Area Head Chef- London

TOCA Social; London; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job description

TOCA Social is the world's first dining and entertainment experience with a football twist, and it’s set to change the game! We are ready for global growth with venues already operating in The O2, London and The Bullring, Birmingham. Our next venues open in London, Mexico, and Dallas in 2025!

At TOCA Social, Everybody Plays! Football knowledge is not required, so if you thrive in an energetic and fun environment, you’ll quickly fall in love with our concept!

Job Overview

At TOCA Social, the heart of the house is the heartbeat of our guest experience – and we’re looking for a hands-on, high-energy Area Head Chef to lead it across two of our London venues: The O2 and Westfield White City.

This isn’t a role for a “clipboard” or “laptop chef.” You’ll be on the pass, in the kitchen, leading from the front every day – coaching our chefs, supporting in developing our menus, driving food excellence, and creating a culture where your team can thrive without needing you on-site 24/7 (even though they’ll want you there!).

You’ll lead a team of Chef Captains and heart-of-house teams at each site, championing quality, safety, and brilliant service – all while scaling a food operation built for fun, flavour, and phenomenal growth.

And with Paris on the horizon in 2025, the right individual will be perfectly poised to support our international expansion and help launch our next global venue.

Location: TOCA Social- The O2, London, SE10 0DX & Westfield White City, London, W12 7GF

Reports to: Senior Operations Manager

Role Scope & Responsibilities:

Some of your responsibilities will include:

• Leading from the pass – setting the standard and energy in both kitchens
• Building and developing high-performing kitchen teams that thrive independently
• Working closely with Chef Captains (Jnr Sous) to maintain consistency, quality, and food excellence across both venues
• Responsibility for allergen awareness and documentation across venues
• Driving teammate product knowledge and engagement with our food
• Developing our heart of house team along with our managers and captains, ensuring our leaders know how to both deliver and recognise the perfect serve
• Being a visible, hands-on presence during peak shifts – not hiding behind a laptop
• Driving a vibrant, empowered team culture that reflects our “Greatest Of All Time” spirit
• Managing all kitchen operations including compliance, food safety, and labour controls in London
• Supporting menu innovation with our other UK Head Chef, working with the Support Office team to roll out new concepts
• Overseeing stock, suppliers, and GP – driving cost efficiencies without compromising quality
• Coaching, recruiting, onboarding, and retaining brilliant teammates
• Owning the H&S culture in kitchens – ensuring daily walk-throughs, checklists, and kitchen standards are always world-class
• Working closely with General Managers and Operations to support service delivery and team development

Qualifications & Experience:

• 3–5 years’ experience as a Head Chef in a high-volume, fast-paced venue or a multi-site Head/Executive Chef
• Strong understanding of food safety, health & safety, COSHH – with Food Safety Level 3
• A true leader – confident managing multiple kitchens and developing others to lead
• Fully hands-on – you thrive on being in the thick of service and love the buzz of a busy pass
• Big on coaching – you know how to inspire and upskill others, not just give orders
• Operationally sharp – experienced in stock control, supplier relationships, GP, and reporting
• Collaborative and commercially minded – you work well with support functions and understand the wider business picture
• Able to flex between venues as needed – weekends, evenings, busy periods

Benefits:

You’ll have full access to our TOCA Treats, which includes (but is not limited to!):

• Competitive salary
• Quarterly bonus programme
• Stock Options- be part of the long-term growth journey
• Complimentary TOCA games!
• Huge discounts on our F&B
• Free meal whilst on shift
• Local retail & hospitality discounts!
• Teammate Assistance Programme with access to free counselling sessions
• Great progression opportunities as we expand!