Head Chef NEW

Role: Head Chef ‘Project A’ – Rooftop Bar at The Imperial (New Opening Hotel)
Hours: 40 hours per week
Location: Bloomsbury, London
About Us:
‘Project A’ is the new destination rooftop bar at The Imperial, Bloomsbury opening Summer 2026. Part of the Imperial London Hotels family, we are a seventh generation, family run business with a 187 year legacy and a renewed vision for modern, authentic London hospitality.
About the Role:
We are seeking an exceptional Head Chef to lead the culinary direction of ‘Project A’. This is a rare opportunity to shape a brand new rooftop dining experience from the ground up-crafting menus, building a high performing team and defining a food identity that reflects creativity, seasonality and a sense of place in the heart of Bloomsbury, London.
You will oversee all kitchen operations at ‘Project A’, leading a brigade including Sous Chefs, CDPs, Commis Chefs and Kitchen Porters. You will set the standards for quality, consistency and presentation, ensuring every dish reflects the ambition and elevated character of ‘Project A’.
What You’ll Be Doing:
You will work collaboratively with the ‘Project A’ General Manager and Front of House teams to deliver exceptional guest experiences, balancing creativity with operational discipline. From menu development to food safety, team culture to financial performance, you will be accountable for the full culinary operation.
Develop seasonal, innovative menus that reflect ‘Project A’s’ identity and London’s diverse food culture
Lead, train, and inspire the kitchen team, creating a supportive, high performance environment
Ensure consistent delivery of high quality dishes, aligned with recipes, presentation standards, and food safety regulations
Manage stock levels, ordering, menu costings, and food GP to meet financial targets
Oversee kitchen systems, preparation, and service to ensure efficiency and consistency
Maintain rigorous hygiene and safety standards, ensuring all documentation is compliant and up to date
Collaborate across departments to support seamless bar operations and exceptional service
Recruit, mentor, and develop kitchen talent, ensuring strong succession planning
Keep up to date with culinary trends, techniques, suppliers, and best practices to continually evolve the offering
Who You Are:
You will have proven experience as Head Chef or Executive Sous Chef ideally in a new opening hotel environment
Have strong culinary skills with a passion for creativity, flavour development and modern presentation
Experience running a fast paced kitchen, delivering high standards under pressure
Strong leadership ability with a track record of building, developing and motivating teams
Solid financial and operational understanding including GP control, labour management and P&L awareness
Excellent communication and organisational skills
Level 3 Food Safety, Professional Cookery qualification and strong understanding of food hygiene and safety regulations
Flexibility to work varied shifts in line with a 24/7 hotel operation
What’s In It for You:
28 days holiday, rising to 33 with length of service (including bank holidays)
Access to ILH Training Academy programmes, apprenticeships and supported study
Holiday Purchase Scheme
Complimentary uniform dry cleaning, plus discounted personal dry cleaning
Interest free Season Ticket Loan
Workplace Pension
Team member flat rate and 50% friends and family hotel discount
50% discount across ILH F&B outlets
Discounted drinks at Blooms Caf
Employee funded Health Cash Plan
Local Bloomsbury discounts
Early Pay access
Shopping discounts with selected retailers
Salary sacrifice schemes including nursery care, cycle to work, and technology
Access to mental health first aiders, wellbeing support and the Employee Assistance Programme
If you are ready to shape a landmark rooftop bar and lead a talented team in one of London’s newest hospitality openings, we would love to hear from you!