W

WSH International Investments

Contract catering and brand portfolio management

Head Chef - Hospitality

Full-TimeUpdated on 10/23/2026
£55k
Expert
London, UK
In Person
Food Service & HospitalityFood & Beverage Operations Management

About the job

Requirements
  • Previous experience as a Head Chef in events, hotels, or high-end restaurants.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
  • An NVQ qualification or equivalent.
  • Strong knowledge of allergy management.
  • Food Safety and Hygiene certification.
  • Exemplary kitchen management practices.
  • Ability to maximise commercial opportunities and develop innovative, inspiring, creative, and profitable menu ideas.
  • Ability to create a professional working environment, maintain company standards, and meet client expectations.
  • Strong mentoring, organisation, and communication skills.
Responsibilities
  • Take full responsibility for the smooth and efficient operation of the Hospitality and Events kitchens, overseeing the offering from breakfast to à la carte lunch and canapés.
  • Plan, prepare, cook, and present seasonally changing menus to company and client standards.
  • Manage, mentor, and motivate a brigade of around 13 chefs, from Senior Sous Chef to Kitchen Porter.
  • Safely supervise food production, preparation, cooking, and presentation while maintaining food quality.
  • Collaborate with the Group Culinary Lead to drive food innovation, concept development, marketing, and implementation across the Hospitality and Events food offering and the Retail kitchen.
  • Proactively manage food production, standards, costs, and menu planning to operate efficiently and economically without compromising quality or taste.
  • Oversee food tastings, presentations, and samplings; guide the kitchen team in implementing new menus and ensure prompt, efficient service that exceeds client expectations.
  • Enhance the company’s reputation for excellent food and service with clients and customers.
  • Hold regular one-to-ones and appraisals, provide constructive feedback, monitor development, and make succession-planning recommendations.
  • Take responsibility for kitchen health and safety, ensure health and safety audits meet internal policies, and address any shortfalls.
  • Complete due diligence records accurately and on time, retain them for future reference, and meet statutory and company requirements for health and safety, food safety, and environmental legislation and procedures.

About the company

W

WSH International Investments

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WSH is a British holding company that owns a portfolio of brands in the food services and hospitality sector, with contract catering as its main business for clients like businesses and schools. It operates brands such as BaxterStorey, Benugo, and Searcys, delivering tailored meals and service and focusing on fresh, seasonal, locally sourced ingredients while managing costs. Unlike single-brand caterers, WSH uses a portfolio approach with brand specialization across corporate dining, restaurants, and cafes to gain scale in procurement and operations. Its goal is to provide dependable, high-quality food and service to a broad client base, while growing its brand portfolio and improving efficiency for clients and stakeholders.

Company Size

N/A

Company Stage

N/A

Total Funding

N/A

Headquarters

Reading, United Kingdom

Founded

2011

Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • BaxterStorey won MHRA South Mimms in February 2026, worth £1.0 million including VAT.
  • The Open University extended BaxterStorey through January 2028 amid catering transformation uncertainty.
  • T-Mobile awarded BaxterStorey a £2.6 million July 2026 contract across four sites.

What critics are saying

  • Public procurement churn is rising: Durham retenders in 2026, and universities are extending short bridges.
  • CD&R owns WSH, so another acquisition spree can mask margin pressure and integration strain.
  • A loss at MHRA, Open University, or T-Mobile would hit BaxterStorey's core revenue immediately.

What makes WSH International Investments unique

  • BaxterStorey, Benugo, and Searcys span corporate dining, premium leisure, and heritage hospitality.
  • WSH’s 2026 RSPCA Assured milk rollout covered 600+ locations and 4 million litres.
  • The Genuine Dining Co. acquisition strengthens scale after 2024, expanding London contract catering.

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Benefits

  • Flexible Work Hours

Company News

Public Sector Catering
Feb 14th, 2024
WSH commits to 100% RSPCA Assured British free-range eggs

As part of their ESG commitments, WSH launched a 'Supplier Code of Conduct' in which 11 targets were set in a bid to continually raise the bar on sourcing standards and transparency across the foodservice supply chain.

ITP Media Group
Aug 17th, 2021
Westbury Street Holdings launches Mosaic

Westbury Street Holdings launched Mosaic, a subscription-based contract catering model, as part of a move to offer clients flexible solutions in a post-Covid workplace.