Head Canapé Chef Job| Premium Events Catering Company
We’re seeking a highly skilled and creative Head Canapé Chef to lead the development and delivery of exceptional canapé menus for one of London’s top-tier events catering businesses. This is an exciting opportunity for a detail-driven culinary professional to shape the canapés offering at high-profile events, while leading a dedicated production team with excellence and precision.
About the Role:
Reporting to the Culinary Director, you’ll take ownership of the canapé section — from menu innovation and testing to production planning and flawless execution on event day. This role requires an expert eye for detail, a passion for modern and heritage British cuisine, and the leadership skills to ensure consistency and quality at every touch point.
Key Responsibilities:
Menu Development & Culinary Creativity
- Lead the design, testing, and seasonal refresh of canapé menus
- Source exceptional, innovative ingredients — championing quality, sustainability, and emerging suppliers
- Ensure all canapé recipes are accurately costed, fully documented, and include allergen details
- Stay up to date with canapé trends across hospitality, fashion, art, and fine dining
Production Leadership
- Manage daily canapé prep and production workflows to ensure timely, high-quality output
- Implement clear SOPs for canapé creation and presentation
- Work with the broader brigade and events team to ensure all canapé elements meet brief and brand standards
Team Management & Culture
- Lead and mentor a skilled canapé team, ensuring consistency and excellence in execution
- Run daily briefings and maintain a focused, efficient working environment
- Support the development of junior chefs through hands-on training and feedback
Event Execution
- Oversee canapé service for a range of events, ensuring flawless delivery and presentation
- Liaise closely with the Event Managers to align canapé delivery with event timings and client expectations
- Attend tastings and contribute confidently to client-facing interactions when required
Compliance & Hygiene
- Ensure HACCP compliance, risk assessments, and allergen tracking specific to canapé production
- Maintain a clean, organised, and audit-ready prep environment
- Help uphold the company’s 5-star food hygiene rating
Performance Indicators
- Quality and consistency of canapé production
- Positive client and guest feedback on canapés
- Delivery of gross profit targets for the canapé section
- Compliance with hygiene and allergen standards
- Team morale and retention
What We’re Looking For
- Proven experience in a senior canapé or fine-dining cold kitchen role
- Deep understanding of flavour balance, plating aesthetics, and scaling canapé production
- Ability to lead a team and manage high volumes without compromising quality
- Excellent organisational, time management, and communication skills
- Passion for heritage British produce with a flair for contemporary presentation
Position: Full-Time | Senior Kitchen Role
Salary: £55k – £60k + Benefits
Job ID:159563
Responsible Consultant: Fred Hardy(fred@greycoatlumleys.co.uk)