The Columbo Group
Head Chef
Get notified of more jobs like this · No spam, ever
How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
We’re looking for a Head Chef to lead the kitchen at Jazz Cafe.
Jazz Cafe is one of London’s most iconic live music venues, with a mezzanine restaurant overlooking the stage. Food is a big part of the experience, and we’re looking for someone who wants to take real ownership of it.
As Head Chef, you’ll lead the kitchen day to day, manage the team and take responsibility for food quality, consistency and commercial performance. You’ll also have the opportunity to influence and develop the menu, working with the wider team on new dishes and the evolution of the food offer.
We’re looking for someone who combines strong kitchen management with a genuine interest in food. Someone who can run a tight operation, build a great team and consistently deliver at volume.
What You’ll Do
- Lead and develop the kitchen team
- Take ownership of the day-to-day running of the kitchen
- Maintain consistently high standards of food quality and execution
- Have meaningful input into menu development, new dishes and the evolution of our food offer
- Manage kitchen finances, labour, stock control and margins
- Oversee recruitment, training and development
- Maintain excellent food safety and Health & Safety standards
- Work closely with the wider venue team to deliver a consistently great experience
Reasons to use Rodeo
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
It searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
What We’re Looking For
- Experience as a Head Chef or a strong Senior Sous Chef ready to step up
- A strong understanding of fresh food and high-volume service
- Someone who wants to contribute creatively to the menu
- A confident and straightforward people manager
- Strong commercial awareness and control of kitchen costs
- Organised, consistent and comfortable in a busy operation
- High standards without unnecessary ego
- Someone who wants ownership and the opportunity to make an impact
Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
Why Join Us
- Industry-leading pay
- Genuine opportunity to influence the food and menu at Jazz Cafe
- Free guestlist to our events and festivals
- 50% discount across all Columbo Group venues
- Training and development through the Columbo Academy
- Team events, including our annual End of Year party
- Pension plan
Jazz Cafe is part of The Columbo Group, the independent team behind Jazz Cafe, Phonox, The Blues Kitchen and The Old Queen’s Head. If you’re a strong kitchen leader who wants to run a great operation and have a genuine say in the food, we’d like to hear from you.
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London