At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a talented kitchen team to create stunning dishes and ensure exceptional service.
- Company: Join the RHS Garden Wisley, a beautiful and inspiring workplace.
- Benefits: Enjoy free meals, 20 days annual leave, and access to training and development.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic environment with opportunities for growth and development.
- Why this job: Be part of a collaborative culture where your creativity is valued in a stunning garden setting.
- Qualifications: 2 years' experience as a Lead/Sous Chef or strong CDP background required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 40000 £ per year.
Contract Type: Full-time, permanent, site based, 5 over 7 days per week.
Set within 240 acres of stunning gardens, Wisley is open all year round and offers a variety of food outlets, from a busy restaurant to welcoming cafés. You’ll be joining a friendly, hardworking team with a shared goal: delivering exceptional service to every visitor.
A Lead Chef at Wisley will be responsible for ensuring that all dishes consistently meet RA Venues’ standards for quality, flavour, and presentation, while supporting a smooth and safe guest experience through accurate allergen handling. You will be visible during service, uphold Wisley’s values, and support seasonal menu rollouts and new dish launches while maintaining high presentation standards on counters and plates. You will actively engage with Wisley and RA Venues food initiatives, control waste, portioning, and recipe adherence, and support stock management, ordering, and rotation. Efficient prep planning and labour alignment will be expected, along with accurate and timely completion of FSMS documentation and ensuring all team members are familiar with FSMS guidance. You will maintain audit readiness and uphold hygiene standards, ensure full allergen, traceability, and due diligence compliance, and lead, train, and motivate the kitchen team. Additionally, you will oversee team performance, delegate effectively, and foster a positive, collaborative kitchen culture.
Qualifications:
- Ideally 2 years’ previous experience in a similar Lead/Sous Chef position, or strong previous CDP experience in a similar environment (around 4 years or more).
- Good cooking skills and attention to detail.
- Understanding of FSMS and allergens.
- Experience in high-volume operations.
Benefits:
- A collaborative and inclusive culture, where your ideas are valued, and creativity is encouraged.
- The chance to work in a truly beautiful and inspiring setting, surrounded by nature and stunning gardens.
- 20 days annual leave (excluding bank holidays and national holiday days).
- Free parking on site.
- Free staff meals whilst at work.
- 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.
Restaurant Associates is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from candidates of all backgrounds.
Lead Chef - RHS Garden Wisley employer: Restaurant Associates UK
As a Lead Chef at RHS Garden Wisley, you will thrive in a collaborative and inclusive culture that values your creativity and ideas. Working amidst the breathtaking beauty of 240 acres of stunning gardens, you'll enjoy benefits such as free staff meals, on-site parking, and access to extensive training and development opportunities, all while contributing to an exceptional dining experience for visitors.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Chef - RHS Garden Wisley
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the venue! Before your interview, take a stroll around RHS Garden Wisley. Familiarise yourself with the food outlets and the vibe of the place. This will not only help you feel more comfortable but also give you some great talking points during your chat.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your culinary creativity! Be ready to discuss your ideas for seasonal menus or new dishes that could fit into Wisley’s offerings. We love seeing how you can bring your unique flair to the table, so don’t hold back!
✨Tip Number 3
Engage with the team spirit! During your interview, highlight your experience in leading and motivating kitchen teams. Share examples of how you've fostered a positive culture in previous roles – we want to see how you can contribute to our friendly atmosphere.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to ask questions! Show us you’re genuinely interested by asking about the kitchen's current challenges or upcoming initiatives. This not only demonstrates your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if this is the right fit for you. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Chef - RHS Garden Wisley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Culinary Skills:When writing your application, make sure to highlight your cooking skills and any relevant experience. We want to see how your background aligns with the Lead Chef role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your achievements in high-volume operations!
Be Clear About Your Experience:If you've got experience as a Lead or Sous Chef, let us know! Detail your previous roles and how they’ve prepared you for this position. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running, so clarity is key.
Emphasise Team Leadership:As a Lead Chef, you’ll be guiding a team, so it’s important to mention your leadership style and any experience you have in training or motivating others. We love a collaborative kitchen culture, so share how you foster that in your teams!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy – just follow the prompts and you’re good to go!
How to prepare for a job interview at Restaurant Associates UK
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with the types of dishes and ingredients that are typically used at RHS Garden Wisley. Being able to discuss seasonal menus and suggest ideas for new dishes will show your passion and creativity.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Lead Chef, you'll be expected to motivate and train your team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a kitchen team in the past, focusing on how you fostered collaboration and maintained high standards.
✨Understand Food Safety Standards
Brush up on your knowledge of FSMS and allergen handling. Be ready to discuss how you ensure compliance and maintain hygiene standards in a busy kitchen environment, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Engage with Their Values
Research the values of RHS Garden Wisley and think about how your personal values align with theirs. During the interview, express your enthusiasm for working in a collaborative and inclusive culture, and share how you can contribute to their mission.
