Head Chef Monday - Friday

Posting date:	19 February 2026
Salary:	Not specified
Additional salary information:	Competitive
Hours:	Full time
Closing date:	21 March 2026
Location:	London, WC2R 0EX
Company:	Compass Group
Job type:	Permanent
Job reference:	211442

Summary

At Vacherin we celebrate diversity and embrace individuality. We genuinely like the people we work with, and love coming together to reset, refresh and have fun. We empower our people through togetherness , we give them the chance to shine and unlock their potential, and they fuel our strength and growth. Are you passionate about food ,drink and service ,want to be part of an award-winning hospitality team- and still make it home for dinner?  We are looking for a Head Chef to join our team in London at a prestigious law firm.Location: WC2R 0EXRate of Pay: £42,000 per annum + overtime (1.5× hourly rate)Working Pattern: Monday - Friday, 40 hours per week, 7am - 3.30pm We are looking for a Head Chef to oversee a small, stable kitchen team and a high-volume lunch operation, alongside occasional evening events. The core service is buffet-style lunch (12:00–14:00) with around 600 covers per week. The offer includes meat and vegetarian mains, salads, composed salads, and self-service buffet items. Evening events may include breakfast functions, working lunches, canapés, hot fork buffets, and dinners for up to 60–70 guests.
Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee all kitchen operations for the core lunch service and occasional evening events

• Plan, develop and execute buffet-style lunch menus (12:00–14:00) for ~600 covers per week (Mon ~90, Tue–Thu 120–150, Fri ~50)

• Prepare and deliver meat & vegetarian mains, salads & composed salads, and self-service buffet items

• Lead, manage and train the kitchen team, including scheduling and performance supervision

• Reporting to the General Manager / Operations Manager

• manage a kitchen team of five, including a Chef de Partie and a Kitchen Porter.

• Ensure consistency, quality and presentation of all dishes across daily service and events

• Maintain strict food hygiene and safety standards (HACCP compliance)

• Conduct regular stock takes, manage inventory and maintain kitchen equipment

• Monitor food costs, minimise waste and control the kitchen budget

• Liaise with suppliers, place orders and ensure quality of delivered products

• Represent the kitchen during client tastings and presentations

• Collaborate with management on seasonal menu updates and special events

What we’re looking for:

• Minimum 3 years’ experience as a Head Chef

• Background: open (restaurant, contract catering, etc.)

• Strong kitchen management and organisational skills

• Able to run a small team and high-volume lunch service

• Client-facing confidence for tastings and presentations

• Flexible and willing to support occasional evening events

• Passion for fresh, high-quality food

What\\'s in it for you? 

• Working with Vacherin has its perks! People are at the heart of everything we do, so we\\'ve developed a range of benefits to keep you happy. 

• Personal Development and Training opportunities 

• Life assurance scheme 

• Pension scheme 

• Holiday allowance 

• Access to Healthcare Support App which includes Annual health check, Digital GP, Mental Health Consultations, Nutritional Consultations, Second Medical Opinion

• Eye care 

• A great wellbeing strategy – including access to our Employee Assistance Programme, salary finance 

• Family friendly support 

• Regular social events and communication with our leaders 

• A holiday purchase scheme 

• Volunteering days 

• Professional subscriptions 

• Recognition schemes and people awards 

• Long service awards 

• Access to some great high street discount vouchers