At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic kitchen team and create stunning dishes in a beautiful garden setting.
- Company: Join Restaurant Associates, a leading premium hospitality provider with a focus on quality dining.
- Benefits: Enjoy free meals, 20 days annual leave, and access to exclusive perks and training.
- Other info: Be part of a fun, inclusive culture that values your ideas and promotes sustainability.
- Why this job: Work in a stunning environment and unleash your creativity while making an impact.
- Qualifications: 2 years of experience as a Lead/Sous Chef or strong CDP background required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 40000 £ per year.
Salary: Up to £40,000 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 whilst 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.
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. 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.
Lead Chef - RHS Garden Wisley NEW RA Venues Posted today £36,000 per year Wisley Chefs employer: Chartwells Independent
At Restaurant Associates, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and inclusive culture where creativity thrives, making it an exceptional place for a Lead Chef to grow and excel. Working at RHS Garden Wisley not only offers the chance to create culinary delights in a stunning natural setting but also provides access to comprehensive training and development opportunities, ensuring your career flourishes alongside our commitment to sustainability and high-quality service. Enjoy benefits such as free staff meals, on-site parking, and discounts, all while being part of a friendly team dedicated to delivering memorable experiences for every visitor.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Chef - RHS Garden Wisley NEW RA Venues Posted today £36,000 per year Wisley Chefs
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the venue! Before your interview, take a stroll around RHS Garden Wisley. Familiarise yourself with the food outlets and the vibe of the place. This will not only impress your interviewers but also help you tailor your answers to fit their culture.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your culinary creativity! Prepare a few ideas for seasonal dishes or menu rollouts that align with Wisley’s values. This shows you’re proactive and ready to contribute right from the start.
✨Tip Number 3
Engage with the team during your interview. Ask questions about their kitchen culture and how they handle challenges. This not only demonstrates your interest but also helps you gauge if it’s the right fit for you.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll find all the latest opportunities and updates directly from us at StudySmarter.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Chef - RHS Garden Wisley NEW RA Venues Posted today £36,000 per year Wisley Chefs
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Culinary Skills:When writing your application, make sure to highlight your cooking skills and any relevant experience. We want to see how your background aligns with the Lead Chef role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your achievements in high-volume operations!
Be Clear About Your Experience:If you've got experience as a Lead or Sous Chef, let us know! Detail your previous roles and responsibilities, especially those that relate to allergen handling and FSMS compliance. This helps us understand how you can contribute to our team at Wisley.
Keep It Professional Yet Personal:While we love a professional tone, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. Share your passion for food and hospitality, and why you’re excited about the opportunity to work in such a beautiful setting. We’re looking for someone who fits into our friendly culture!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about what we do and our values!
How to prepare for a job interview at Chartwells Independent
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with the seasonal ingredients and dishes that are popular at RHS Garden Wisley. Be ready to discuss how you would incorporate these into your menu ideas, showcasing your creativity and understanding of flavour profiles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Lead Chef, you'll be expected to motivate and train your team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a kitchen team in the past, focusing on collaboration and fostering a positive culture. This will demonstrate your ability to manage and inspire others.
✨Understand FSMS and Allergen Management
Brush up on your knowledge of Food Safety Management Systems (FSMS) and allergen handling. Be prepared to explain how you ensure compliance and maintain high hygiene standards in a busy kitchen environment, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Engage with Their Values
Research the values of RA Venues and RHS Garden Wisley. During the interview, express how your personal values align with theirs, particularly around sustainability and exceptional service. This shows that you're not just looking for a job, but a place where you can contribute meaningfully.
