Head Chef — Corporate Dining & Events Leader

Chartwells Independent; Birmingham; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Contributory pension scheme

Digital GP access

Travel discounts

Cinema ticket discounts

Cash rewards

Wellness & mindfulness classes

Career development programmes

Job summary

Restaurant Associates is seeking an experienced Head Chef to lead the kitchen operation in a newly refurbished corporate staff restaurant in the United Kingdom.

You will manage a small team, deliver consistently high-quality staff dining and hospitality, and work with the pre-order app and AI-powered tills to create seasonal, commercially focused menus and memorable events for clients and colleagues.

Qualifications

• Experience as Head Chef or senior kitchen leader in staff dining or contract catering.
• Strong hospitality and event catering experience.
• Passion for fresh, modern, and bistro-style food.
• Experience managing a small kitchen team.
• Excellent planning and organisational skills.
• Strong knowledge of food safety and kitchen compliance.
• Commercial mindset balancing quality, guest experience and cost control.
• Calm, organized and hands-on during busy services.

Responsibilities

• Lead, develop and motivate a small kitchen team consisting of a Sous Chef, Chef de Partie and Kitchen Porter.
• Be hands-on during service and lead by example.
• Develop innovative, seasonal and commercially focused menus.
• Deliver food to a high standard of quality, taste and presentation.
• Plan effectively for busy trading periods, hospitality requirements and events.
• Work closely with the wider management team and key stakeholders to understand and deliver their requirements.
• Maintain excellent food safety, hygiene and health & safety standards.
• Manage food costs, waste and stock effectively while maintaining quality.
• Flex the operation when required, using agency support for larger events and peak periods.

Skills

Team leadership

Menu development

Food safety & hygiene

Cost control

Event catering experience

Communication

Hands-on service

Tools

Pre-order app

AI-powered tills

Kitchen equipment knowledge

Job description

Restaurant Associates is seeking an experienced Head Chef to lead the kitchen operation in a newly refurbished corporate staff restaurant in the United Kingdom.

You will manage a small team, deliver consistently high-quality staff dining and hospitality, and work with the pre-order app and AI-powered tills to create seasonal, commercially focused menus and memorable events for clients and colleagues.