Retail Head Chef
| Posting date: | 13 March 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | Not specified |
| Additional salary information: | Competitive |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 12 April 2026 |
| Location: | London, E1 6PW |
| Company: | Compass Group |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | 213564 |
Summary
Salary: £55,000 per annum
Working pattern: Monday-Friday, 40 hours per week (6:30am to 3pm)
About the role: We’re looking for an ambitious and creative Retail Head Chef to lead our kitchen team in London. You’ll oversee a team of Sous Chefs and Chef de Parties, preparing food across a salad bar, Grab & Go, hot mains, and a street food counter (up to 300 covers/day).
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 the quality of delivered products.
Represent the kitchen during client tastings and presentations.
Collaborate with management on seasonal menu updates and special events.
Lead the kitchen team, coaching and supporting staff while ensuring up-to-date training and performance feedback.
Plan and develop menus that delight clients and customers, and manage smooth daily service.
Experience in retail, contract catering, or hotels with banqueting.
Strong leadership and communication skills.
A passion for innovation in food and hospitality.
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