About us – iChef Recruitment

About iChef Recruitment Ltd

iChef Recruitment Ltd is an independent, privately owned, specialist Chef Recruitment company dedicated to matching the skill set of our candidates to our clients’ specific requirements. With over 20 years experience in the hospitality and catering industry our Recruitment team are experts within their field. We’ve worked in the industry personally, giving us a clear understanding of the needs of our candidates and our clients.

Our vision and values

Knowledge & Experience

Honesty & Trust

Partnership

Results

Passion

Respect

We are 100% committed to providing quality solutions for our Candidates and Clients at all times.

Derek Woods

The Founder and Foundation of iChef Recruitment Ltd

Derek founded iChef Recruitment Ltd in 2013 having spent over 6 years recruiting for some of the UK’s leading Hotels & Restaurants specializing in developing his candidates’ careers and ensuring progression.

Derek has a solid understanding of his sector having been a Chef himself for over 15 years in luxury hotels and Michelin starred restaurants and prides himself on an honest, ethical and confidential approach to recruitment.

iChef Recruitment – the name

i = Individual – We treat all clients, candidates and roles individually!

What our clients and candidates say about us

Derek has always been able to offer top quality candidates to work with us, he understands our needs as restaurateurs and has always endeavored to find the right candidate for the position.

Warren GeraghtyExecutive Head Chef | Galvin Restaurants

I received outstanding and incredibly personal service from Derek. I have dealt with many agents and Derek was prompt, attentive, and kept me constantly informed. I was so impressed by the fact that after I had recruited, Derek called me to see how it was all going. I would not use anyone else!

Sarah Arikan Proprietor | Berwick Lodge | Nr Bath

Derek takes time to fully understand what the hotel is looking for and does not waste time putting forward unsuitable candidates. There is also an honest and open approach which is appreciated

Gaius WyncollGeneral Manager | Lainston House Winchester (Exclusive Hotels)

The team at iChef Recruitment has a refreshing and pragmatic approach to selecting candidates. They work quickly and have access to a broad range of talent at the highest levels and will never try to place a candidate who is a less than a perfect fit for the role. They are able to work to very specific briefs and within tight timeframes – I haven’t had a bad candidate from them yet

Rob WearFood & Beverage Director | Caesars Entertainment UK

Have used Derek at both ends of the spectrum as an agent and recruiter and happy to recommend on both counts

Kevin ClarkExecutive Head Chef | Luton Hoo Hotel & Spa (Elite Hotels)

When I decided to come back to the UK after being abroad for four years, Derek’s name was put in front of me by a very close friend. He was highly recommended in the chef’s recruitment field as someone who knows what he is talking about and someone to trust. Everything that was said was true, Derek knows the chef business extremely well and found me some excellent opportunities. If I ever go back to the UK Derek is the first person I will call. Keep up the great work.

Kevin FawkesExecutive Chef | Soneva Kiri resort and residences Six Senses – Koh Kood, Thailand