At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead culinary excellence across multiple venues, creating innovative menus and inspiring kitchen teams.
- Company: Join a dynamic team at RA Venues, known for its collaborative and inclusive culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, free meals, and access to exclusive company perks.
- Other info: Mobile role with travel opportunities and excellent career development support.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact in the culinary world while working with industry leaders.
- Qualifications: Proven experience as a Head Chef in high-volume environments and a passion for food.
The predicted salary is between 52000 - 52000 £ per year.
Location: RA Venues Relief Team
Salary: Up to £52,000 per annum
Contract: 5 out of 7 days per week (including evenings and weekends as required), 40 hours a week.
What can we offer you?
- A collaborative and inclusive culture, where your ideas are valued, and creativity is encouraged.
- A chance to make a meaningful impact in a continuously growing sector.
- 25 days annual leave (excluding bank holidays and national holiday days).
- 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.
- No shortage of delicious food.
- Competitive pension contribution offer.
- Enhanced maternity/paternity pay.
About the Role
We’re seeking a proactive and food-focused Relief Head Chef to join the central culinary relief team for RA Venues, to provide high end culinary support across all contracts that require additional support from a Head Chef. Success in this role means that guests consistently enjoy the food sold and served across all outlets on all of our sites, with the kitchens running efficiently, safely, and profitably. The successful candidate will continue to build on the great relationships we already have with our clients to grow the food offering at our diverse portfolio of contracts, with their existing knowledge and experience of the contract catering world.
This is a mobile role designed to uphold and elevate our food standards across the RA Venues estate, stepping into leadership positions where always needed and ensuring consistent culinary excellence. This role will be predominantly London based (assisting with the 5 sites we have based there), however support across the wider estate will be required (Hertfordshire/Cambridge/Surrey/Sussex). Travel to venues outside of London will be covered in line with the Compass UK & I expense policy, but this role will require an individual who is comfortable with travel and that can drive (some sites are remote) and able to commute into London with ease.
This role will work closely with the RA Venues Head of Culinary, who is an exceptional culinary figure in the industry, that is passionate about food quality and service along with reinventing culinary masterpieces.
Key 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 Excellence – Plan, coordinate, and deliver high-quality catering for large-scale events, ensuring seamless execution and exceptional guest experiences.
About You
- Proven track record as an Executive Head Chef or Head Chef in a high-volume, high-quality environment, that is looking to step away from a specific venue based role and join a central relief team.
- Experience within contract catering is highly desirable.
- Proven experience in large-scale and special event catering, with the ability to deliver high-quality food and service under pressure.
- Inspirational leader with the ability to build high-performing, motivated teams.
- Excellent organisational skills, especially during peak periods.
- Strategic thinker with vision for menu innovation and operational efficiency.
- 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.
- Enthusiastic about mentoring and developing future culinary leaders.
- Committed to sustainability and responsible sourcing.
We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds.
Relief Head Chef NEW RA Venues Posted today £52,000 per year London Chefs employer: Chartwells Independent
At RA Venues, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and inclusive culture where creativity thrives and every team member's ideas are valued. As a Relief Head Chef, you'll enjoy competitive benefits including 25 days of annual leave, free staff meals, and access to extensive training and development opportunities, all while working alongside passionate culinary leaders in the vibrant city of London. Join us to make a meaningful impact in a dynamic sector, with the chance to elevate food standards across our diverse portfolio of venues.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Relief Head Chef NEW RA Venues Posted today £52,000 per year London Chefs
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the culinary world, attend industry events, and don’t be shy about letting people know you’re on the lookout for a new role. You never know who might have the perfect opportunity waiting for you!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, create a portfolio showcasing your best dishes or even a video of you in action in the kitchen. This gives potential employers a taste of what you can bring to their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to pop up. Reach out directly to restaurants or catering companies you admire and express your interest in working with them. Sometimes, the best opportunities are created rather than found.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of exciting roles, including the Relief Head Chef position. It’s super easy, and you’ll be one step closer to joining a fantastic team that values creativity and collaboration.
We think you need these skills to ace Relief Head Chef NEW RA Venues Posted today £52,000 per year London Chefs
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food:When writing your application, let your love for food and hospitality shine through. Share your culinary journey and what inspires you in the kitchen. We want to see that spark!
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for this role. Highlight your experience in high-volume environments and any contract catering knowledge you have. We’re looking for specifics that match our needs!
Be Clear About Your Leadership Style:As a Relief Head Chef, you'll be leading teams across various sites. Describe your leadership approach and how you inspire and develop your team. We value strong leaders who can motivate others!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Chartwells Independent
✨Know Your Culinary Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your culinary knowledge, especially around menu development and food trends. Be ready to discuss how you've innovated menus in the past and how you can adapt them for different dietary requirements.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a kitchen team. Think about times when you've inspired your team or managed conflicts. Highlight your experience in training and developing staff, as this role is all about building high-performing teams.
✨Understand the Business Side
Familiarise yourself with cost control and profitability strategies. Be prepared to discuss how you've managed budgets and achieved financial targets without compromising quality. This will show that you understand the operational excellence aspect of the role.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions about how you'd handle specific situations, like catering for large events or managing a busy kitchen. Think through your responses and be ready to demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to work under pressure.
