Blog
19 Oct 2023

How to recruit and find a great Executive Chef in the UK

Recruiting the right executive chef for your restaurant is challenging. But with the help of a good recruitment agency, you can find the perfect match.

Hiring the wrong executive chef for your restaurant is not a mistake you can afford. But the lack of cooks and the time pressure you're sure to feel makes it more likely to happen. You're looking for talented chefs, yes. But you also need someone who can take a central role both in the kitchen and as part of the business. Rushing to find the right person could backfire, but without an experienced cook, you can feel desperate. So how do you make the right hire without making big mistakes?

Make Use of Your Network

Is the phrase "it's not what you know but who you know" really something to pay attention to? In the restaurant industry, it probably is. Talent and experience are important to anyone who works in kitchens. But the value of relationships with others in the industry can't be overlooked. It's a tight-knit industry. Networking will help you keep up with who's out there making a name for themselves. You've probably built your own network of people in the industry that you can rely on and can offer advice. The perfect chef may not be in your network yet, but you may know someone who can help you find them.

Don't Forget About social media.

Networking is hugely important if you want to find the right executive chef. Online networking is just as effective as doing it offline. Social media is an amazing tool for reaching out to your existing network, as well as expanding your network and meeting new people. Make use of platforms like LinkedIn to get the message out that you're recruiting. Look for potential candidates who could meet your needs and get in touch. Put on your head-hunter hat and network with anyone who you think could help you out or might be the right person for the role. Even if they're not currently looking for work, you could tempt them with a new opportunity.

Use a Specialist Recruitment Service

Recruitment companies will help you reach top talent. However, will they all get you access to the creme de la creme of candidates? Probably not. So who will? The answer is a recruitment agency with experience and knowledge of the restaurant industry. They will have a much better understanding of what you're looking for. Working with an industry hiring agency means you get expertise in the recruitment process and access to a ready-made pool of candidates too. That's a huge improvement on working with an agency that doesn't even know what an executive chef does. Speaking about chef recruitment MD of James Webber Recruitment said “Ever since we started the business we have supported hospitality business finding the best culinary stars. We have seen chefs develop in their careers and go on to head some of the finest kitchens in the country. From the home counties to the West Country we have a network that rivals the best”

Attract the Best Talent

You might have a list of requirements, but you have to remember that it's not all about you. To attract the best candidates, you have to think about what's in it for them. Executive chefs have a lot of responsibility and could have a number of other work opportunities on the table. The title of executive chef may not be enough to draw them in. So it's vital to consider what you have to offer your executive chef, from their compensation package to the working environment.