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The Collins King Team

The Collins King Team

We have a highly experienced and professional recruitment team with a genuine passion for the hospitality industry and a diverse network of established client relationships across all sectors of the market.

We pride ourselves on offering both clients and candidates a dedicated recruitment service with a personal touch.

Gary King, Director

Picture of Gary King

After successfully completing a two year Hotel Management and advanced Chef training course Gary spent three years working as a Chef in the capital before entering the recruitment industry as a Consultant with Blue Arrow Hospitality Recruitment where he spent three years.

Gary then spent a year with a Hong Kong based Search & Selection Consultancy before joining Reed Hospitality recruitment where he spent nine years before setting up Collins King & Associates with former Reed colleague Matthew Collins in July 1999.

Gary is primarily responsible for handling Management appointments in the Contract Catering and Events markets. Gary also handles senior Management and board level appointments across all industry sectors.

Martyn Smith, Associate Director

Picture of Martyn Smith

Martyn trained as an apprentice Chef with Hilton Hotels before joining Sodexho UK and spending four years at three of their London units. He then moved to Charters Catering as a Directors Chef in a high profile City based Merchant Bank where he spent almost three years.

Martyn entered the Recruitment industry with Berkeley Scott Chefs Division where he then spent three years before joining Collins King & Associates in August 2001. He is primarily responsible for all levels of chef recruitment

Martyn was promoted to the position of Associate Director in July 2006.

Shaun Highfield, Consultant - Chefs Division

Picture of Shaun Highfield

Shaun entered the Hospitality Recruitment industry following a successful Management career with one of the UK's leading themed Restaurant Groups. Prior to joining Collins King & Associates in February 2004, Shaun worked for two of London's leading Hospitality Recruitment companies recruiting a range of Culinary and Management Personnel. Shaun specialises in the recruitment of Chefs for the Contract Catering sector & Private Members Clubs.

Oliver Smith, Consultant – Branded Restaurants & Retail Catering Management

Picture of Oliver Smith

Oliver commenced his hospitality career with one of the UK's leading themed restaurant & bar operators where he spent 3 years. During this time he was involved in numerous opening projects and also participated in cocktail and flair bartending competitions. Oliver then spent 15 months in Australia working in a style bars & restaurant before returning to the UK and moving into branded and themed restaurant recruitment. Oliver then spent two years as an in-house recruiter for a large concession restaurant company before re-joining Collins King & Associates in September 2011 specialising in the recruitment of branded & retail catering management personnel.

Ruth Ray, Consultant - Management Appointments

Picture of Ruth Ray

Ruth Ray has a wide range of experience gained across the hospitality, catering & events Industry. Ruth commenced her hospitality career in busy branded restaurants before moving to the corporate events sector where she spent two years working in event planning and Front of House Management. Ruth then moved to the Contract Catering field as Service Manager at a leading London Hospital before joining Blend recruitment in late 2009 where she was responsible for recruiting Management personnel across a number of different markets. Ruth joined Collins King & Associates in May 2011, and is responsible for the recruitment of Management personnel, primarily within the Contract Catering and branded restaurant markets.

Phoebe Parry – Recruitment Coordinator

Picture of Phoebe Parry

Phoebe joined Collins King & Associates in January 2012 having spent two years working within the retail and hospitality industry both in London and Europe. Phoebe's primary responsibility is providing direct operational and administrative support to the Collins King recruitment team. Phoebe is also responsible for handling regular project management assignments and the update of current vacancies on the Collins King & Associates and host websites.

Recent Jobs

General Managers – New Restaurant Opening – Blackheath, Commercial Management Appointments
We are currently looking for experienced contemporary Restaurant Assistant Managers to launch this exciting new quality driven casual dining concept at locations opening soon in Blackheath The Company: • Established market leader launching a new casual dining high street brand • Recognised for quality driven, destination venues, with a laid back feel • Market leading training and development programmes • Ambitious expansion plans The Role: • Opening a new Restaurant concept and Assisting in the direction of the brand • Working closely the GM and Operations team to Identify local marketing and promotional campaigns to raise awareness of the concept • Setting and maintaining the standards by leading a team from the front • Recruitment and training of a new team of staff and helping to develop their skills • Day to day running of the restaurant The Person: • A hands on, passionate and proactive Assistant Manager with contemporary all day dining experience • At least two years as an Assistant Manager within a quality driven, foodie environment • A born leader who can communicate, lead and inspire a team and set the standard to all • Ambitious and career focused individual looking to take on a BIG challenge In return for your experience and dedication you can expect a salary of up to £30,000, the chance to work for a fantastic and growing destination group of restaurants and the opportunity develop and grow within an expanding company More

Eligibility: In line with the requirements of the Asylum & Immigration Act 1996, all applicants must either be eligible to live and work in the UK or must obtain permits to work in the UK prior to application. Documented evidence of eligibility will be required from candidates as part of the recruitment process.

