Job Title: Head of Culinary
Location: Canary Wharf - with responsibilities across Northern Ireland & Republic of Ireland
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced Head of Culinary to lead the development and execution of a landmark multi-site culinary strategy. This role will oversee one of Europe’s most ambitious workplace dining programmes, starting with a flagship launch in Canary Wharf, followed by sites in Dublin and Belfast.
You will be responsible for delivering a food offer that embodies the highest standards of quality, creativity, sustainability, and commercial success. This is a senior role that requires strong leadership, operational expertise, and the ability to build trusted client partnerships.
Key Responsibilities
Lead the culinary mobilisation and successful launch of new sites, beginning with Canary Wharf.
Develop and deliver an innovative food strategy aligned with client expectations, brand values, and market trends.
Collaborate with project teams to design efficient kitchen and service spaces that enhance customer experience.
Act as a culinary ambassador, presenting concepts and progress to clients and stakeholders.
Build, train, and lead high-performing culinary teams across multiple locations.
Ensure the highest standards of food quality, safety, compliance, and sustainability.
Balance culinary creativity with commercial objectives to drive business performance.
Our Ideal Head of Culinary Experience & Qualifications:
Significant senior culinary experience within contract catering, hospitality, or premium foodservice.
Proven track record of managing multi-site mobilisation or large-scale culinary programmes.
Experience working directly with clients in a presentation and engagement capacity.
Strong knowledge of food safety, allergen management, health & safety, and compliance.
Formal culinary qualifications preferred.
Skills & Attributes:
Strategic thinker with operational delivery expertise.
Commercially aware and focused on profitability and customer value.
Deep understanding of food trends, sustainability, and workplace dining expectations.
Excellent communicator, confident presenting to senior stakeholders.
Collaborative and highly organised, capable of managing multiple priorities.
Resilient, adaptable, and passionate about food and service excellence.
Why Join Us?
This is a unique opportunity to lead a high-profile culinary programme that combines innovation with operational excellence. You will work with a dynamic team and influential clients to shape the future of workplace dining across the UK and Ireland and We offer a comprehensive benefits package which includes but is not limited to:
- Free meals
- Subsidised gym membership
- 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
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/0508/67891001/52754515/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!