Head Chef

Head Chef Haldirams Restaurant, Leicester Square, London - Up to £50,000

Department: Kitchen Operations

Reports To: Operations Manager / Area Manager

Location: London, United Kingdom

Head Chef Role Summary

The Head Chef will lead all kitchen operations for Haldirams flagship restaurant in Leicester Square. This role requires strong leadership, technical expertise in Indian cuisine, and the ability to run a high-volume, brand-led kitchen with absolute consistency. The Head Chef is responsible for executing Haldirams standard operating procedures (SOPs) in detail and ensuring every team member follows them without exception. The position oversees food preparation, production, hygiene, staffing, training, cost control, and overall kitchen performance.

This is a hands-on leadership role suited for a highly organised, disciplined, and quality-driven chef who thrives in a busy environment.

Salary / Benefits

• Salary up to £50,000.
• Performance bonuses & incentives.
• Flexible shift patterns.
• Free staff meals on duty.
• Uniform provided.
• Full training and development.
• Fast career progression opportunities.
• Pension scheme (as per UK Regulations).
• Employee rewards & recognition.
• Referral bonus scheme.
• Friendly, supportive team environment.

Head Chef Key Responsibilities

Kitchen Operations

• Lead day-to-day kitchen operations ensuring smooth, timely, and efficient service.
• Follow all Haldirams SOPs, recipes, specifications, and portion controls precisely and ensure 100% adherence across the team.
• Manage production for a high-volume vegetarian kitchen, ensuring consistency, freshness, and speed.
• Oversee mise-en-place, cooking, plating, and dispatching to FOH teams.
• Monitor food quality throughout the day, ensuring presentation and taste meet brand standards.

Food Safety, Hygiene & Compliance

• Ensure full compliance with UK food hygiene regulations, HACCP, allergens requirements, temperature logs, and cleaning schedules.
• Conduct daily checks on personal hygiene, food storage, and kitchen sanitation.
• Ensure all equipment is maintained safely and report any hazards or breakdowns promptly.

Team Leadership & Training

• Recruit, train, supervise, and motivate kitchen staff across all sections.
• Conduct regular training on SOPs, recipes, hygiene, allergens, and safe working practices.
• Prepare and manage staff rota based on operational needs.
• Ensure productivity, discipline, and a positive team culture in the kitchen.

Menu Execution & NPD (if required)

• Execute the brands menu precisely as per Haldirams standards.
• Support New Product Development (NPD) in collaboration with management when required.
• Maintain consistency across all dishes, especially snacks, chaats, curries, and regional Indian preparations.

Inventory, Ordering & Cost Control

• Manage stock rotation, ordering, and storage of raw materials and ingredients.
• Control food cost, minimise wastage, and ensure efficient use of resources.
• Conduct regular inventory checks and maintain accurate records.

Service Excellence

• Work closely with the FOH team to ensure smooth communication during peak hours.
• Respond quickly to operational issues and ensure minimal disruption during service.
• Maintain a calm, solution-oriented approach in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications & Skills

• Formal culinary qualification or equivalent operational experience.
• 810 years experience in a high-volume restaurant environment; UK or international brand experience preferred.
• Proven ability to lead and manage kitchen teams in demanding, fast-paced operations.
• Strong experience in high-volume or branded chain restaurants.
• Demonstrated ability to run a strict SOP-driven kitchen with full compliance down the line.
• Expertise in Indian cuisine (especially North Indian, snacks, chaats, and curries).
• Excellent leadership, staff training, and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure while maintaining precision and discipline.
• Strong knowledge of UK food hygiene, allergens, and safety regulations.
• Highly organised, detail-oriented, and committed to quality and consistency.