Head Canape Chef

Job Title: Head Canapé Chef
Reporting to: Culinary Director
Location: London (with some exciting event travel)
Contract: Full-time, Permanent
Salary: £55,000 per annum

Ready to Lead the Ultimate Canapé Crew?

Are you a passionate chef with a flair for creating stunning, bite-sized masterpieces? We’re on the hunt for a Head Canapé Chef to lead a talented team of 8, crafting exceptional food experiences for some of the most exciting events around London and beyond!

What’s the Gig?

You’ll be the driving force behind a buzzing kitchen brigade, delivering consistent, top-tier food that celebrates artisan British cuisine with heart and flair. From managing day-to-day kitchen magic to collaborating with creative teams and wowing clients at tastings, you’ll be at the heart of every event’s culinary success.

Your Recipe for Success:

Lead the Brigade:

• Inspire and manage your squad of 8 chefs, keeping energy high and standards even higher.
• Work closely with sous chefs to keep every dish consistent and spectacular.
• Champion a team culture focused on client happiness and British culinary heritage.

Create & Innovate:

• Own the canapé menu, from sourcing local gems to testing and refining new creations.
• Stay ahead of food trends while honoring traditional British flavors.
• Ensure every dish is perfectly documented and costed.

Keep Things Running Smoothly:

• Mastermind kitchen operations, prep planning, and smooth event deliveries.
• Maintain flawless hygiene, safety, and sustainability standards (hello, 5-star rating!).
• Manage food ordering, supplier relations, and equipment needs.

Grow Your Team:

• Recruit, train, and develop your kitchen crew with enthusiasm and care.
• Keep rotas tight and temp chef bank ready to rock busy times.
• Foster a positive, motivated environment where everyone thrives.

What Success Looks Like:

• Rave client and guest feedback
• Hitting food cost and labour targets like a pro
• Keeping that sparkling hygiene rating intact
• A happy, engaged, and growing team

What We’ll Bring to the Table:

• Supportive leadership with regular check-ins and reviews
• A chance to lead at the forefront of exciting, high-profile events
• The opportunity to innovate and shape a standout canapé offering

Who You Are:

• An experienced leader in a fast-paced, events-focused kitchen
• A true British cuisine enthusiast with a creative edge
• Skilled at budgeting, supplier management, and kitchen operations
• A clear communicator and natural motivator
• Dedicated to excellence in hygiene, safety, and sustainability

If you’re ready to take centre stage and lead a passionate team creating canapé magic at unforgettable events, let’s talk!

We ensure you're rewarded for all your hard work, which is why we offer a comprehensive benefits package which includes but is not limited to:

• Free meals
• Discounted Event tickets
• Medicash health plan
• Contributory pension scheme
• Grow your career with our Career Pathways and MyLearning programmes
• Quick access for you and your immediate family to a Digital GP, and wider healthcare benefits
• Exclusive travel discounts with TUI, Expedia, Booking.com and many more
• Save money on your food shop with discounts on Tesco, Sainsbury's, Morrisons and many more
• Up to 44% off cinema tickets to enjoy your favourite blockbuster
• Receive cash rewards every time you spend and use them on a wide range of brands
• Un-wind with us with free wellness, mindfulness and exercise classes
• You can share all discounts and offers with your friends and families

About Us

As part of Compass you'll help to feed people, fuel progress and forge connections in around 6,000 venues. Join us to grow your career with the industry leader, and get competitive pay, great perks and unrivalled opportunities for learning and development, at one of the UK's biggest businesses.

Job Reference: com/2307/41229001/52751155/R/SU #Rocket

Compass Group UK&I is committed to fostering an environment where every individual can truly be themselves at work and has equal opportunities to advance in their careers. We strive to build a culture that respects and celebrates the unique talents, beliefs, backgrounds, and abilities of all our team members. We want our colleagues to feel valued, empowered to reach their full potential, and to thrive - because diversity is our strength!