This is an exciting role and an amazing opportunity to join Moving Venue Caterers, part of Smart Group, a privately owned group of hospitality, catering and event management businesses based in South East London.

Moving Venue has a prestigious 40-year history as one of the leading event caterers in the capital operating events across some of the most Unique Venues of London ranging from Museums, Palaces and Galleries to blank canvases and warehouse spaces.

Quality, passion and integrity are at the core of everything we do, coupled with our inimitable drive, personality and pioneering creativity that comes from being an entrepreneurial organisation. We pride ourselves on delivering experiences that our customers love and that our team is proud to be associated with.

This position involves spearheading the development of innovative canapé and bowl food menus, ensuring that they are aligned with the overall culinary vision and standards of the catering department.

The Head of Canapés and Bowl Food must possess strong culinary skills, creativity, and attention to detail to craft visually stunning and delicious bite-sized creations as well as flavoursome, distinctive and satisfying bowl dishes.

By providing leadership, expertise, and guidance, the right candidate will contribute to the overall culinary experience of guests and the success of all events where canapés and bowl food are served.

• Efficiently manage the canapé kitchen to maximise productivity, maintaining high food quality and profitability through seasonal menus, themed menus, and special projects.
• Oversee Smart Group’s menu development, contributing to the creation of new dishes and ensuring accurate recipes and methods are produced.
• Play a key role in the successful delivery of Smart Group’s events.
• Delegate tasks to canapé chefs, ensuring high standards and timely completion to foster team motivation and development of their capabilities.
• Participate in meetings with kitchen department heads to plan events and workloads, effectively communicating relevant information.
• Assist in food preparation when necessary to ensure timely production and develop skills, flair and finesse.
• Assist the Executive Chef in establishing and upholding the kitchen brigade standards including the casual teams.
• Plan the rota for full-time and casual chefs, ensuring adequate staffing levels for each event.
• Attend pre-event meetings, ensuring effective communication of plans to relevant personnel.
• Ensure the canapés section and all equipment are cleaned and hygienically maintained as with COSHH and Health & Safety legislation.
• Ensure compliance with current legislation, maintaining up-to-date records and submitting them to the Kitchen Manager for retention.
• Assist the Kitchen Manager in the implementation and monitoring of the company Health & Safety and Food Safety Policy.
• Stay informed about new products, ingredients, kitchen budgets, and costings to enhance your understanding of food production.
• Manage ordering and purchasing of required food products.
• Complete all training including but not exclusively, mandatory and online training, also ensure your team has undertaken any relevant training.
• Any other reasonable duties as required in pursuit of the efficient and profitable management of the company.
• Undertake any other reasonable duties necessary for efficient and profitable company management.
• Meeting the requirements of the Group’s Corporate Social Responsibility Policy reducing wastage in all aspects of the operation and disposal of food and other materials with minimum impact on the environment.

• Meticulous attention to detail coupled with a proactive approach
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Ability to manage multiple events and deadlines
• Ability to develop menus that reflect current culinary trends, dietary requirements, and guest preferences is essential
• Team-player, adaptable, and highly efficient
• Leadership skills

• Cycle-to-work scheme
• Performance-related bonus
• Daily shuttle bus to/from Head Office and Canada Water station
• Free parking at our Head Office
• Holiday allowance starts at 22 days plus bank holidays (pro-rata), increasing with length of service
• Access to Medicash health plan
• Access to fantastic restaurant and bar discounts via the CODE app
• Enhanced parental leave pay – subject to length of service
• Travel loan
• Delicious, healthy snacks and lunches available daily
• Fabulous regular social events
• Fun and vibrant company culture
• Generous refer-a-friend bonus

To apply, please forward your CV to francesca@smartgroupltd.co.uk