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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead kitchen operations and design innovative menus for high-profile sites.
- Company: Join a dynamic hospitality team at Restaurant Associates in London.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, work-life balance, and exclusive discounts.
- Why this job: Shape food strategy and make a real impact in a vibrant culinary environment.
- Qualifications: Proven experience as an Executive Chef with strong leadership skills.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for career growth and personal development.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
We are looking for a strategic and forward-thinking Executive Chef to lead kitchen operations and help elevate our food offer across multiple busy, high-profile sites in East London. This is a key leadership role - not just about running a kitchen, but about shaping food strategy, driving innovation, and delivering excellence at every level.
About the Role
- Schedule: Monday to Friday (occasional evenings may be required)
- Hours: 40 hours per week
This is an exciting opportunity to take full ownership of a complex and diverse food operation, with a strong focus on both quality and consistency. The successful candidate will play a critical role in developing our food identity, leading culinary standards, and working closely with stakeholders to deliver a best-in-class experience.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage all aspects of kitchen operations
- Design and implement seasonal, innovative menus
- Ensure high standards of food quality, presentation, and compliance
- Drive consistency, efficiency, and service excellence
- Support the development of kitchen teams and nurture a positive culture
- Collaborate with internal teams and clients to shape the food offer
- Deliver strong commercial outcomes through smart, food-led decisions
The Ideal Candidate Will:
- Bring proven experience as an Executive Chef or Senior Head Chef
- Be a confident, strategic leader with a forward-thinking mindset
- Have strong commercial awareness and the ability to align food with business goals
- Be passionate about innovation and staying ahead of food trends
- Demonstrate excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
- Be reliable, organised, and committed to excellence across all areas
What We Offer
- Monday to Friday working – occasional weekends.
- Autonomy to shape menus and influence food strategy
- A collaborative, professional, and supportive working environment
- Competitive salary and strong emphasis on work-life balance
We ensure you are rewarded for all your hard work, which is why we offer a comprehensive benefits package which includes but is not limited to:
- Contributory pension scheme
- Grow your career with our Career Pathways and MyLearning programmes
- Quick access for you and your immediate family to a Digital GP, and wider healthcare benefits
- Exclusive travel discounts with TUI, Expedia, Booking.com and many more
- Save money on your food shop with discounts on Tesco, Sainsbury's, Morrisons and many more
- Up to 44% off cinema tickets to enjoy your favourite blockbuster
- Receive cash rewards every time you spend and use them on a wide range of brands
- Unwind with us with free wellness, mindfulness and exercise classes
- You can share all discounts and offers with your friends and families
About Us
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!
Executive Head Chef - London employer: ESS
Contact Detail:
ESS Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive Head Chef - London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with other chefs and industry professionals. Attend food festivals, culinary events, or even local meet-ups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Consider hosting a pop-up event or a tasting session to showcase your culinary creations. This not only demonstrates your talent but also gives potential employers a taste of what you can bring to their kitchen.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply – engage! When you find a role that excites you, reach out directly to the hiring manager or team. A quick email expressing your enthusiasm and sharing your vision for their food strategy can set you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 4
Keep learning and evolving! Stay updated on the latest food trends and techniques. Join online courses or workshops to enhance your skills. This shows potential employers that you’re committed to innovation and excellence in the culinary world.
We think you need these skills to ace Executive Head Chef - London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food: When you're writing your application, let your love for food shine through! Share your culinary journey and what drives you to create innovative dishes. We want to see your personality and passion reflected in your words.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to match the role of Executive Head Chef. Highlight your experience in leading kitchen operations and how you've driven innovation in previous roles. We appreciate when candidates take the time to connect their skills with our needs.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your achievements and responsibilities. We value clarity, so make it easy for us to see why you're the perfect fit for this leadership role.
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 the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at ESS
✨Know Your Culinary Vision
Before the interview, take some time to think about your culinary philosophy and how it aligns with the company's food strategy. Be ready to discuss innovative menu ideas and how you can elevate their food offer across multiple sites.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
As an Executive Head Chef, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership abilities. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed kitchen teams, nurtured a positive culture, and driven service excellence in previous roles.
✨Understand the Business Side
Brush up on your commercial awareness. Be prepared to discuss how your culinary decisions can align with business goals and drive strong commercial outcomes. This shows that you’re not just a chef, but a strategic partner in the business.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Communication is key! Think about how you’ve collaborated with internal teams and clients in the past. Be ready to share specific examples of how you’ve shaped food offers through effective stakeholder management.
