Head Chef (Asian Concept) – Kensington, London

Job Summary by the careerbalance.co.uk Team:

127Job Description:*Head Chef (Asian Concept) – Kensington, London*

The Roof Gardens were originally created in the Art Deco period and opened in 1933. In the late 60’s the building was taken over by fashion powerhouse Biba and was the pulse of Swinging London. 100 ft high above Kensington High Street, set across 3 floors with over an acre of gardens, The Roof Gardens will be a next generation members club that is future-facing, committed to innovation and community, to discovery and to delight. The club will open in Spring/Summer 2024 as a world-leading members’ club affording its community beautiful gardens, bars, restaurants and events spaces alongside a visionary cultural and music programme.

*THE ROLE*

*The 7th Floor at The Roof Gardens will soon become home to our Asian restaurant, presenting a rare opportunity to work in a picturesque setting with sweeping views across London’s iconic skyline. Utilising locally sourced ingredients and a fusion of modern and traditional cooking techniques, our restaurant will showcase the artistry of Japanese culinary craftsmanship. Guests will be invited to experience the excitement of our lively Omakase table, where every dish orbits around a celebration of flavour and culture.*

You will be responsible for working closely with the Executive Chef and team to develop the concept, menus, service style and event options. Bringing creative flair, exceptional team-building qualities and strong leadership skills, you will be at the helm of this crucial club space but should also be expected to work with your fellow Head Chefs across the business for private and member events, pop ups (home and away), and lots more besides. There will be plenty to get your teeth into.

*Your main responsibilities will include:*

* Overall responsibility for daily operations in your kitchen, working with other Head Chefs in the business to organise resources

* Creating menus in collaboration with the Executive Head Chef and team

* Creating, tasting, testing (and briefing colleagues on) new dishes

* Controlling and directing the food preparation process

* Manning the pass, approving and finessing dishes before they are sent to table

* Planning orders of equipment, supplies and ingredients 

* Managing, training and recruiting your team

* Building strong, positive relationships with your BOH and FOH colleagues

* Maintaining or beating budgeted GPs

* Ensuring hygiene and health and safety regulations are met or exceeded in your kitchen

* Building strong supplier relationships and working with the purchasing team to negotiate great pricing 

* Stepping away from the kitchen to meet members at the table from time to time

* Working with the events teams to organise tastings, special menus etc

* Running pre-service briefings and tastings, training, supplier visits etc…to develop your team and help the FOH team sell your dishes confidently to the customers

*The skills and experience which will help you succeed in this role:*

* NVQ Level 3 or Degree in Culinary Arts

* Level 2 Food safety

* Level 2 Health and Safety in the Workplace Award

* Minimum 2 years relevant experience

* Awareness of manual handling techniques

* Awareness of Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH) and chemical safety

* Experience of kitchen equipment

* Competent level of English spoken and written

* Excellent knowledge of all sections

* Ability to produce excellent high-quality food

* Good oral communication

* Team management skills

* High level of attention to detail

* Good level of numeracy

* Enthusiasm to develop your own skills and knowledge plus those around you

* Adaptability to change and willingness to embrace new ideas and processes

* Ability to work unsupervised and deliver quality work 

* Positive and approachable manner

* Team player qualities

*Your Package will include*

* A competitive salary 

* 30 days holiday per annum with 1 extra day for your birthday

* A benefits platform through which you’ll have the option to buy more holiday, take out private healthcare and much more

* Cross-training plans and talent development initiatives

* A delicious meal with your team on every shift that you work with us

* Breakout spaces in our People Clubhouse where you can shower, change, securely leave your things and relax with colleagues between on your breaks

* Statutory pension contributions and much more!

We are a community united by attitude, curiosity and optimism, not defined by background. We celebrate individuality and free expression. It doesn’t matter where you have come from, it’s where you are going. The Roof Gardens is a welcoming place of acceptance where growth is nurtured, experiences are shared, stories are exchanged and ideas are born.

If you’d like to join us on the next chapter of The Roof Gardens, we’d love to hear from you.Location: London (Greater)