Bar Manager – Contemporary High End Boutique Hotel Bar – W1, Commercial Management Appointments
A High end modern 5* Hotel in Central London is now looking for a driven, charismatic and highly knowledgeable Bar Manager The Company: • Worldwide boutique hotel group with over 12 sites around the world • Award winning group gaining top spots in a number of “best of…” lists • Contemporary and luxury focused with 5* standards • The bar is 100% cocktail driven – no beers, wines or soft drinks! The Role: • Fully responsible for an exclusive bar, rated as one of the best in London • Leading a small team to deliver an unrivalled an unique experience for all guests • Training and development of staff • Working to develop a cocktail list, definitive style and a constantly evolving environment • Liaising with suppliers to ensure exclusive brands and deals are in place • Building relationships with regular guests and maintaining a good knowledge of peoples requirements The Person: • An experienced Bar Manager with at least two years management experience within a high end cocktail environment • Highly knowledgeable, preferably a Mixologist, with a strong understanding of current trends and products • Able to create a cocktail list factoring in costs while still being able to develop a distinct, individual and luxury offering • Someone with connections within the industry with suppliers etc and can bring their skills, knowledge and passion with then to a hands on role In return for your experience and dedication you can expect a salary of up to £38,000, the chance to work within one of the best known names in the industry and the opportunity to really put your stamp on and destination venue. If you are a current Bar Manager looking to work in a high end, busy bar, where standards are key, and service is paramount, then send us your CV More

Eligibility: In line with the requirements of the Asylum & Immigration Act 1996, all applicants must either be eligible to live and work in the UK or must obtain permits to work in the UK prior to application. Documented evidence of eligibility will be required from candidates as part of the recruitment process.

Assistant Manager – Modern Italian Restaurant – WC2, Chefs Division - Contract Catering & Themed Restaurants
Family run traditional Italian restaurant is now looking for a hands on Assistant Manager to join their team base d in Central London The Company: • Family owned with a history of over 50 years within the London market • High volume site with a focus on fresh, quality produce direct from Italy • Popular restaurants with warm welcoming service The Role: • A hands on position working in all departments • Working within a fast paced environment consistently implementing service standards • Leading a large team of staff from the front and able to inspire and develop each member • Reporting to the General Manager to ensure brand standards are maintained and set goals and targets are reached The Person: • A driven manager passionate about service and customer care • Able to lead a team from the front and work alongside a strong and dedicated staff • A current Assistant Manager with a stable and progressive background gained in full service, volume restaurants • Someone looking to develop their career and improve on your skills In Return for your skills and dedication you can expect a salary of around £21,000 plus bonus, some great benefits including 28 day holiday and External qualifications including Food Safety, Health and Safety, NVQ’s , Licensing Law… If you are a current Assistant Manager looking to take the next step in your career, send you CV More

Eligibility: In line with the requirements of the Asylum & Immigration Act 1996, all applicants must either be eligible to live and work in the UK or must obtain permits to work in the UK prior to application. Documented evidence of eligibility will be required from candidates as part of the recruitment process.

General Managers – New Restaurant Openings – Various London Sites, Commercial Management Appointments
We are currently looking for experienced contemporary Restaurant General Managers to launch this exciting new quality driven casual dining concept at locations around London The Company: • Established market leader launching a new casual dining high street brand • Recognised for quality driven, destination venues, with a laid back feel • Market leading training and development programmes • Ambitious expansion plans The Role: • Opening a new Restaurant concept and direction of the brand • Identifying local marketing and promotional campaigns to raise awareness of the concept • Setting and maintaining the standards by leading a team from the front • Recruitment and training of a new team of staff and helping to develop their skills • Fully responsible for the entire running of the restaurant including full financial accountability The Person: • A hands on, passionate and proactive General Manager with contemporary all day dining experience and knowledge of the local market • At least two years as a General Manager within a quality driven, foodie environment • A born leader who can communicate, lead and inspire a team and set the standard to all • Ambitious and career focused individual looking to take on a BIG challenge In return for your experience and dedication you can expect a salary of up to £40,000, the chance to work for a fantastic and growing destination group of restaurants and the opportunity to put your stamp on a new and emerging concept. More

Eligibility: In line with the requirements of the Asylum & Immigration Act 1996, all applicants must either be eligible to live and work in the UK or must obtain permits to work in the UK prior to application. Documented evidence of eligibility will be required from candidates as part of the recruitment process.

