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About the Role

The Executive Chef will lead the culinary launch, strategy, and daily kitchen operations for the opening of Convene Rathbone, a brand-new, high-profile Meetings & Events destination in London’s West End. This role requires exceptional agility to adapt to bespoke client requests and dynamic event requirements, while driving seasonal and artisan menu development, managing department finances, and building a high-performing kitchen culture.

Responsibilities

Formulate and execute the culinary vision, menu design, and overall culinary identity.
Deliver tailored, bespoke culinary experiences by maintaining flexibility and responsiveness to client requests.
Establish and manage direct supplier relationships.
Oversee end-to-end food production for all outlets, conferences, and private events.
Drive innovation by staying ahead of global culinary trends.
Review Program Event Orders, mapping out preparation workflows and delegating assignments.
Align culinary programming with venue brand pillars and member expectations.
Manage all day-to-day culinary operations, ensuring food quality, presentation, and service consistency.
Supervise daily setup, anticipate business volume, and adjust work schedules and staffing levels.
Maintain strict sanitation, food handling, food safety, and organisation standards.
Direct the purchasing, receiving, storage, and inventory control of all food items and supplies.
Oversee the maintenance, servicing, and care of all kitchen equipment.
Own food cost, labour cost, and overall kitchen operating expenses.
Conduct weekly and monthly financial and stock audits.
Actively participate in client satisfaction initiatives and guest feedback programmes.
Attract, hire, mentor, and retain a high-performing culinary team.
Conduct pre-shift meetings to brief staff on daily business and production goals.
Ensure fair and equitable treatment of all team members and address staff issues professionally.

Requirements

Minimum 5–8+ years of progressive culinary and kitchen management experience in high-volume, premier venues.
Experience leading teams ranging from small kitchen crews up to 20+ staff members.
High operational adaptability and a client-first mindset.
Proven track record leading fine-dining, farm-driven, or high-volume complex foodservice operations.
Extensive experience managing large-scale private events, banquets, and customised corporate hospitality programmes.
Deep understanding of UK Food Safety regulations, HACCP guidelines, Food Hygiene Standards, labour management, profit-and-loss targets, and inventory systems.
In-depth knowledge of the London food scene.
Proficient with software tools including Google Suite, Slack, and Zoom.
Ability to stand, sit, or walk for extended periods.
Flexibility to work long or irregular hours, including early mornings, late nights, and weekends.

Skills

Culinary Arts
Kitchen Management
Menu Development
Supplier Relationship Management
Food Production
Culinary Trend Analysis
Event Planning
Sanitation Standards
Food Safety
Inventory Control
Financial Management
Cost Control
Team Leadership
Client Relations
Google Suite
Slack
Zoom

Location

London

Work Type

Full-time

Experience Level

5-8+ years

Education Level

Degree or diploma in Culinary Arts (or equivalent NVQ/City & Guilds qualifications), or recognised professional cookery qualification

About the Company

Convene Rathbone is set to open in Spring 2027 as one of London’s most anticipated new Meetings & Events destinations.
The 54,000-square-foot venue at One Rathbone Square will combine Convene’s signature hospitality with industry-leading production capabilities.
The venue is purpose-built for immersive experiences, supporting conferences, brand showcases, luxury receptions, and bespoke gatherings.
As a member of the opening leadership team, you’ll play a key role in shaping the culture, guest experience, and long-term success of the venue.