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- Tasks: Lead and innovate culinary offerings at a stunning visitor attraction.
- Company: Join Restaurant Associates, a premium hospitality provider with iconic venues.
- Benefits: Up to £65,000 salary, 25 days leave, free meals, and on-site parking.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on food experiences while working in a beautiful environment.
- Qualifications: Proven experience as an Exec Chef in high-volume settings and strong leadership skills.
- Other info: Dynamic workplace with a commitment to sustainability and career development.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
Location: RHS Garden Wisley
Salary: Up to £65,000 per annum
Contract: Permanent, Full-Time, 5 out of 7 days per week
As the Executive Head Chef at RHS Garden Wisley, you will be joining this popular visitor attraction, to lead and develop the culinary offering. This role will be responsible for the food offerings in the multi-outlet catering operation based on site, which consists of a mixture of grab & go kiosks and restaurants. 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 across all outlets, with the kitchens running efficiently, safely, and profitably. The successful candidate will continue to build on the great relationship we already have with the client, to work with them on continuing to view the catering offer as a key part of the success of RHS Garden Wisley.
What can we offer you
- A collaborative and inclusive culture, where your ideas are valued, and creativity is encouraged.
- The chance to work at a truly beautiful and inspiring venue with breathtaking views.
- 25 days annual leave (excluding bank holidays and national holiday days).
- Free on-site parking.
- 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.
The Ideal Candidate
- Proven track record as an Exec Chef/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.
Executive Head Chef in Woking employer: Compass Group
Contact Detail:
Compass Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive Head Chef in Woking
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the culinary world, especially those who have experience in high-volume environments. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that might not even be advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your creativity! When you get the chance to meet potential employers, bring along a portfolio of your best menu ideas and dishes. This will not only showcase your skills but also demonstrate your passion for food and innovation.
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared for a practical test! Many places, especially in high-volume settings, might ask you to whip up a dish or two during the interview. Brush up on your signature dishes and be ready to impress with your speed and quality.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for talented chefs like you. Plus, it’s a great way to show your enthusiasm for joining our team at RHS Garden Wisley and being part of something special.
We think you need these skills to ace Executive Head Chef in Woking
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Culinary Creativity: When you're writing your application, let your passion for food shine through! Share examples of innovative menus you've created or how you've adapted dishes to cater to different dietary needs. We love seeing creativity in action!
Highlight Your Leadership Skills: As an Executive Head Chef, you'll be leading a team, so make sure to showcase your leadership experience. Talk about how you've inspired and trained kitchen staff in the past. We want to know how you create a positive working culture!
Demonstrate Operational Excellence: We’re all about efficiency and safety in the kitchen. In your application, mention your experience with managing kitchen operations, ensuring compliance with food safety regulations, and achieving financial targets. Show us you can keep things running smoothly!
Apply Through Our Website: Ready to take the plunge? Make sure to apply through our website for the best chance of success. It’s the easiest way for us to see your application and get you on board for this exciting opportunity at RHS Garden Wisley!
How to prepare for a job interview at Compass Group
✨Know Your Menus Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with current food trends and dietary requirements. Be ready to discuss how you would innovate and adapt menus for a diverse visitor base at RHS Garden Wisley.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led kitchen teams in high-pressure environments. Highlight your experience in recruiting, training, and inspiring staff to create a positive working culture.
✨Demonstrate Operational Excellence
Be ready to talk about your approach to managing kitchen operations efficiently. Discuss your knowledge of food safety legislation and how you ensure compliance while maintaining high-quality standards.
✨Discuss Cost Control Strategies
Think about how you’ve managed budgets and controlled wastage in previous roles. Be prepared to share specific examples of how you achieved financial targets without compromising on quality.
