At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic kitchen operation, managing staff dining and premium hospitality.
- Company: Join Restaurant Associates, a leader in high-end contract catering.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, pension scheme, and exclusive discounts.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for career growth and personal development.
- Why this job: Make an impact in a high-volume, innovative culinary environment.
- Qualifications: Executive Chef experience and strong background in contract catering required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 33500 £ per year.
We are seeking an exceptional Executive Chef to lead a dynamic, high-volume operation spanning both staff dining and premium hospitality. Following a significant uplift in production earlier this year, the kitchen continues to evolve with increased output, a growing team, and an expanding hospitality offer.
You will oversee a large and varied culinary operation, managing both staff dining and hospitality delivery. You will act as the key culinary lead and point of contact, working closely with other departments on a day-to-day basis to ensure seamless execution across the operation.
You will be responsible for:
- Leading a split operation between staff dining and hospitality
- Acting as culinary lead for client-facing hospitality delivery
- Supporting and collaborating with senior hospitality leadership on site
- Delivering monthly culinary presentations showcasing future concepts, menus, and innovation
- Driving consistent quality and efficiency across high-volume production
- Managing a large and developing team (currently 15 chefs following recent expansion)
- Working in a highly reactive environment where adaptability and solution-focused thinking are essential
- Turning challenging or fast-moving client requests into practical, deliverable solutions
What you'll need to succeed:
- Executive Chef-level experience in a comparable environment
- Strong background in contract catering operations
- Experience in banqueting or premium hospitality delivery
- A highly innovative approach to food, menus, and service development
- A calm, solution-led mindset with the ability to say 'yes' wherever possible
- A collaborative, ego-free leadership style
- Strong adaptability with the ability to pivot quickly in a changing environment
- Confidence in presenting ideas and culinary direction to clients and stakeholders
This is a high-impact role for a chef who thrives in complexity, enjoys variety across hospitality and volume dining, and can lead both innovation and operational excellence in equal measure.
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, Sainsburys, 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
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 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!
Executive Chef - Woking in Surrey employer: Restaurant Associates
Restaurant Associates is an exceptional employer in the Greater London area, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises high standards of customer care and cleanliness. With a commitment to employee growth, you will find ample opportunities for career progression while working in a dynamic environment that values teamwork and dedication.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive Chef - Woking in Surrey
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Restaurant Associates. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Restaurant Associates
Don't be shy about reaching out to Restaurant Associates directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Executive Chef - Woking in Surrey
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Restaurant Associates and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Restaurant Associates
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
