Meet the Team

Group of seven colleagues smiling around a wooden table in a modern office with a moss wall.

Our dynamic team is made up of passionate foodies and experienced professionals in hospitality and guest services. Recruiting across Restaurant Associates, Restaurant Associates Venues and Rapport, many team members bring valuable international market experience, giving us a deep appreciation for cultural nuances and a strong understanding of what truly resonates with candidates. 

We are dedicated to creating an environment where individuals can grow in confidence, refine their skills and develop successful, fulfilling careers within the industry. Supporting personal and professional development is at the heart of what we do.

If you have any questions about our current vacancies, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team at recruitment@restaurantassociates.co.uk.

Read more about what our superstars think about Restaurant Associates 

A smiling person with dark hair and glasses wearing a black polo shirt against a blue background.

Jade Isidro, Inclusion & Belonging Lead & Co-Chair of Pride in Food 

"Hospitality has always been in my blood! Growing up working in my family catering business, it's always been something I've loved. Through the Graduate Programme I've been able to identify where I thrive, which is in the Inclusion & Belonging space. It's a great job to be in because I'm able to listen and make great change in the business and help shape the future for a more inclusive workplace."

Dixie Madden smiling in a beige cable-knit sweater against a dark blue background.

Dixie Madden, Head Chef 

"Recruitment is one of those careers that people often fall into and somehow end up staying in for years! One thing that unites us all, though, is a genuine passion for connecting with people. I studied Food and Culinary Arts at university before spending a few years travelling, and food has always been a huge part of who I am. I love discovering new cuisines and will happily try anything once. Working at Restaurant Associates has given me the opportunity to bring together my two greatest passions: people and food. It's incredibly rewarding to see how the right role can shape someone's career and impact their life for the better."

A middle-aged man with short grey hair and a beard, wearing a white shirt against a blue background.

Graham Morphew, Operations Director 

"From the beginning, I experienced excellent communication from the recruitment team, which gave me a positive first impression of the business. My induction was thorough and well-structured, combining contract visits, introductions to key colleagues, and online training. This gave me a strong understanding of how the business operates before the contracts in my area were formally handed over to me. As Compass UK & Ireland is such a large organisation, navigating some of the systems could be challenging at times, but there was always plenty of support available whenever I needed it. Regular check-ins with both my line manager and the central HR team also provided valuable opportunities to raise any questions and ensure I felt fully supported throughout the process."

A smiling young man wearing a black collared jacket over a white shirt in front of an awards shelf.

Bruno Tavares, Hospitality Manager

"My journey with Restaurant Associates has been very positive, with a smooth and supportive recruitment process. Since joining, I have led hospitality delivery across multiple accounts. Built strong client relationships, improving engagement and repeat business and creased uptake of hospitality services across sites. The role has allowed me to grow both operationally and commercially, and I am looking forward to continuing to develop within the business."

Invited to an interview – what to expect

Our interview process may include a telephone conversation, a Microsoft Teams interview, or an in-person meeting. We are committed to ensuring that all candidates feel comfortable and supported throughout the process. If you require any adjustments or accommodations, please contact your recruiter in advance of your interview so that appropriate arrangements can be made

A woman in a black blazer and glasses sits smiling on a vibrant, multi-colored couch.

Events

We’re passionate about connecting with talented people and regularly host hiring events throughout the year. These events are a great opportunity to meet our team, learn more about our culture, and explore current and upcoming opportunities in an engaging and informal setting.

If you have any questions or would like to find out more, please reach out to recruitment@restaurantassociates.co.uk we’d love to hear from you!

Three white chocolate spheres served on black tasting spoons with rhubarb, garnish, and a crisp.

Frequently asked questions about your application process

Application Process

  1. How do I apply for a role at Restaurant Associates and what happens after I submit my application? 

    Apply online through the careers page or a direct job board. Our vacancies are featured on LinkedIn, Indeed and Caterer.  Once submitted, our recruiting team reviews your CV and experience. If your profile matches, the recruiter will contact you to discuss the role and your skills.

  2. How long does the hiring process typically take for hospitality roles?

     It can vary by role and location, but many hospitality positions (like Chef de Partie or Catering Assistant) may be filled within a couple of weeks from application to offer. More senior or specialised roles may take longer due to multiple interview stages.

Interviews

  1. What should I expect during the interview process? 

    The process will vary depending on the role. There will usually be a team's meeting followed by an onsite trial/interview.

  2. What do I need to take with me to interview?

    If you’re applying for a chef position, please take chef whites, sensible non-slip shoes, and bring your chef knives if you have them. Don’t worry if you’re trialling for Commis role, we don’t expect you to have your own knives. Always check with your recruiter beforehand to confirm what’s needed.

  3. What information will I receive prior to my interview?

    The recruitment team will send over the name of who you’ll be meeting with, the address, the time slot and any requirements needed to enter site (e.g form of ID) followed by what to expect for the trial (if applicable). Most trials last between 2–4 hours, depending on the role and site. 

Roles & Growth

  1. Do I need previous hospitality or culinary experience to apply?

    Not always! Many entry-level roles welcome enthusiastic candidates with little or no experience. Some roles may need prior experience and will be clearly outlined in the job vacancy description.

  2. Are there opportunities to grow within Restaurant Associates or move between sites?

    Absolutely, we support growth. We have a dedicated training centre in Bermondsey, The Learning Loft. Here we run training programmes and apprenticeships that help you develop skills and advance into supervisory or management roles across cafés, restaurants and client sites.

Pay & Benefits

  1. Is overtime paid and how does it work?

    Overtime may be available depending on the role. Rates and policies will be clearly explained during the offer stage.

  2.  What benefits and perks do you offer to your employees?

    Benefits vary by region and role, but typical perks include:

    • Competitive pay (often above London Living Wage for many roles)

    • Training and career development programmes

    • Recognition & reward schemes

    • Pension contributions (where applicable)

    • Discounts, employee perks and wellbeing support

    You can learn more about working for Restaurant Associates and related benefits via our main careers page here: https://jobs.compass-group.co.uk/restaurant-associates.

Working hours 

  1.  What are the typical working hours and will I need to work evenings, weekends or events?

    Hours depend on the role and site; some positions are part-time (around 20 hours/week) and others full-time (35–40 hours/week). Roles are typically Monday–Friday. Some evenings/weekends may be required. We always strive to schedule fairly and balance work-life commitments.

  2. Who can I contact if I have questions about my application or a specific role?

    If you have questions after applying, you can reply to the confirmation email you received or email us directly at recruitment@restaurantassociates.co.uk.