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- Tasks: Lead the culinary strategy and oversee multiple dining sites across the UK and Ireland.
- Company: Join Restaurant Associates, a leader in innovative workplace dining and hospitality.
- Benefits: Enjoy free meals, gym discounts, healthcare perks, and exclusive travel offers.
- Why this job: Shape the future of workplace dining with a dynamic team and influential clients.
- Qualifications: Significant culinary experience and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: Embrace a culture that values diversity and empowers you to thrive.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Job Title: Head of Culinary
Location: Canary Wharf – with responsibilities across Northern Ireland & Republic of Ireland
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced Head of Culinary to lead the development and execution of a landmark multi-site culinary strategy. This role will oversee one of Europe’s most ambitious workplace dining programmes, starting with a flagship launch in Canary Wharf, followed by sites in Dublin and Belfast.
You will be responsible for delivering a food offer that embodies the highest standards of quality, creativity, sustainability, and commercial success. This is a senior role that requires strong leadership, operational expertise, and the ability to build trusted client partnerships.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the culinary mobilisation and successful launch of new sites, beginning with Canary Wharf.
- Develop and deliver an innovative food strategy aligned with client expectations, brand values, and market trends.
- Collaborate with project teams to design efficient kitchen and service spaces that enhance customer experience.
- Act as a culinary ambassador, presenting concepts and progress to clients and stakeholders.
- Build, train, and lead high-performing culinary teams across multiple locations.
- Ensure the highest standards of food quality, safety, compliance, and sustainability.
- Balance culinary creativity with commercial objectives to drive business performance.
Our Ideal Head of Culinary Experience & Qualifications:
- Significant senior culinary experience within contract catering, hospitality, or premium foodservice.
- Proven track record of managing multi-site mobilisation or large-scale culinary programmes.
- Experience working directly with clients in a presentation and engagement capacity.
- Strong knowledge of food safety, allergen management, health & safety, and compliance.
- Formal culinary qualifications preferred.
Skills & Attributes:
- Strategic thinker with operational delivery expertise.
- Commercially aware and focused on profitability and customer value.
- Deep understanding of food trends, sustainability, and workplace dining expectations.
- Excellent communicator, confident presenting to senior stakeholders.
- Collaborative and highly organised, capable of managing multiple priorities.
- Resilient, adaptable, and passionate about food and service excellence.
Why Join Us?
This is a unique opportunity to lead a high-profile culinary programme that combines innovation with operational excellence. You will work with a dynamic team and influential clients to shape the future of workplace dining across the UK and Ireland and We offer a comprehensive benefits package which includes but is not limited to:
- Free meals
- Subsidised gym membership
- 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
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 workplace as well as inspiring exceptional experiences in iconic cultural and heritage destinations.
Job Reference: com/0508/67891001/52754515/SU #RA Group
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!
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Head Of Culinary employer: Restaurant Associates
Contact Detail:
Restaurant Associates Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Of Culinary
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the culinary and hospitality industry, especially those who have experience in contract catering. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with potential colleagues or mentors who can provide insights into the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest food trends and sustainability practices. Being knowledgeable about current market demands will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to innovation and quality in culinary offerings.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to showcase your leadership skills by gathering examples of how you've successfully built and led culinary teams in the past. Highlighting your ability to manage multiple sites and deliver high standards will be crucial in discussions with our hiring team.
✨Tip Number 4
Research our company values and recent projects, particularly those related to workplace dining. Understanding our mission and how you can contribute to it will help you stand out as a candidate who is genuinely interested in joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Of Culinary
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in culinary leadership, particularly in multi-site operations. Emphasise your achievements in previous roles that align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for culinary excellence and your strategic vision for workplace dining. Mention specific examples of how you've successfully led culinary teams and developed innovative food strategies.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Include any formal culinary qualifications and certifications that demonstrate your expertise in food safety, allergen management, and compliance. This will strengthen your application and show your commitment to high standards.
Showcase Leadership Skills: In your application, provide examples of how you've built and trained high-performing teams. Discuss your experience in client engagement and how you’ve acted as a culinary ambassador in previous roles.
How to prepare for a job interview at Restaurant Associates
✨Showcase Your Culinary Vision
Prepare to discuss your innovative food strategies and how they align with current market trends. Be ready to present examples of past successes in developing culinary programmes that embody quality and creativity.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Highlight your experience in building and leading high-performing teams. Share specific instances where you successfully mobilised multi-site operations and how you fostered collaboration among team members.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since this role involves presenting to clients and stakeholders, practice articulating your ideas clearly and confidently. Prepare to discuss how you would act as a culinary ambassador and build trusted partnerships.
✨Emphasise Compliance and Sustainability
Be prepared to talk about your knowledge of food safety, allergen management, and sustainability practices. Discuss how you can balance culinary creativity with commercial objectives while ensuring compliance with industry standards.
