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- Tasks: Lead kitchen teams and deliver exceptional dishes across diverse cuisines.
- Company: Join RA Venues, part of the Compass Group, known for culinary excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, travel opportunities, and a dynamic work environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a culture that celebrates innovation and people-first leadership.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in a senior kitchen role and NVQ Level 2 in Professional Cookery.
- Other info: Flexibility to travel and work across multiple locations is essential.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 52000 £ per year.
Relief Head Chef - £50,000-£52,000 PA
5 days out of 7 (including evenings and weekends as required)
Travel beyond London and surrounding area covered
RA Venues, part of the Compass Group, is seeking a talented and experienced Relief Head Chef to join our senior culinary team. This is a mobile role designed to uphold and elevate our food standards across the RA estate, stepping into leadership positions where needed and ensuring consistent culinary excellence.
What You'll Do:
- Lead kitchen teams across a variety of venues, stepping in as Head Chef to support operations
- Deliver exceptional dishes across diverse cuisines, maintaining RA's high standards
- Train and motivate kitchen teams to perform at their best
- Ensure compliance with food safety standards, GP management, and waste reduction
- Collaborate on seasonal menu innovation and concept development projects
What We're Looking For:
Minimum Expectations:
- Proven experience in a Head Chef or senior kitchen leadership role
- Outstanding culinary skills across a variety of cuisines
- Strong leadership, team training, and people management experience
- Excellent knowledge of food safety, cost control, and kitchen operations
- Flexibility to travel and work across multiple locations
- NVQ Level 2 in Professional Cookery (or equivalent)
Desirable Qualities:
- Background in fine dining, events catering, and/or retail food operations
- Passion for sustainability in food sourcing and kitchen practices
- Experience in creative menu and concept development
You'll Thrive in This Role If You Are:
- Positive, proactive, and solutions-focused
- Collaborative and adaptable - you enjoy a dynamic, ever-changing environment
- A passionate chef who leads by example and inspires others
- A proud ambassador of Compass Group and RA values
This is more than just a job - it's an opportunity to be part of a culture that celebrates culinary excellence, innovation, and people-first leadership.
Relief Head Chef employer: RA Venues
Contact Detail:
RA Venues Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Relief Head Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Network with other chefs and culinary professionals in the industry. Attend food festivals, culinary events, or workshops where you can meet people who might have connections to RA Venues or similar establishments.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your versatility in different cuisines by creating a portfolio of your best dishes. This can be a great conversation starter during interviews and demonstrates your culinary range.
✨Tip Number 3
Research RA Venues and their culinary style. Understanding their brand and values will help you align your experience and passion with what they are looking for in a Relief Head Chef.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you've successfully trained and motivated kitchen teams in the past. Be ready with specific examples that highlight your ability to inspire others.
We think you need these skills to ace Relief Head Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in senior kitchen roles, particularly as a Head Chef. Emphasise your culinary skills across various cuisines and any leadership or training experience you have.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for culinary excellence and your ability to lead kitchen teams. Mention specific examples of how you've maintained high food standards and trained staff in previous roles.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Include your NVQ Level 2 in Professional Cookery or equivalent in your application. If you have additional qualifications related to food safety or sustainability practices, be sure to mention those as well.
Showcase Flexibility and Adaptability: In your application, demonstrate your willingness to travel and work across multiple locations. Share experiences where you've successfully adapted to dynamic environments or taken on new challenges in the kitchen.
How to prepare for a job interview at RA Venues
✨Showcase Your Culinary Skills
Be prepared to discuss your culinary journey and highlight specific dishes or cuisines you excel in. Bring examples of your work, such as photos or menus, to demonstrate your creativity and expertise.
✨Emphasise Leadership Experience
Since the role requires strong leadership, share experiences where you've successfully led a kitchen team. Discuss how you motivate and train staff, and provide examples of how you've handled challenges in a kitchen environment.
✨Discuss Food Safety Knowledge
Make sure to articulate your understanding of food safety standards and compliance. Be ready to explain how you ensure these standards are met in your kitchen operations, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Demonstrate Flexibility and Adaptability
Given the mobile nature of the position, express your willingness to travel and adapt to different kitchen environments. Share any past experiences where you've thrived in dynamic settings or taken on new challenges.
