Job Description
About the Role Job Title: Lead Chef Salary: Up to £40,000 per annum Location: RHS Garden Wisley Contract Type: Full-time, permanent, site based, 5 over 7 days per week Set within 240 acres of stunning gardens, Wisley is open all year round and offers a variety of food outlets, from a busy restaurant to welcoming cafés. You’ll be joining a friendly, hardworking team with a shared goal: delivering exceptional service to every visitor. A Lead Chef at Wisley will be responsible for ensuring that all dishes consistently meet RA Venues’ standards for quality, flavour, and presentation, while supporting a smooth and safe guest experience through accurate allergen handling. You will be visible during service, uphold Wisley’s values, and support seasonal menu rollouts and new dish launches whilst maintaining high presentation standards on counters and plates. You will actively engage with Wisley and RA Venues food initiatives, control waste, portioning, and recipe adherence, and support stock management, ordering, and rotation. Efficient prep planning and labour alignment will be expected, along with accurate and timely completion of FSMS documentation and ensuring all team members are familiar with FSMS guidance. You will maintain audit readiness and uphold hygiene standards, ensure full allergen, traceability, and due diligence compliance, and lead, train, and motivate the kitchen team. Additionally, you will oversee team performance, delegate effectively, and foster a positive, collaborative kitchen culture.
