Head Canape Chef Job

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)