Head Chef
Location: Manchester (with occasional UK travel)
Salary: £45K + Benefits
Contract: Full-Time
Are you a passionate and experienced Head Chef ready to lead a prestigious kitchen operation?
At Restaurant Associates, we are seeking a dynamic and skilled Head Chef to oversee our high‑end hospitality and fine dining experience in Manchester. This is an independent role where you will lead operations with creativity and autonomy while working as part of a nationwide team of chefs.
With access to a state‑of‑the‑art kitchen and the finest seasonal and local produce, you’ll have the freedom to create innovative and inspiring menus while delivering outstanding food and customer service.
Key Responsibilities:
* Oversee all kitchen operations, ensuring exceptional food quality and presentation.
* Work independently, managing time and operations efficiently.
* Develop and implement exciting, seasonal menus and limited‑time offers.
* Foster relationships with stakeholders, senior managers, and clients.
* Support the mobilisation of new sites and refurbishments.
* Maintain strict food safety (HACCP) and HSE compliance.
* Collaborate with the unit manager to drive sales and enhance guest experience.
What We’re Looking For:
* Proven experience as a Head Chef or in a fine dining/senior role.
* Creative culinary skills with a passion for innovation.
* Strong leadership and communication skills to inspire and engage teams.
* Ability to work autonomously while being part of a wider UK‑based chef team.
* Excellent knowledge of seasonality, food safety, and ingredient sourcing.
* Flexibility to travel within the UK when required.
* Desirable: Experience in contract catering (Compass Group or similar).
Why Join Us?
At Restaurant Associates, we offer a rewarding career with an excellent benefits package, including:
* Competitive salary & contributory pension scheme
* Career development programs through MyLearning & Career Pathways
* Instant access to a Digital GP for you & your family
* Exclusive travel & shopping discounts (TUI, Expedia, Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and more)
* Up to 44% off cinema tickets & cashback rewards
* Free wellness, mindfulness & fitness classes
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.
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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