Head Chef

Head Chef

London Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a dynamic kitchen team, crafting innovative menus and ensuring top-notch food quality.
  • Company: Join Restaurant Associates, a leader in workplace dining with a passion for fresh, sustainable food.
  • Benefits: Enjoy perks like a contributory pension, digital GP access, travel discounts, and wellness classes.
  • Why this job: Be part of a creative culinary environment that values innovation and teamwork in a prestigious setting.
  • Qualifications: Seeking a confident culinary leader with strong organisational skills and a passion for quality ingredients.
  • Other info: Full-time role in London, Monday to Friday, with opportunities for career growth.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

We ensure you're rewarded for all your hard work, which is why we offer a comprehensive benefits package which includes but is not limited to:

  • Contributory pension scheme
  • Grow your career with our Career Pathways and MyLearning programmes
  • Quick access for you and your immediate family to a Digital GP, and wider healthcare benefits
  • Exclusive travel discounts with TUI, Expedia, Booking.com and many more
  • Save money on your food shop with discounts on Tesco, Sainsbury's, Morrisons and many more
  • Up to 44% off cinema tickets to enjoy your favourite blockbuster
  • Receive cash rewards every time you spend and use them on a wide range of brands
  • Un-wind with us with free wellness, mindfulness and exercise classes
  • You can share all discounts and offers with your friends and families

Location: London

Hours: Monday to Friday, full-time

Sector: Staff Dining & Hospitality

Restaurant Associates has been redefining workplace dining and hospitality for nearly six decades. Founded in New York and now a leader in the UK, we bring premium, fresh, and sustainable food experiences to some of the country's most inspiring workplaces.

We believe in the power of food to fuel productivity, inspire creativity, and bring people together. Now, we're looking for a talented and passionate Head Chef to lead the kitchen team in one of our prestigious London locations.

What's on the plate: As Head Chef, you'll be at the heart of our operation - crafting delicious, balanced, and innovative menus that impress and inspire. You'll oversee both staff dining and hospitality catering, delivering excellence from boardroom lunches to everyday meals.

Your key responsibilities will include:

  • Leading all kitchen operations with a hands-on and proactive approach
  • Designing and delivering high-quality food that meets client expectations
  • Driving food innovation in line with our sustainable and health-conscious ethos
  • Ensuring compliance with all food safety, health & safety, and COSHH requirements
  • Managing kitchen budgets, costs, and stock levels effectively
  • Coaching and inspiring a talented kitchen brigade

What we're looking for: We're after a confident culinary leader with a flair for innovation and an obsession for quality. You'll bring:

  • Excellent culinary and presentation skills with a creative edge
  • Proven leadership experience in a high-volume hospitality or B&I kitchen
  • Strong organisational and financial acumen
  • Passion for fresh, sustainable ingredients and modern food trends
  • Great communication skills and a positive, team-focused mindset
  • Ability to maintain high standards under pressure and inspire your team to do the same

About Us: Restaurant Associates provides brilliant hospitality through our food, drink and services. We work with our partners and collaborate with our clients to achieve great things together. Every day, our teams of passionate hospitality professionals strive for excellence in delivering employee dining and hospitality to some of the UK's leading workplaces as well as inspiring exceptional experiences in iconic cultural and heritage destinations.

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Contact Detail:

Restaurant Associates Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head Chef

✨Tip Number 1

Network with other culinary professionals in London. Attend local food events, workshops, or chef competitions to meet people in the industry. Building relationships can lead to job opportunities and valuable insights about the Head Chef role.

✨Tip Number 2

Showcase your culinary creativity by sharing your unique recipes or menu ideas on social media platforms. This not only highlights your skills but also demonstrates your passion for food innovation, which is key for a Head Chef position.

✨Tip Number 3

Research Restaurant Associates and their approach to sustainable dining. Understanding their ethos will help you align your vision with theirs during interviews, showcasing that you're the right fit for their team.

✨Tip Number 4

Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you've successfully managed kitchen teams in high-pressure environments. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've inspired and coached your team to achieve excellence.

We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef

Culinary Skills
Menu Development
Leadership and Team Management
Food Safety Compliance
Budget Management
Creativity in Food Presentation
Organisational Skills
Communication Skills
Knowledge of Sustainable Ingredients
Ability to Work Under Pressure
Coaching and Mentoring
Time Management
Problem-Solving Skills
Passion for Modern Food Trends

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your culinary skills, leadership experience, and any relevant achievements in high-volume kitchens. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to innovate and maintain quality under pressure.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for food and hospitality. Mention your experience with sustainable ingredients and how you can contribute to the company's ethos of delivering exceptional dining experiences.

Showcase Your Creativity: If possible, include a portfolio or examples of menus you've created or dishes you've crafted. This will give the hiring team insight into your culinary style and innovation.

Highlight Leadership Skills: Emphasise your experience in leading kitchen teams. Discuss how you've inspired and coached staff in previous roles, and how you plan to bring that same energy to the Head Chef position.

How to prepare for a job interview at Restaurant Associates

✨Showcase Your Culinary Creativity

As a Head Chef, your ability to craft innovative menus is crucial. Prepare to discuss your previous culinary creations and how you incorporate fresh, sustainable ingredients into your dishes. Bring along a portfolio of your best work if possible!

✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills

Highlight your experience in leading kitchen teams. Be ready to share examples of how you've inspired and coached your staff, especially in high-pressure situations. This will show that you can maintain high standards while fostering a positive team environment.

✨Understand the Business Side

Familiarise yourself with kitchen budgets, costs, and stock management. Be prepared to discuss how you have effectively managed these aspects in your previous roles, as financial acumen is key for this position.

✨Communicate Passion for Sustainability

Since the company values sustainability, express your passion for using fresh, sustainable ingredients and modern food trends. Share any initiatives you've led or participated in that align with this ethos to demonstrate your commitment.

Head Chef
Restaurant Associates
Location: London
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