Head Chef

Location

• ME London Hotel
• Reports to: Executive Chef
• Package: Competitive including Tronc
• Meliá Hotels International is one of the world’s leading hotel companies, with a presence across more than 40 countries and a portfolio of over 350 hotels worldwide. Joining Meliá means becoming part of a truly international hospitality group, with opportunities to grow and develop your career across the UK and destinations around the world.
• 29 days' holiday including 8 public holidays
• Contributory pension scheme
• Refer-a-Friend bonus (£500 subject to successfully completed 6 months' probation)
• Discounted dental and health cover through HSF
• Exclusive hotel rates and travel discounts for you, your friends and family at Meliá Hotels Worldwide
• Food & Beverage discounts at participating outlets
• Personal development programmes with unlimited access to Meliá's online learning platform
• Career growth opportunities with access to a network of over 350 hotels worldwide, subject to local right-to-work requirements
• High-street discounts through Perks at Work
• My MeliáRewards – access to our exclusive loyalty programme and its unique benefits
• My MeliáBenefits – flexible compensation and exclusive discounts across a wide range of products and services
• As Head Chef , you will work alongside the Executive Chef to lead and oversee the kitchen operations at STK Steakhouse, ME London , ensuring the highest standards of food quality, presentation, service, team performance and compliance with safety and brand standards.
• You will provide strong culinary leadership, combining creativity, operational expertise and people management to deliver exceptional dining experiences. You will also play a key role in recruiting, developing and inspiring the kitchen team while ensuring operational and financial objectives are achieved.
• Lead and oversee the day-to-day kitchen operation , ensuring consistently high standards across all areas.
• Manage the food preparation process , guaranteeing consistency, quality and presentation in every dish.
• Develop and maintain recipes and kitchen standards , ensuring accurate costings and adherence to agreed procedures.
• Implement clear guidelines and procedures for kitchen operations and ensure all chefs understand and comply with expectations.
• Lead the recruitment, training, mentoring and development of kitchen staff to build a motivated and high-performing team.
• Conduct regular performance evaluations , providing constructive feedback and identifying development opportunities.
• Maintain consistent food quality and presentation standards in line with guest expectations and the reputation of STK Steakhouse.
• Ensure full compliance with food safety, hygiene and relevant legislation , maintaining the highest operational standards.
• Communicate and collaborate effectively with other hotel departments to ensure seamless operations and alignment on shared business objectives.
• Manage food costs, inventory and budgets , ensuring financial targets are achieved or exceeded.
• Monitor kitchen performance and identify opportunities for continuous improvement and operational efficiency .
• Support the Executive Chef in achieving the restaurant's culinary, operational and commercial objectives .
• Culinary Arts Degree/Diploma and Food Safety Level 4 certification .
• Proven experience in a senior kitchen leadership role within a high-volume, quality-focused kitchen environment.
• Strong culinary leadership skills with the ability to lead, motivate and develop kitchen teams .
• Proven ability to maintain consistently high standards of food quality, presentation and service .
• Strong knowledge of food safety, hygiene and relevant legislation .
• Experience managing food costs, inventory and budgets .
• Excellent organisational and problem-solving skills , with the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• A responsible, innovative and creative culinary leader with a passion for excellence.
• Adaptable and flexible approach, with the ability to respond effectively to changing business needs.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills , with the ability to work effectively with colleagues across the hotel.
• A positive and approachable mentor and people leader who inspires and develops others.
• Flexibility to meet business needs, including weekend availability .
• Physical ability to move effectively across kitchen areas during shifts.
• At Meliá, our people are at the heart of everything we do. From entry-level roles to senior leadership, everyone contributes something unique.
• We are all Very Inspiring People , connected by passion, warmth and a commitment to creating exceptional experiences. Joining Meliá means becoming part of a global family where you can grow, develop and create your future.
• Meliá Hotels International is committed to equal opportunities between women and men in the workplace and to creating an inclusive and respectful working environment.
• We celebrate equality, diversity and inclusion , avoiding any form of discrimination, including discrimination based on disability, race, religion, gender or age. We believe that diversity and inclusion among our employees are essential to our success as a global company.
• We are also committed to the sustainable growth of our industry through a socially responsible team. Our approach is reflected in our commitment to:

If you want to become a Very Inspiring Person, apply today and start your journey with Meliá.