ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Job Number25069271
Job CategoryFood and Beverage & Culinary
LocationW London, 10 Wardour Street, London, England, United Kingdom, W1D 6QF
ScheduleFull Time
Located Remotely?N
Position Type Management
To be considered for this role, all applicants must have a valid right to work in the United Kingdom.
ARE YOU READY TO LEVEL UP AND LEAD OUR CULINARY TEAM AT W LONDON?
At W London, we don’t just serve food – we serve experiences. As the Head of Kitchen, you’re not just behind the pass – you’re at the heart of the flavour, the flair, and the flawless service that defines our culinary edge. You’ll bring passion, creativity, and precision to every plate while leading a team that’s just as bold as the dishes we serve.
You’re accountable for the overall success of the daily kitchen operations across all our dining spaces – from buzzing banquets and chic room service to our vibrant restaurants, lively bar/lounge, and the backstage magic of the employee canteen. You’ll also keep a sharp eye on support areas like the dish room and purchasing – every cog in the machine matters.You Are:
- A natural-born leader who can handle the heat and still bring the cool.
- Passionate about flavour, design, and shaking things up in the culinary world.
- Organised, efficient, and always looking for the next opportunity to innovate.
- Someone who leads by example – sleeves up, hands-on, all-in.
- A master of detail, from the seasoning on a scallop to the sanitation log in the kitchen office.
CORE RESPONSIBILITIESKeeping the Kitchen Shipshape & Standards Top-Notch
- Whips up a variety of delicious dishes – from daily classics to showstoppers for special guests and events.
- Tweaks kitchen systems and routines to keep things running smoother than a buttered scone.
- Crafts fresh menus and recipes, mixing standards with a dash of culinary flair.
- Knows quality ingredients, top-notch presentation and banging flavours like the back of their hand.
- Sticks to all the rules when it comes to food safety and hygiene – no shortcuts here.
- Makes sure every law and regulation is followed to the letter.
- Handles food properly and ensures it’s kept at just the right temperature – not too hot, not too cold.
- Lives and breathes the brand’s safety standards.
- Oversees kitchen shifts and makes sure everyone’s playing by the Food & Beverage rulebook.
- Keeps an eye on stock coming in and out, ensuring it’s all stored and handled properly.
- Looks after all the kitchen gear – reports anything on the fritz.
- Helps cut down on waste and keep portions on point – good for the planet and the bottom line.
- Champions eco-friendly kitchen habits, from prep to power use to managing waste.
- Checks the quality of every ingredient and dish – only the best leaves the pass.
- Helps design how the food is plated and comes up with creative displays for that wow factor.
Leading the Culinary Crew
- Leads the kitchen team, keeping everything coordinated and everyone in high spirits.
- Uses solid people skills to guide, inspire and rally the team – honesty and integrity at the heart of it all.
- Runs the show day-to-day and knows the ropes well enough to jump in when needed.
- Builds trust and camaraderie within the team – we’re all in this together.
- Leads by example, setting the standard for professional behaviour.
- Keeps team performance ticking along nicely.
- Ensures every dish meets the brand’s top-tier presentation and prep standards.
- Keeps communication open and friendly among the whole crew.
- Plans out what needs cooking each day and makes sure the team’s in the loop.
- Takes the reins during service while getting stuck in with cooking and guest requests.
Smashing Culinary Goals
- Hits – and aims to exceed – all set targets: whether it’s performance, budgets, or team goals.
- Puts plans in place to get things done efficiently and effectively.
- Understands how budgets, payroll and operating costs affect the bigger picture.
- Schedules shifts based on business needs and keeps track of hours worked.
- Knows how the kitchen’s performance impacts the wider business and manages accordingly.
- Orders uniforms within budget and makes sure they’re well looked after.
- Keeps staffing levels spot-on to meet service, operational and financial goals.
Delivering Top-Tier Customer Service
- Always goes the extra mile to wow the guests and keep them coming back.
- Runs daily ops to meet and exceed guest expectations with top quality and consistency.
- Boosts service by helping staff better understand what guests want – offers guidance, feedback, and support.
- Leads by example when it comes to guest interactions.
- Handles any guest grumbles with grace and professionalism.
- Constantly looks for ways to raise the bar in service.
- Makes sure staff are regularly trained to meet – and exceed – guest expectations.
Supporting the Team’s Growth & Development
- Spots growth opportunities for team members and helps them level up their skills.
- Designs and delivers training sessions to boost team knowledge and confidence.
- Gets involved in hiring the right people with the right attitude and skills.
- Takes part in performance reviews and gives constructive feedback.
- Keeps the door open for honest feedback and takes staff concerns seriously.
- Helps train staff on menu items – from ingredients to prep to flavour profiles – so everyone’s in the know.