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- Tasks: Lead culinary innovation and oversee kitchen operations across diverse contracts.
- Company: Join Restaurant Associates UK, part of Compass Group, known for excellence in hospitality.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, competitive pension, free meals, and staff parking.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact in a growing sector while developing your culinary leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Proven experience as an Executive Head Chef in high-volume environments.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive culture that values diversity and career growth.
The predicted salary is between 46800 - 78000 £ per year.
Location: South East England
Salary: Up to £65,000 per annum
Contract: Permanent, Full-Time, 5 out of 7 days per week
As the Relief Executive Chef for Restaurant Associates UK, you will be joining our central relief team to provide high end culinary support across all contracts that require additional support from an Executive 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.
What We Offer:
- 25 days holiday + bank holidays
- Competitive pension contribution offer
- Enhanced maternity/paternity pay
- Free staff meals whilst working on site
- Free staff parking
- A supportive, values-driven culture within cohesive teams
- Opportunities for growth and development within a national business
- A chance to make a meaningful impact in a continuously growing sector
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.
The Ideal Candidate:
- Proven track record as an Executive Head Chef in a high-volume, high-quality environment.
- 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.
About Us
Part of Compass Group UK&I, 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. 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!
Relief Executive Chef in Woking employer: Compass Group UK
Contact Detail:
Compass Group UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Relief Executive Chef in Woking
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the culinary world, attend industry events, and join relevant online groups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a Relief Executive Chef position or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your best dishes, menu innovations, and any successful events you've catered. This visual evidence of your talent can really set you apart when you're chatting with potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to pop up. Reach out directly to companies you admire, like Restaurant Associates UK, and express your interest in working with them. A personal touch can make all the difference!
✨Tip Number 4
Keep learning and adapting! Stay updated on food trends, dietary requirements, and sustainability practices. Showing that you're passionate about continuous improvement will impress employers and show you're ready for the fast-paced kitchen environment.
We think you need these skills to ace Relief Executive Chef in Woking
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Culinary Skills: When you're writing your application, make sure to highlight your experience in menu development and operational excellence. We want to see how you've created amazing dishes and led kitchen teams to success!
Be a Team Player: Emphasise your leadership skills and how you've inspired your kitchen teams in the past. We love candidates who can build strong relationships and foster a positive working culture, so share those stories!
Get Specific with Your Achievements: Don't just say you managed budgets; tell us how you achieved financial targets while maintaining quality. Use numbers and examples to show us your impact in previous roles – it really makes a difference!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets into the right hands!
How to prepare for a job interview at Compass Group UK
✨Know Your Menus Inside Out
As a Relief Executive Chef, you'll need to showcase your culinary creativity. Research the types of menus Restaurant Associates UK typically offers and think about how you can innovate or adapt them. Be ready to discuss your ideas during the interview!
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
This role requires strong leadership abilities. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led kitchen teams in the past, especially in high-pressure situations. Highlight your experience in training and inspiring staff to create a positive working environment.
✨Showcase Your Financial Acumen
Understanding cost control is crucial for this position. Be prepared to discuss how you've managed budgets and achieved financial targets in previous roles. Bring specific examples of how you've controlled wastage while maintaining quality.
✨Emphasise Collaboration and Communication
Since this role involves working closely with front-of-house teams and clients, be ready to talk about your collaboration skills. Share instances where effective communication led to successful event catering or improved kitchen operations.
