Restaurant Associates UK
Executive Chef

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Executive Chef – High-End Contract Catering (Hospitality & Staff Dining)
Up to £64,000 + Overtime
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
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
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Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
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Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
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.
Benefits
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, Sainsbury's, 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


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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.
Job Reference: com/2904/99570001/52744160/SU #RA Group
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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