Location
Central London

Hours
Monday-Friday, 40 hours per week (7am to 3:30pm)

Salary
£51,500 per annum

About the Role
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, giving them the chance to shine and unlock their potential, fueling our strength and growth. We are looking for an ambitious and creative Retail Head Chef to lead our kitchen team in London. You will oversee a team of 5, preparing food across a salad bar, Grab & Go, hot mains, and a staff restaurant serving an average of 500 covers per day (breakfast and lunch), as well as two pop-ups per week. The ideal candidate will have solid experience in contract catering, restaurants, or similar high-volume environments, with a strong background in managing kitchen operations and leading a team.

Key Responsibilities
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.

Why Work With Us?
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 including personal development and training opportunities, life assurance scheme, pension scheme, holiday allowance, access to Healthcare Support App (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 and 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, and access to some great high street discount vouchers. Vacherin officially formed part of CH&CO Catering Group Ltd in 2021, built on partnerships, innovation, integrity, quality, and fun.

Experience
Proven experience in retail, contract catering, or hotels with banqueting. Strong background in managing kitchen operations and leading a team in high-volume environments.

About you
Ambitious and creative with strong leadership and communication skills. Passionate about innovation in food and hospitality. Able to motivate and support a kitchen team to deliver excellent food quality and service.

Qualifications
Relevant culinary qualifications and HACCP knowledge are desirable to ensure compliance with food hygiene and safety standards.