Relief Head Chef in London

Salary: Up to £52,000 per annum

Contract: 5 out of 7 days per week (including evenings and weekends as required), 40 hours a week.

Location: RA Venues Relief Team

What Can We Offer You

• A collaborative and inclusive culture, where your ideas are valued and creativity is encouraged.
• A chance to make a meaningful impact in a continuously growing sector.
• 25 days annual leave (excluding bank holidays and national holiday days).
• 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.
• No shortage of delicious food.
• Competitive pension contribution offer.
• Enhanced maternity/paternity pay.

About The Role

We’re seeking a proactive and food-focused Relief Head Chef to join the central culinary relief team for RA Venues, to provide high end culinary support across all contracts that require additional support from a Head Chef. Success in this role means that guests consistently enjoy the food sold and served across all outlets on all of our sites, with the kitchens running efficiently, safely, and profitably. The successful candidate will continue to build on the great relationships we already have with our clients to grow the food offering at our diverse portfolio of contracts, with their existing knowledge and experience of the contract catering world.

This is a mobile role designed to uphold and elevate our food standards across the RA Venues estate, stepping into leadership positions where always needed and ensuring consistent culinary excellence. This role will be predominantly London based (assisting with the 5 sites we have based there), however support across the wider estate will be required (Hertfordshire/Cambridge/Surrey/Sussex). Travel to venues outside of London will be covered in line with the Compass UK & I expense policy, but this role will require an individual who is comfortable with travel and that can drive (some sites are remote) and able to commute into London with ease.

This role will work closely with the RA Venues Head of Culinary, who is an exceptional culinary figure in the industry, that is passionate about food quality and service along with reinventing culinary masterpieces.

Key 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 Excellence – Plan, coordinate, and deliver high-quality catering for large-scale events, ensuring seamless execution and exceptional guest experiences.

About You

• Proven track record as an Executive Head Chef or Head Chef in a high-volume, high-quality environment, that is looking to step away from a specific venue based role and join a central relief team.
• Experience within contract catering is highly desirable.
• Proven experience in large-scale and special event catering, with the ability to deliver high-quality food and service under pressure.
• Inspirational leader with the ability to build high-performing, motivated teams.
• Excellent organisational skills, especially during peak periods.
• Strategic thinker with vision for menu innovation and operational efficiency.
• 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.
• Enthusiastic about mentoring and developing future culinary leaders.
• 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 1,000 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.