At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic kitchen team, creating delicious dishes and ensuring top-notch service.
- Company: Join the RHS Garden Wisley, a beautiful setting for food lovers.
- Benefits: Enjoy 20 days annual leave, free meals, and on-site parking.
- Other info: Embrace sustainability and grow your culinary skills with us.
- Why this job: Be part of a creative team in a stunning garden environment.
- Qualifications: 2 years as a Lead/Sous Chef or strong CDP experience required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 36000 £ per year.
Salary: Up to £36,000 per annum
Location: RHS Garden Wisley
Contract Type: Full-time, permanent, site based, 5 over 7 days per week
Set within 240 acres of stunning gardens, Wisley is open all year round and offers a variety of food outlets, from a busy restaurant to welcoming cafés. You’ll be joining a friendly, hardworking team with a shared goal: delivering exceptional service to every visitor.
A Lead Chef at Wisley will be responsible for ensuring that all dishes consistently meet RA Venues’ standards for quality, flavour, and presentation, while supporting a smooth and safe guest experience through accurate allergen handling. You will be visible during service, uphold Wisley’s values, and support seasonal menu rollouts and new dish launches while maintaining high presentation standards on counters and plates. You will actively engage with Wisley and RA Venues food initiatives, control waste, portioning, and recipe adherence, and support stock management, ordering, and rotation. Efficient prep planning and labour alignment will be expected, along with accurate and timely completion of FSMS documentation and ensuring all team members are familiar with FSMS guidance. You will maintain audit readiness and uphold hygiene standards, ensure full allergen, traceability, and due diligence compliance, and lead, train, and motivate the kitchen team. Additionally, you will oversee team performance, delegate effectively, and foster a positive, collaborative kitchen culture.
The Ideal Candidate
- Ideally 2 years’ previous experience in a similar Lead/Sous Chef position, or strong previous CDP experience in a similar environment (around 4 years or more).
- Good cooking skills and attention to detail.
- Understanding of FSMS and allergens.
- Experience in high-volume operations.
What can we offer you
- A collaborative and inclusive culture, where your ideas are valued, and creativity is encouraged.
- The chance to work in a truly beautiful and inspiring setting, surrounded by nature and stunning gardens.
- 20 days annual leave (excluding bank holidays and national holiday days)
- Free parking on site
- Free staff meals whilst at work.
- 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.
EEO Statement
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.
Lead Chef - RHS Garden Wisley employer: Chartwells Independent
At RHS Garden Wisley, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a collaborative and inclusive culture where creativity thrives. Working amidst 240 acres of stunning gardens, our Lead Chef will enjoy a supportive environment with ample opportunities for professional growth, alongside benefits such as free meals, on-site parking, and access to exclusive company perks. Join us in delivering outstanding service while being part of a team that values sustainability and excellence in every dish.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Chef - RHS Garden Wisley
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the culinary world, especially those who might have ties to RHS Garden Wisley. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, bring a dish or two to share with the team during an informal meet-up. It’s a great way to demonstrate your cooking prowess and get noticed for your creativity.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job openings; reach out directly to the kitchen team at Wisley. Express your passion for food and service, and let them know you’re eager to join their ranks.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about wanting to be part of the amazing team at RHS Garden Wisley.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Chef - RHS Garden Wisley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food:When writing your application, let your love for cooking shine through! Share your experiences and what excites you about creating dishes that not only taste great but also look amazing. We want to see your personality and passion for food!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to detail your previous roles, especially if you've been a Lead or Sous Chef before. We’re looking for someone with solid experience in high-volume operations, so don’t hold back on showcasing your skills and achievements in the kitchen.
Be Clear About Your Values:At StudySmarter, we value collaboration and creativity. In your application, mention how you align with these values and how you can contribute to a positive kitchen culture. We want to know how you’ll fit into our team and help us deliver exceptional service!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get to know you better. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at RHS Garden Wisley!
How to prepare for a job interview at Chartwells Independent
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with the types of dishes and ingredients that are typically served at RHS Garden Wisley. Being able to discuss seasonal menus and suggest new dish ideas will show your passion and creativity.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Lead Chef, you'll be expected to motivate and manage a team. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led a kitchen team, handled conflicts, or trained new staff. This will demonstrate your ability to foster a positive kitchen culture.
✨Understand Food Safety Standards
Brush up on your knowledge of FSMS and allergen handling. Be ready to discuss how you ensure compliance with hygiene standards and maintain audit readiness in your previous roles. This shows you take food safety seriously, which is crucial for the role.
✨Engage with Their Values
Research the values of RHS Garden Wisley and RA Venues. During the interview, relate your personal values and work ethic to theirs. Showing that you align with their commitment to sustainability and exceptional service will make you a standout candidate.