Bar Manager – Forthcoming Opening, 5* luxury hotel – London, Chefs Division - Contract Catering & Themed Restaurants
Salary: Location: Assignment: Group owned, 5* hotel, due to open in central London in the Autumn are currently recruiting for a driven, charismatic and highly knowledgeable ‘hands-on’ Bar Manager to recruit, lead and inspire their team at this exciting and cool ‘destination’ lounge bar. The Company: • Global luxury hotel group with 19 sites around the world with seven planned openings in the next 12 months • Award winning group gaining top spots in a number of “best of…” lists • Contemporary, yet classic feel with a luxury focus and 5* standards • Set to be a true destination venue The Role: • Fully responsible for an exclusive high end lounge and bar where all key decisions are directed by you • Leading a team of around 20 staff to deliver an unrivalled an unique experience for all guests • Putting together a professional team of Bar Tenders and able to train and develop each individual • Working to develop a cocktail list, definitive style and a constantly evolving environment in keeping with the hotel and atmosphere • Liaising with suppliers to ensure exclusive brands and deals are in place • Building relationships with regular guests and maintaining a good knowledge of peoples requirements The Person: • An experienced Bar Manager with at least two years management experience within a high end cocktail environment • A born leader who can build, develop and inspire a strong team of professional Bar Tenders • Highly knowledgeable, preferably a Mixologist, with a strong understanding of current trends and products • Able to create a cocktail list factoring in costs while still being able to develop a distinct, individual and luxury offering • Someone with connections within the industry with suppliers etc and can bring their skills, knowledge and passion with then to a hands on role In return for your experience and dedication you can expect a salary of up to £50,000, the chance to work with some industry greats an More

Eligibility: In line with the requirements of the Asylum & Immigration Act 1996, all applicants must either be eligible to live and work in the UK or must obtain permits to work in the UK prior to application. Documented evidence of eligibility will be required from candidates as part of the recruitment process.

Floor Manager – Quality Driven Contemporary Restaurant – West London, Commercial Management Appointments
Our client owns a small chain of wonderful high end contemporary styled Restaurant/bars set in Central & West London. They are currently looking for a highly driven, charismatic and experienced Floor Manager to join the team The Company • High end, quality driven multi-faced sites all with their own identity • Focused on delivering fantastic customer service and quality produce • Volume operations with a large base of regular guests • Future plans for ongoing growth The Role • Responsible for the day to day operation of the business • Working closely with the General Manager to ensure standards and expectations are consistently met • Leading a team from the front; able to motivate and inspire a team by setting the example • Training and development of all FOH staff • Building client relationships with the customer base and maintaining a presence on the floor The Person • Highly knowledgeable and enthusiastic about products and produce • Passionate about service standards and creating the right atmosphere for guests, regardless if its Tuesday afternoon or a Friday night • At least 18 months experience as a supervisor, Assistant Manager or Floor Manager role within a high volume, quality environment • Hands on and confident • Able to communicate well to all levels of guests and staff In return for your experience and dedication you will receive hands on, bespoke training, a package of around £28,000 and the chance to work for a passionate company where its people is key More

Eligibility: In line with the requirements of the Asylum & Immigration Act 1996, all applicants must either be eligible to live and work in the UK or must obtain permits to work in the UK prior to application. Documented evidence of eligibility will be required from candidates as part of the recruitment process.

