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- Tasks: Lead a dynamic kitchen team, crafting innovative menus and ensuring top-notch food quality.
- Company: Join Restaurant Associates, a leader in workplace dining with nearly 60 years of experience.
- Benefits: Enjoy perks like a contributory pension, digital GP access, travel discounts, and wellness classes.
- Why this job: Be part of a creative culinary environment that values sustainability and teamwork.
- Qualifications: Bring strong leadership skills, culinary expertise, and a passion for fresh ingredients.
- Other info: Work in prestigious London locations and enjoy a culture that celebrates diversity.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We ensure you're 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
- Un-wind with us with free wellness, mindfulness and exercise classes
- You can share all discounts and offers with your friends and families
Location: London
Hours: Monday to Friday, full-time
Sector: Staff Dining & Hospitality
Restaurant Associates has been redefining workplace dining and hospitality for nearly six decades. Founded in New York and now a leader in the UK, we bring premium, fresh, and sustainable food experiences to some of the country's most inspiring workplaces.
We believe in the power of food to fuel productivity, inspire creativity, and bring people together. Now, we're looking for a talented and passionate Head Chef to lead the kitchen team in one of our prestigious London locations.
What's on the plate:
As Head Chef, you'll be at the heart of our operation - crafting delicious, balanced, and innovative menus that impress and inspire. You'll oversee both staff dining and hospitality catering, delivering excellence from boardroom lunches to everyday meals.
Your key responsibilities will include:
- Leading all kitchen operations with a hands-on and proactive approach
- Designing and delivering high-quality food that meets client expectations
- Driving food innovation in line with our sustainable and health-conscious ethos
- Ensuring compliance with all food safety, health & safety, and COSHH requirements
- Managing kitchen budgets, costs, and stock levels effectively
- Coaching and inspiring a talented kitchen brigade
What we're looking for:
We're after a confident culinary leader with a flair for innovation and an obsession for quality. You'll bring:
- Excellent culinary and presentation skills with a creative edge
- Proven leadership experience in a high-volume hospitality or B&I kitchen
- Strong organisational and financial acumen
- Passion for fresh, sustainable ingredients and modern food trends
- Great communication skills and a positive, team-focused mindset
- Ability to maintain high standards under pressure and inspire your team to do the same
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!
Contact Detail:
ESS Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef - London
✨Tip Number 1
Network with other culinary professionals in London. Attend local food events, workshops, or chef meet-ups to connect with people in the industry. This can help you learn about job openings and get recommendations.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your culinary creativity by sharing your dishes on social media platforms like Instagram or TikTok. Use relevant hashtags to reach a wider audience and attract attention from potential employers looking for innovative chefs.
✨Tip Number 3
Research Restaurant Associates and their approach to sustainable dining. Familiarise yourself with their menu styles and values, so you can discuss how your vision aligns with theirs during any interviews or networking opportunities.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to demonstrate your leadership skills in a practical setting. Consider offering to host a pop-up event or collaborate with local businesses to showcase your ability to manage a kitchen and inspire a team, which is crucial for the Head Chef role.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef - London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your culinary skills, leadership experience, and any relevant achievements in high-volume kitchens. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to innovate and manage kitchen operations.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for food and hospitality. Mention your experience with sustainable ingredients and how you can contribute to the company's ethos of quality and innovation.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your application, emphasise your previous roles in similar environments, particularly focusing on your leadership skills and ability to inspire a team. Include any experience with budget management and compliance with food safety standards.
Showcase Your Creativity: If possible, include a portfolio or examples of menus you've created or dishes you've crafted. This will help demonstrate your culinary creativity and ability to deliver high-quality food that meets client expectations.
How to prepare for a job interview at ESS
✨Showcase Your Culinary Creativity
As a Head Chef, your ability to craft innovative menus is crucial. Be prepared to discuss your culinary philosophy and share examples of how you've incorporated fresh, sustainable ingredients into your dishes. This will demonstrate your alignment with the company's ethos.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Highlight your experience in leading kitchen teams, especially in high-volume settings. Share specific instances where you successfully coached and inspired your team, as this role requires strong leadership to maintain high standards under pressure.
✨Discuss Financial Acumen
Since managing kitchen budgets and costs is part of the job, be ready to talk about your experience with financial management in previous roles. Provide examples of how you've effectively controlled costs while maintaining quality.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle pressure. Think of scenarios where you had to innovate quickly or resolve conflicts within your team, and be ready to explain your thought process and outcomes.
