Photo of The Waldorf Hilton, London, London, England, United Kingdom

Executive Head Chef

The Waldorf Hilton, London

Aldwych
London, England WC2B 4DD
United Kingdom

298 Room Hotel
Managed By Hilton
Save this job
Full-Time

Description

WELCOME TO A WORLD OF OPPORTUNITIES AT THE WORLD'S #2 BEST WORKPLACE, AWARDED BY GREAT PLACE TO WORK & FORTUNE - No two days or two hotels are the same, but our spirit and passion for hospitality always brings all our teams together to create a culture of inclusiveness, positivity and drive to achieve our common goal. “To share the light and warmth of hospitality”.

Located within the historic Waldorf Hotel in London, Homage is a restaurant that masterfully blends the elegance of classic British dining with a modern flair. Inspired by the hotel’s rich heritage, Homage offers a refined yet inviting atmosphere where each dish is crafted with precision and passion. From locally sourced ingredients to timeless recipes reimagined, every element is designed to celebrate the best of British cuisine. Perfect for both locals and visitors, Homage invites you to savor a taste of London’s history with every bite.

Good Godfrey’s honours The Waldorf’s original house band – Howard Godfrey & The Waldorfians. ​With its dark oak paneling and 1920’s soundtrack, our guests journey back in time to the opulence and elegance of the Roaring ‘20s. With expertly crafted cocktails, our team blends history, flavour, and style for a timeless experience.

Proudly offering some of the best meetings and events facilities in the city, The Waldorf Hilton London hosts many prestigious conferences and meetings within the hotel’s modern and flexible venues, most of which have natural daylight.

Once the ballroom setting for 'A Night to Remember', the opulent Palm Court is flooded with natural daylight and is perfect for your conference/exhibition catering area or for your grand celebration. Adorned with original Edwardian features such as columns and cornicing, the Palm Court accommodates up to 400 Guests or up to 900 when combined with the adjacent Adelphi suite.

Entertain up to 350 seated guests (500 standing) in the beautiful Adelphi suite which features state-of-the-art lighting. Marvel at the grand columns and elegant chandeliers which adorn this unique and magnificent space. The room can be set up to include a stage at the front and centre of the room and special lighting sets an unforgettable scene.

A WORLD OF REWARDS

  • Competitive salary rate
  • Free, healthyand high qualitymeals when on duty
  • Grow your Career -Personal Development programmes designed to support you at every step of your career
  • A chance to make a difference through our Corporate Responsibility programmes – Find out what and how we are doing (https://cr.hilton.com)
  • Team Member Travel Program: discounted hotel nights plus 50% off Food and Beverages (subject to individual outlets)
  • Team Member Referral Program
  • High street discounts: with Perks at Work
  • Holiday: 28 daysincluding bank holidays (increasing yearly to up to 33 days)
  • Modern and inclusive Team Member’s areas

As an Executive Head Chef, you are fully responsible for developing the reputation of the Waldorf Hilton London through the production of excellent quality food throughout the hotel, and the development of a high quality kitchen brigade.

What will I be doing?

An Executive Head Chef will oversee the operational management of the kitchen and Team Members. Specifically, an Executive Head Chef will perform the following tasks to the highest standards:

  • Lead of the kitchen brigade and ensure ongoing development of Team Members
  • Identify an effective approach to succession planning
  • Create menus that meet and exceed customers' needs and conform to brand standards
  • Ensure the consistent production of high quality food through all hotel food venues and Conference & Events 
  • Develop positive customer relations through proactive interaction with Guests, Team Members, contractors, and suppliers
  • Resolve, promptly and completely, any issues that may arise in the kitchen or related areas among Guests and Team Members
  • Manage department operations, including budgeting, forecasting, resource planning, and waste management
  • Manage all aspects of the kitchen including operational, quality and administrative functions
  • Actively seek verbal feedback from customers on a regular basis and respond to all guest queries in a timely and efficient manner
  • Ensuring adequate resources are available according to business needs
  • Manage the provision of food to Food and Beverage venues and taking action where necessary to ensure compliance with current legislation
  • Control costs without compromising standards, improving gross profit margins and other departmental and financial targets
  • Ensure team members have an up-to-date knowledge of menu items, special promotions, functions and events
  • Maintain good communication and work relationships in all hotel areas
  • Ensure that staffing levels are maintained to cover business demands
  • Ensure monthly communication meetings are conducted and post-meeting minutes generated
  • Manage staff performance issues in compliance with company policies and procedures
  • Recruit, manage, train and develop the kitchen team
  • Comply with hotel security, fire regulations and all health and safety and food safety legislation
  • Ensure maintenance, hygiene and hazard issues are dealt with in a timely manner
  • Manage financial performance of the department so all planning is in line with hotel objectives
  • Manage food control systems are adhered to them  so margins are on target in a pro-active way
  • Regular review of all menus with Director of Food & Drink to confirm offerings are in line with market trends
  • Be environmentally aware
  • Ensure food wastage program is adhered to so that margins are on target
  • Responsible for ensuring that the monthly working schedules are made and maintained in accordance with local legislation

What are we looking for?

An Executive Head Chef serving Hilton brands is always working on behalf of our Guests and working with other Team Members. To successfully fill this role, you should maintain the attitude, behaviours, skills, and values that follow:

  • Previous, relevant experience as an Executive Chef or a high-performing Sous Chef in a first class property, required
  • Excellent leadership skills
  • A creative approach to the production of high quality food
  • A business focused approach to managing a hotel kitchen
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Ability to build relationships, internal and external, to the hotel and the Company
  • Excellent planning and organizational skills
  • Ability to multi-task and meet deadlines
  • A current, valid, and relevant trade qualification (proof may be required)

It would be advantageous in this position for you to demonstrate the following capabilities and distinctions:

  • A certification in management
  • Proficiency with computers and computer programs, including Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook

EVERY JOB MAKES THE STAY.

At Hilton, It Matters Where You Stay, but The Stay is only one side of the story. We know it takes hundreds of jobs to create unforgettable experiences for our guests – and behind every job, there’s an extraordinary person working to make each Stay magical.  That’s why at Hilton, Every Job Makes the Stay.

Find out more about all our brands and hotels - Hilton Brands | Global Hospitality Company

Posted December 10, 2024

The Waldorf Hilton, London

An iconic London hotel built in the 1800s

Blending Edwardian grandeur with modern comfort, our hotel sits in the centre of London's theatre district, a four-minute walk from the Royal Opera House. Covent Garden, the British Museum, and Trafalgar Square are all within a mile of our door. Enjoy afternoon tea and British cuisine in Homage restaurant and unique flavours in our cocktail bars.

Homage's menu and décor pays tribute to the grand cafés of Europe. Enjoy Afternoon Tea every day from 1-4pm. Good Gofrey’s Bar and Lounge offers drinks, canapes, and light snacks. Discover old-world sophistication and cocktails at The Wild Monkey.

Our meetings and events space includes Palm Court which featured in the 1997 film, Titanic. Our main boardroom was historically the Gentleman’s smoking room and enjoys a grand fireplace and oil paintings. Ask our dedicated team for a tour of our unique spaces.