Corporate Receptionist – up to £26k, Canary Wharf , Commercial Management Appointments
Our client is a leading contractor within the business and industry sector who are currently seeking a corporate receptionist for the director’s level of their flagship site within Canary Wharf. The successful corporate receptionist must have: - At least 2 years experience as a receptionist within a blue chip, corporate site - Knowledge of online reservations systems - As a corporate receptionist you will be required to liaise with senior clients on a day to day basis - Excellent organisation and communication skills - The ability to manage 20 meeting rooms ranging in size from 2 guests to 20 - As the “face” of the floor the successful corporate receptionist will need to be well spoken, and immaculately presented at all times This role is Monday – Friday with 3 shift patterns between 7.30am - 4pm/ 8am - 5pm/ 10.30am - 7pm. In return our client is offering the successful candidate a salary of £26k plus annual bonus and excellent career progression. More

Eligibility: In line with the requirements of the Asylum & Immigration Act 1996, all applicants must either be eligible to live and work in the UK or must obtain permits to work in the UK prior to application. Documented evidence of eligibility will be required from candidates as part of the recruitment process.

Senior Staffing Manager – SW London, £33k plus bonus, Commercial Management Appointments
Our client is a leading operator of retail cafι dining and bar units at, exhibition centre’s, cultural and heritage venues and outdoor catering across the capital. They are currently seeking a new Senior Staffing Manager to manage the department and ensure that the appropriate quantity and quality of casual staff are booked for work at the exhibition centre’s and outdoor events. The successful Senior Staffing Manager must have: - A proven track record in developing recruitment & training plans, managing variable payroll and meeting operational needs is essential - The ability to create and implement recruitment plans for all locations and outdoor catering season to ensure the right level of staff are recruited to fulfil the business needs - As Senior Staffing Manager you will be responsible for analysing training needs and attend courses when required. - Ensuring all policies and procedures are adhered to at all times with regards to immigration - This role requires the successful candidate to provide support to the HR Manger in operational aspects of Human Resources and proactively enhance the commercial performance of the business at all times. In return our client is offering a salary of up to £33k plus performance related bonus. More

Eligibility: In line with the requirements of the Asylum & Immigration Act 1996, all applicants must either be eligible to live and work in the UK or must obtain permits to work in the UK prior to application. Documented evidence of eligibility will be required from candidates as part of the recruitment process.

Wedding Coordinator – 4* Hotel, North London , Commercial Management Appointments
Privately owned, 100 room, 4* Country house style hotel with One AA Rosette rated restaurant, lounge and bar and extensive Conference & Events facilities. The hotel can handle up to 6 events and wedding over a busy weekend and is currently seeking a passionate and driven Wedding coordinator to be the “face” of the department. The ideal Wedding Coordinator must have: - Previous experience within a similar role to a minimum 4 star standard - Excellent administration skills - Excellent command of the English language with the ability to write and prepare quotations and proposals - As Wedding Coordinator you will be require to meet and greet all potential brides and hold venue show rounds and tastings - This is a reactive role, reporting in to the Sales Manager. In return out client is offering the successful Wedding Coordinator a salary of up to £18,000 with excellent career progression opportunities. More

Eligibility: In line with the requirements of the Asylum & Immigration Act 1996, all applicants must either be eligible to live and work in the UK or must obtain permits to work in the UK prior to application. Documented evidence of eligibility will be required from candidates as part of the recruitment process.

Head Chef – High Quality Mediterranean Restaurant –Independent Group, Chefs Division - Contract Catering & Themed Restaurants
Company: A small independent group of Italian Restaurants in central London are searching for an inspirational leader to join their team at this exciting time. With planned growth it is important that any Head Chef coming to this role is also ready to grow with the brand and has experience rolling out company procedure and standards. Description: Cooking high quality Mediterranean / Italian food from excellent produce at this all day dining restaurant. A large all day dining restaurant cooking for up to 120 covers per service, turnover approx £35,000 per week on food. Restaurant is open 7 days per week 7am till 11pm. Leading a team of 10 Chefs on duty cooking food from fresh quality ingredients. Training and development for all kitchen staff. Managing the ordering and stock levels for the restaurant and liaising with the suppliers. Previous experience in managing Health and Safety. Excellent opportunity to progress within the group. It is essential that as a Head Chef you have worked with Mediterranean food before and have also worked within a Group or Brand for at least 2 years. Benefits: A basic salary up to £32,000 Bonus structure Excellent opportunity to progress Chef uniform provided More

Eligibility: In line with the requirements of the Asylum & Immigration Act 1996, all applicants must either be eligible to live and work in the UK or must obtain permits to work in the UK prior to application. Documented evidence of eligibility will be required from candidates as part of the recruitment process.