Executive Head Chef

Compass Group UK Careers; Woking; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading hospitality provider is seeking an Executive Head Chef to lead culinary operations at RHS Garden Wisley. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in high-volume environments, strong leadership skills, and a passion for food and hospitality. Responsibilities include menu development, operational excellence, and cost control. This is a full-time, permanent position offering a competitive salary of up to £65,000 per annum and excellent employee benefits.

Benefits

25 days annual leave

Free on-site parking

Excellent pension programme

Free staff meals

On-site F&B discounts

Access to training and development

Qualifications

• Proven track record as an Exec Chef/Head Chef in a high-volume, high-quality environment.
• Experience within visitor attractions and contract catering is highly desirable.
• Strong leadership and communication skills with the ability to lead by example.

Responsibilities

• Create and adapt menus that appeal to a broad visitor base, including dietary requirements.
• Oversee all kitchen operations, ensuring compliance with food safety legislation.
• Manage budgets, control wastage, and achieve GP targets without compromising quality.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Operational Excellence

Menu Development

Cost Control

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Executive Head Chef

Location: RHS Garden Wisley

Salary: Up to £65,000 per annum

Contract: Permanent, Full-Time, 5 out of 7 days per week

As the Executive Head Chef at RHS Garden Wisley, you will be joining this popular visitor attraction, to lead and develop the culinary offering. This role will be responsible for the food offerings in the multi-outlet catering operation based on site, which consists of a mixture of grab & go kiosks and restaurants. This venue is predominantly retail food led, so an individual with experience of high volume and high-quality food delivery would be ideal for this role. Success in this role means that visitors consistently enjoy food sold across all outlets, with the kitchens running efficiently, safely, and profitably. The successful candidate will continue to build on the great relationship we already have with the client, to work with them on continuing to view the catering offer as a key part of the success of RHS Garden Wisley.

What can we offer you

• A collaborative and inclusive culture, where your ideas are valued, and creativity is encouraged.
• The chance to work at a truly beautiful and inspiring venue with breathtaking views.
• 25 days annual leave (excluding bank holidays and national holiday days).
• Free on-site parking.
• Excellent pension programme with generous contribution from us.
• Free staff meals whilst on site.
• 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.

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 - Experience in large scale eventing.

The Ideal Candidate

• Proven track record as an Exec Chef/Head Chef in a high-volume, high-quality environment.
• Experience within visitor attractions and contract catering is highly desirable.
• Strong leadership and communication skills with the ability to lead by example.
• Excellent organisational skills, especially during peak periods.
• 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.
• 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 1000 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.

Job Reference: com/1601/43818001/52785381/SU #RA Venues