WSH Group
Head Chef

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Company Description
Searcys are looking for a Head Chef to join the team at the National Portrait Gallery.
As a Head Chef at Searcys, you’ll be at the heart of creating unforgettable dining experiences, delivering exceptional food that leaves a lasting impression on every guest. More than supporting the Head Chef in the day-to-day running of the kitchen, you’ll inspire and mentor the brigade, helping shape a passionate and high-performing team.
At the stunning Portrait Restaurant, located within London’s iconic National Portrait Gallery, Searcys partnered with Michelin-starred chef Richard Corrigan to create one of the capital’s most exciting culinary destinations. Since opening, Portrait Restaurant has earned industry recognition for its world-class food and drink, quickly becoming one of London’s must-visit dining experiences.
As a Head Chef you will enjoy a selection of industry leading benefits:
- 50% discount across Searcys venues
- Enrolment into the Searcys pension scheme
- Up to 35 days annual leave (dependant on job role)
- Access to everyday discounts and communication portal
- Employee assistance programme
- Enrolment into Searcys Champagne School
- Meals provided on shift when working within one of our venue
- Annual celebration event
- Cycle to work scheme
- Your birthday off to celebrate in style
- A day off to volunteer / give back to the charity of your choice
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
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Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
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Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
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Job Description
- Salary: £70,000
- Hours Per Week: 45 hrs per week
- Shifts: Sunday to Tuesday daytime only, Wednesday to Saturday lunch and dinner service.
Key Responsibilities
- To provide food/service to a consistent high standard, including assisting senior chefs with functions in other different areas throughout the business.
- To manage the kitchen brigade in the absence of the executive chef.
- To assist training of junior staff.
- To liaise with key people in the team in order to plan for the provision of food in all areas.
- To place order directly with suppliers.
- To ensure smooth running of daily operations which include ensuring no disruption to the pre agreed menu offer.
- Responsible to manage stock levels of that specific area including ordering when required as well as waste control.
- Ensure the presentation of the food is consistent with the standards set by senior chefs.
- To comply with all legal requirements with particular reference to (but not exclusively) fire regulations, security, licence requirements and any Local Authority or Client stipulations.
- To ensure all Health, Hygiene and Safety requirements are being adhered to.
- As described in the Searcy Health & Safety Policy, including best practices to ensure personal hygiene at all times.
- Demonstrate Personal Development.
- Any other reasonable request by the Senior Management.


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Qualifications
- Minimum 3 years experience in people management.
- Excellent communication skills.
- Takes the initiative.
- Excellent time management.
- Supportive / Team player.
- Demonstrate high level of organisation.
- Excellent record keeping.
- To be willing to work the hours and the needs of the business.
- To be able to work under pressure and to cope with any unforeseen circumstances i.e. function changes, requirements, sickness, etc.
- To have a positive and co-operative attitude.
Additional Information
We are the oldest caterer in the UK, having been founded in 1847, working with us will give you an opportunity to be part of some of London’s most prestigious events, gaining insights and mentoring from skilled and experienced colleagues, as well as getting a chance to be part of a storied legacy in the hospitality industry.
A career at Searcys means you are part of something special, we are an employer with a rich history, and an established reputation which will provide you with an enormous sense of pride and belonging.
To find out more on the rich history of Searcys, please visit our website at www.searcys.co.uk
INDVIP
Employment Type: Permanent
Hours Per Week: 45
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