Creative Head Chef — Staff Dining & Events Leader

Chartwells Independent; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Contributory pension scheme

Career Pathways programme

Digital GP and wider healthcare

Travel discounts

Grocery discounts

Cinema tickets discounts

Cashback rewards

Wellness and mindfulness classes

Family discounts

Job summary

Restaurant Associates is seeking an experienced Head Chef in Birmingham to lead the kitchen of a newly refurbished corporate staff restaurant. You will oversee staff dining and hospitality, delivering high-quality, seasonal menus and memorable experiences in a fast-paced environment.

You will manage a small team, work hands-on during service, and collaborate with stakeholders to meet diverse dining and events requirements. A focus on food safety and cost control is essential.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as Head Chef or senior kitchen leader in staff dining, workplace catering or contract catering.
• Strong hospitality and event catering background.
• Passion for fresh, modern and bistro-style food.
• Experience managing and developing a small kitchen team.
• Excellent planning and organisational skills.
• Strong knowledge of food safety, hygiene and kitchen compliance.
• Commercially minded, balancing food quality, customer experience and cost control.
• Calm, organised and hands-on during busy services.

Responsibilities

• Lead, develop and motivate a small kitchen team (Sous Chef, Chef de Partie, Kitchen Porter).
• Hands-on during service and lead by example.
• Develop innovative, seasonal menus with commercial focus.
• Deliver food to high standards of quality, taste and presentation.
• Plan effectively for busy trading periods, events and hospitality requirements.
• Collaborate with management and stakeholders to meet requirements.
• Maintain excellent food safety, hygiene and health & safety standards.
• Manage food costs, waste and stock while maintaining quality.
• Flex the operation with agency support for larger events and peaks.

Skills

People leadership

Menu development

Food safety

Cost control

Events catering

Staff dining experience

Job description

Restaurant Associates is seeking an experienced Head Chef in Birmingham to lead the kitchen of a newly refurbished corporate staff restaurant. You will oversee staff dining and hospitality, delivering high-quality, seasonal menus and memorable experiences in a fast-paced environment.

You will manage a small team, work hands-on during service, and collaborate with stakeholders to meet diverse dining and events requirements. A focus on food safety and cost control is essential.