Events Head Chef

Head Chef

Salary: Up to £70,000 per annum, depending on experience

Lead the Kitchen. Shape the Future.

Altura Recruitment is recruiting on behalf of our events and hospitality client for an exceptional Head Chef. Our client delivers high-quality catering across weddings, corporate events, private celebrations and bespoke hospitality experiences, with a reputation for exceptional food and service.

This is an exciting opportunity to take ownership of a thriving kitchen, lead a talented brigade and play a key role in shaping the future of the business. Working closely with the Directors, you'll have the autonomy to develop innovative menus, improve kitchen operations and drive consistently outstanding culinary experiences.

About the Role

You'll be responsible for leading every aspect of the kitchen operation, ensuring consistently high standards across weddings, corporate events, private functions and bespoke hospitality experiences.

Key Responsibilities

* Lead, motivate and develop a talented kitchen brigade, including full-time chefs, agency chefs, casual staff and kitchen porters.

* Design innovative seasonal menus and bespoke dining experiences tailored to client briefs, dietary requirements and budgets.

* Review and evolve the existing food offering, ensuring menus remain fresh, commercially competitive and aligned with current food trends.

* Develop detailed recipes and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure consistency, quality and efficiency across every service.

* Maintain exceptional food quality, presentation and consistency at every event.

* Manage stock control, supplier relationships, purchasing and cost management to maximise profitability without compromising quality.

* Produce regular reports on food costs, staffing and kitchen performance.

* Work collaboratively with the Sales and Operations teams to ensure seamless event planning and execution.

* Maintain outstanding food safety, hygiene and compliance standards, with the continued achievement of a 5-star Food Hygiene Rating.

* Drive continuous improvement by reviewing kitchen processes, identifying efficiencies and implementing best practice across the department.

Within your first three months, you'll undertake a full operational review of the kitchen, presenting recommendations and improvement plans directly to the Directors.

About You

You'll be an inspiring leader with a passion for exceptional food and developing high-performing teams.

You'll bring:

* Proven experience as a Head Chef within events, banqueting, hospitality or premium catering.

* Outstanding leadership and people management skills.

* A genuine passion for mentoring and developing chefs.

* Creativity and flair, with a strong understanding of current food trends.

* Excellent commercial awareness, including food costing, labour management and profitability.

* Strong organisational and planning skills with exceptional attention to detail.

* Experience managing high-volume, multi-event kitchen operations.

* Excellent communication skills and the confidence to work closely with senior leadership.

* A calm, solutions-focused approach under pressure.

Why Join Us?

This is an opportunity to become a key member of the leadership team within an ambitious and growing business.

You'll have genuine influence over the food offering, kitchen culture and operational direction, with the freedom to introduce new ideas and make a lasting impact.

In return, you'll receive:

* Salary up to £70,000 per annum, depending on experience.

* A genuine opportunity to shape the future of the culinary offering.

* Creative freedom to develop menus and introduce new ideas.

* The chance to build, mentor and lead your own high-performing kitchen team.

* A collaborative and supportive senior leadership team.

* A varied and exciting workload delivering exceptional weddings, corporate events and private functions throughout the year.

* Opportunities for professional development as the business continues to grow.

Ready for Your Next Challenge?

If you're an ambitious Head Chef looking for a role where your leadership, creativity and commercial expertise will be valued, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply today or contact Altura Recruitment for a confidential conversation about this exciting opportunity
Only candidates based in UK and eligible to work in UK are allowed