Head Chef

Kestrel HR is delighted to be working with Graysons, the leading hospitality business to find the next Head Chef for the British Council, located next door to the Westfield Shopping Mall, in Stratford, East London.
Our small team thrives on flexibility due to the multitasking nature of our roles. We cultivate a collaborative environment where creativity is not just encouraged but flourishes. Our core team consists of four dedicated members, and during busy periods, we partner with agencies to meet the business's needs.
You will be the driving force behind the kitchen operation, delivering the best seasonal and innovative and on trend food and you will manage multiple tasks seamlessly during the day.
The catering services provide breakfast and lunch in the café, open Monday -Friday 8.00

16.00 and hospitality service where we deliver occasional breakfast pastries, light working lunches and occasional evening receptions.
Café service
Breakfast consists of a variety of pastries, breakfast rolls along with a breakfast grazing bar with a variety of fresh seasonal cut fruit, variety of yoghurts, granola ready for 8.00 breakfast service. During the course of the day, you may receive deliveries throughout the day which will need to be packed away whilst preparing for lunch service.
Lunch served in the café includes a selection of six salads, one soup, and one hot meal, with up to 20 portions of each available daily. The soup and hot meal change daily throughout the week, while the salads vary over the course of the week. Lunch is prepared and ready to be served by 12 PM each day.
Hospitality service
For our hospitality service, we primarily offer lunches consisting of pre-ordered sandwiches, which need to be cut and arranged alongside our house-made salads and sliced fruit. Additionally, some menu items require cooking for a specified number of guests, and the head chef must organise this along with lunch preparation and other tasks. On busy days, you will have the support of an agency kitchen porter to help maintain operations.
You will be responsible for cleaning up after yourself and adhering to Health and Safety regulations and good hygiene practices.
Supporting the front-of-house staff through collaboration is essential, sharing knowledge about allergens, ingredients, cooking methods and labelling. The General Assistant supports the barista at the café and you with cleaning and light preparation whenever possible, and in return, you should support her, demonstrating the same collaborative approach, including setting up the trolley with food for hospitality and cleaning whenever is possible.
In this role, you will not only create exceptional dishes but also maintain high standards of hygiene, health, and safety. You will manage food costs within budget, source quality ingredients, and ensure effective waste management. Your leadership will guide the team through daily duties, promoting a safe and efficient kitchen environment.
As a leading member of our small team, you'll be as good with people as you are with food, and you'll work with the General Manager to set excellent standards of service delivery and teamwork.
If you are passionate about culinary creativity and operational excellence, and can thrive under pressure, we invite you to apply for this exciting Head Chef position at the British Council. Join us and be part of a team that values innovation, quality, and exceptional service.

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