics in the Sun Pavilion, live performances and cosy cabanas in the Spanish Garden and late-night revelry in our den of decadence, the Biba Bar. Curated talks, debates, supper clubs and intimate celebrations in Esme's private villa. The Roof Gardens’ community is united by open-mindedness, optimism and kindness, not defined by background.
THE ROLE
We are looking for a Head Chef for The Spanish Gardens at The Roof Gardens. As a pivotal member of our senior team, you will be seeking out, hiring and training a brigade who, alongside you, will execute your vision for a truly exceptional experience for our members.
You will be responsible for working closely with the Chef Director and team to develop the concept, menus, service style and event options. Bringing creative flair, exceptional team-building qualities and strong leadership skills, you will be at the helm of this crucial club space but should also be expected to work with your fellow Head Chefs across the business for private and member events, pop ups (home and away), and lots more besides. There will be plenty to get your teeth into.
Your main responsibilities will include:
Operations & Service
* Overall responsibility for daily operations in your kitchen, working with other Head Chefs in the business to organise resources.
* Control and direct the food preparation process e.g. ensure sections are ready and all MEP is correct for service.
* Develop and produce innovative and appealing menus/recipes, concepts and new dishes (collaborating with Chef Director as required) alongside accurate costings.
* Oversee and ensure menu consistency, delivering high quality products within set times frames.
* Quality control of all produce that is made within the kitchen and prep area meets the expected standards of our guests.
* Work closely with our Chef Director to set and maintain impeccable food standards and service excellence across restaurant, lounges, and events offerings.
* Determine food inventory needs, stocking and ordering.
* Daily briefings with BOH & FOH Management and teams to discuss the daily business, upcoming events, special guests, dietary requirements, specials and operational challenges.
* Run pre-service briefings and tastings, training, supplier visits etc to develop your team and help the FOH team sell and showcase your dishes confidently to members and guests.
* Step away from the kitchen to meet members at the table from time to time.
* Work with the events teams to organise tastings, special menus etc.
* Build strong, positive relationships with your BOH and FOH colleagues.
People/Team
* Identify and recruit talent to the team in line with Company policy and procedures and ensure all team members are inducted into the team with a good understanding of their role and of the Company Values.
* Lead, inspire and motivate the team to achieve stability, increased productivity and employee loyalty and engagement.
* Ensure that team members receive regular performance appraisals, dealing with performance issues promptly, training and development is in place and rewarding good performance.
* Ensure regular communication/briefing meetings are taking place with the wider team.
* Accurate scheduling of your team to reflect business levels and to ensure you are working within budget.
* With the Senior Sous(s) mentor, coach and develop the junior team fostering a culture of excellence.
* Delegate tasks and provide guidance to maintain a smooth and efficient kitchen operation/service.
* Foster a positive and collaborative environment encouraging teamwork and creativity
* Deputise for the Chef Director in their absence as required.
Financial Management & Compliance
* Ensure to deliver budget /GP as set by Chef Director e.g.maintain the budgeted food cost and actively seek ways to improve profitability.
* Collaborate with Stock Controller/BOH Manager/Suppliers to source high quality ingredients and maintain strong relationships with suppliers.
* Oversee management of inventory /stock (including stock counts/takes and rotation) and food cost control, ensuring efficient use of resourcing and minimising wastage.
* Working with procurement systems from food ordering and T&A monitoring.
* Ensures high level of personal hygiene, grooming and uniform standards of the kitchen team.
* Compliance & Maintenance
* Actively participate in the regular kitchen walk through and address any concerns immediately.
* Ensures equipment and fixtures are maintained well and report any faults and damage.
* Ensure a consistent focus on allergens management.
* Ensure team members adhere to health and safety regulations, food hygiene standard sanitation practices, ensure clean and safe kitchens in line with statutory and Company standards.
* Ensure team members adhere to H&S, COSHH and HACCP policies and any other Company policy and procedure.
* Ensure full adherence to the licence operating requirements which always require compliance.
This job description reflects the present requirements of the post and should not be seen as an exhaustive list of responsibilities. Duties and responsibilities may develop and change in consultation with line management.
The skills and experience which will help you succeed in this role
* Proven experience as a Senior Sous/Head chef in similar business-luxury /high end F&B environment
* Culinary qualifications and relevant certifications in food safety and hygiene.E,g NVQ Level 3 or Degree in Culinary Arts, Level 2 Food safety and Level 2 Health and Safety in the Workplace Award,
* Awareness of Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH) and chemical safety and manual handling techniques
* Excellent knowledge of all sections with experience of kitchen equipment
* Exceptional creativity and passion for culinary arts with ability to produce excellent high-quality food
* Strong leadership and team management skills with the ability to nurture talent within the team
* Competent level of English spoken and written with a good level of numeracy
* You will need to be an excellent communicator with great organisational skills
* Ability to work well under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
* An eye for detail, with the ability to look ahead and pre-empt issues or challenges
* Enthusiasm to develop your own skills and knowledge, plus those around you
* Adaptability to change and willingness to embrace new ideas and processes
* Ability to work unsupervised and deliver quality work
* Positive and approachable manner
* Ability to manage food production and food and team costs.
* Strong network within hospitality industry to support us in our recruitment needs
* Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required.
Benefits
* Salary above market rate plus tronc
* 30 days (inc BH) holiday which increase by 1 with each complete year of service + 1 extra day to celebrate YOU and another day to volunteer
* Free healthy meal during your shift
* Growth opportunities, both personally and professionally
* Breakout spaces where you can shower, securely leave your things, and relax with colleagues
* Uniform and laundry
* Zen, multi-faith space, and retreat
* Financial platform Wagestream
* Statutory pension contributions
* A safe journey home - £20 Uber Credit if you finish work between 12-5am
We are a community united by attitude, curiosity and optimism, not defined by background. We celebrate individuality and free expression. It doesn't matter where you have come from, it's where you are going. The Roof Gardens is a welcoming place of acceptance where growth is nurtured, experiences are shared, stories are exchanged and ideas are born.
If you’d like to join us on the next chapter of The Roof Gardens, we’d love to hear from you.