Head Chef (SP12)
| Dyddiad hysbysebu: | 03 Mawrth 2026 |
|---|---|
| Cyflog: | £35,100 bob blwyddyn |
| Oriau: | Llawn Amser |
| Dyddiad cau: | 02 Ebrill 2026 |
| Lleoliad: | Seoul Plaza 12, 65-67 Charing Cross Road London WC2H 0NE |
| Gweithio o bell: | Ar y safle yn unig |
| Cwmni: | KOREA FOODS COMPANY |
| Math o swydd: | Parhaol |
| Cyfeirnod swydd: |
Crynodeb
Hours per week: 45 (M – F 0830 – 1800 *an hour unpaid break inclusive)
Contract: Permanent, Full-time, Subject to 3-month probation
Expected Start date: ASAP
Reports To: Shop Manager
Location: Site-based
Position Overview
The Head Chef leads the kitchen team and is responsible for the delivery of consistently excellent Korean dishes. This role encompasses direct cooking responsibilities alongside the effective management of kitchen operations, ensuring that authenticity, quality, food safety and cost control standards are upheld. The Head Chef is accountable for staffing, training and day-to-day kitchen performance, and reports to the Shop Manager while collaborating closely with the Executive Chef on culinary direction.
Key Responsibilities
Culinary Leadership
· Oversee daily kitchen operations to ensure timely preparation and presentation of all Korean menu items.
· Maintain authenticity, consistency and portion control across the full Korean offering.
· Ensure all recipes, preparation methods and plating standards are followed accurately.
· Support the development and refinement of menu items in collaboration with the Executive Chef.
· Coach the kitchen team during service to maintain standards under varying service demands.
Food Quality, Safety & HACCP Compliance
· Champion a culture of food safety by implementing and maintaining documented HACCP procedures.
· Ensure full compliance with UK food hygiene legislation, allergen requirements and company policies.
· Monitor storage, handling and preparation of ingredients, with particular attention to rice-based products.
· Conduct regular hygiene checks and enforce high standards of cleanliness and organisation.
Leadership & Team Effectiveness
· Lead by example to foster a professional and supportive kitchen environment.
· Train, supervise and develop chefs and kitchen assistants through ongoing coaching.
· Plan rotas and allocate duties to ensure adequate coverage during peak periods.
· Address performance or conduct issues promptly and professionally.
Inventory & Waste Control
· Manage stock ordering, storage and rotation to ensure freshness and minimise waste.
· Monitor ingredient usage and support cost-effective kitchen practices.
· Identify opportunities to improve efficiency without compromising quality.
Collaboration & Operational Coordination
· Work closely with Shop Management and Retail teams to support smooth service delivery.
· Communicate operational updates, challenges and requirements clearly and professionally.
· Support internal audits, visits and operational reviews as required.
Candidate Profile & Core Competencies
· Minimum five years’ professional kitchen experience, including at least two years in a senior role.
· Demonstrated experience in Korean cuisine and high-volume food production.
· Strong understanding of HACCP systems, food safety regulations and allergen management.
· Proven leadership, organisation and communication skills.
· Calm, resilient and detail-oriented approach to kitchen operations.
The Company:
Korea Foods Company is the leader in the supply of Korean food in the UK. A family-run business, established in 1999, Korea Foods Company has over 500 employees working within its Head Office, Logistics Centres, and Retail Stores.
We import from key brands in Korea, and distribute to the Asian community, focusing on East Asian consumers. We have also seen substantial growth within the supermarket multiples, securing significant listings with Tesco, Morrisons, Asda, and Costco.
We also operate our own retail store network, Seoul Plaza, currently with 21 stores within the estate, with more opening in 2026.
Growth has been consistently double-digit, with a sales turnover in excess of £85 million.
The company is an incredibly dynamic and fast-paced place to work, with ambiguity and transparency that is often associated with family-run businesses. It is, also, whilst not for the faint-hearted, a rewarding workplace where personal achievements are recognised due to the relatively flat management structure.
Contract: Permanent, Full-time, Subject to 3-month probation
Expected Start date: ASAP
Reports To: Shop Manager
Location: Site-based
Position Overview
The Head Chef leads the kitchen team and is responsible for the delivery of consistently excellent Korean dishes. This role encompasses direct cooking responsibilities alongside the effective management of kitchen operations, ensuring that authenticity, quality, food safety and cost control standards are upheld. The Head Chef is accountable for staffing, training and day-to-day kitchen performance, and reports to the Shop Manager while collaborating closely with the Executive Chef on culinary direction.
Key Responsibilities
Culinary Leadership
· Oversee daily kitchen operations to ensure timely preparation and presentation of all Korean menu items.
· Maintain authenticity, consistency and portion control across the full Korean offering.
· Ensure all recipes, preparation methods and plating standards are followed accurately.
· Support the development and refinement of menu items in collaboration with the Executive Chef.
· Coach the kitchen team during service to maintain standards under varying service demands.
Food Quality, Safety & HACCP Compliance
· Champion a culture of food safety by implementing and maintaining documented HACCP procedures.
· Ensure full compliance with UK food hygiene legislation, allergen requirements and company policies.
· Monitor storage, handling and preparation of ingredients, with particular attention to rice-based products.
· Conduct regular hygiene checks and enforce high standards of cleanliness and organisation.
Leadership & Team Effectiveness
· Lead by example to foster a professional and supportive kitchen environment.
· Train, supervise and develop chefs and kitchen assistants through ongoing coaching.
· Plan rotas and allocate duties to ensure adequate coverage during peak periods.
· Address performance or conduct issues promptly and professionally.
Inventory & Waste Control
· Manage stock ordering, storage and rotation to ensure freshness and minimise waste.
· Monitor ingredient usage and support cost-effective kitchen practices.
· Identify opportunities to improve efficiency without compromising quality.
Collaboration & Operational Coordination
· Work closely with Shop Management and Retail teams to support smooth service delivery.
· Communicate operational updates, challenges and requirements clearly and professionally.
· Support internal audits, visits and operational reviews as required.
Candidate Profile & Core Competencies
· Minimum five years’ professional kitchen experience, including at least two years in a senior role.
· Demonstrated experience in Korean cuisine and high-volume food production.
· Strong understanding of HACCP systems, food safety regulations and allergen management.
· Proven leadership, organisation and communication skills.
· Calm, resilient and detail-oriented approach to kitchen operations.
The Company:
Korea Foods Company is the leader in the supply of Korean food in the UK. A family-run business, established in 1999, Korea Foods Company has over 500 employees working within its Head Office, Logistics Centres, and Retail Stores.
We import from key brands in Korea, and distribute to the Asian community, focusing on East Asian consumers. We have also seen substantial growth within the supermarket multiples, securing significant listings with Tesco, Morrisons, Asda, and Costco.
We also operate our own retail store network, Seoul Plaza, currently with 21 stores within the estate, with more opening in 2026.
Growth has been consistently double-digit, with a sales turnover in excess of £85 million.
The company is an incredibly dynamic and fast-paced place to work, with ambiguity and transparency that is often associated with family-run businesses. It is, also, whilst not for the faint-hearted, a rewarding workplace where personal achievements are recognised due to the relatively flat management structure.