At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic kitchen team and create innovative menus for a historic venue.
- Company: Join Restaurant Associates, a premium hospitality provider in iconic UK attractions.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, free meals, generous leave, and excellent training opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse and inclusive culture that values your ideas.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on visitors' experiences with your culinary creativity.
- Qualifications: Proven experience as a Head Chef in high-volume environments is essential.
The predicted salary is between 47000 - 47000 £ per year.
Head Chef
Location: IWM London, London Salary: Up to £47,000 per annum Contract: Permanent, Full-Time, 5 out of 7 days per week
As the Head Chef at IWM London, you will be joining this historic visitor attraction, to lead and develop the culinary offering.
This role will be responsible for all the food offerings on site, from the retail visitor cafe to the conference & event catering operation.
This venue is predominantly retail food led, so an individual with experience of high volume and high-quality food delivery would be ideal for this role.
Success in this role means that visitors consistently enjoy food sold as well as served during the conference & events that they are attending.
What can we offer you
- A collaborative and inclusive culture, where your ideas are valued, and creativity is encouraged.
- 20 days annual leave (excluding bank holidays and national holiday days).
- Excellent pension programme with generous contribution from us.
- Free staff meals whilst on site.
- Access to Compass Group company perks & benefits.
- Perks for Works discounts and promotions
- Access to training, mentoring and development, with support from our wider Restaurant Associates and Compass Group UK networks.
- On-site F&B discounts.
Responsibilities
- Menu Development & Innovation – Create and adapt menus that appeal to a broad visitor base, including family-friendly options, dietary requirements, and seasonal specials.
- Operational Excellence – Oversee all kitchen operations, ensuring compliance with food safety legislation, company policies, and contractual obligations.
- Leadership & Team Development – Recruit, train, and inspire a motivated kitchen team, fostering a positive and professional working culture.
- Cost Control & Profitability – Manage budgets, control wastage, and achieve GP targets without compromising quality.
- Collaboration – Work closely with front-of-house teams, site management, and the client to deliver a consistent and memorable food experience.
- Event Catering – Experience in large scale eventing.
About You
- Proven track record as a Head Chef in a high-volume, high-quality environment.
- Experience within visitor attractions and contract catering is highly desirable.
- Strong leadership and communication skills with the ability to lead by example.
- Excellent organisational skills, especially during peak periods.
- Sound knowledge of food trends, allergens, and dietary requirements.
- Demonstrated ability to achieve financial targets while maintaining high quality.
- Good IT and Microsoft Office skills.
- Passionate about food and hospitality with a strong customer focus.
- Adaptable and resilient in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment.
- Creative, commercially aware, and results driven.
- Committed to sustainability and responsible sourcing.
About Us
Restaurant Associates is a leading premium hospitality provider with an ethos drawn from our history of fine and high-quality dining in London and New York.
Within our venues team, we provide catering and hospitality services to some of the most iconic visitor attractions and destinations in the UK including the Imperial War Museum London, Glyndebourne Opera House, Knebworth House, Design Museum, Whipsnade Zoo and many more.
Within these amazing venues we operate a host of bespoke cafés and restaurants, as well as delivering private events ranging from small meetings to large-scale ground events of up to 1000 people.
You can find a full list of our venues on our website.
We pride ourselves on being an inclusive, diverse, fun, and dynamic place to work with opportunities to collaborate with a wide range of teams plus a commitment to putting our people first.
Restaurant Associates is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from candidates of all backgrounds.
As a business, we are committed to sustainability led practices and are proud to have achieved 3 stars with the Sustainable Restaurant Association’s Food Made Good Programme.
Compass Group UK&I is committed to fostering an environment where every individual can truly be themselves at work and has equal opportunities to advance in their careers.
We strive to build a culture that respects and celebrates the unique talents, beliefs, backgrounds, and abilities of all our team members.
We want our colleagues to feel valued, empowered to reach their full potential, and to thrive - because diversity is our strength!
Compass Group UK&I is committed to fostering an environment where every individual can truly be themselves at work and has equal opportunities to advance in their careers.
We strive to build a culture that respects and celebrates the unique talents, beliefs, backgrounds, and abilities of all our team members.
We want our colleagues to feel valued, empowered to reach their full potential, and to thrive - because diversity is our strength!
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Head Chef NEW RA Venues Posted today £47,000 per year London Chefs employer: Chartwells Independent
Join Constellation at Molineux Stadium, where we pride ourselves on creating a vibrant and supportive work environment for our Kitchen Porters. With flexible matchday roles, you'll have the chance to be part of thrilling events while enjoying opportunities for personal growth and development within the Levy UK family. Our commitment to high standards and teamwork ensures that every employee feels valued and integral to our success.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef NEW RA Venues Posted today £47,000 per year London Chefs
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Chartwells Independent. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Chartwells Independent
Don't be shy about reaching out to Chartwells Independent directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef NEW RA Venues Posted today £47,000 per year London Chefs
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Chartwells Independent and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Chartwells Independent
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
