Chef

LED Leisure; Exeter; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A leisure and catering company seeks a passionate Chef to join their team at Exeter Airport. In this role, you'll prepare and present delicious meals, maintain high standards of food safety, and contribute to customer satisfaction. Candidates should have NVQ Level 2 in Cookery, a minimum of 1 year’s kitchen experience, and the ability to work flexible hours. Benefits include a supportive team environment, annual leave, gym membership, and opportunities for professional development.

Benefits

Annual leave starting from 23 days

Gym, swim, and group exercise membership

Employee Assistance Programme

Free bowling for employees' households

Flexible working arrangements

Qualifications

• Minimum 1 year’s professional experience in a busy kitchen.
• Strong knowledge of hygiene regulations and safe food handling.
• Experience with stock control and kitchen organisation.

Responsibilities

• Preparing, cooking and presenting food to brand standards.
• Maintaining stock rotation and temperature checks.
• Ensuring kitchen cleanliness and safe equipment use.

Skills

Cooking and presentation skills

Knowledge of hygiene regulations

Flexibility

Teamwork

Education

NVQ Level 2 or BTEC in Professional Cookery/Hospitality

Job description

Job Advert

Chef – Exeter Airport

Join Our Food & Beverage Team

Are you a passionate chef who thrives in a fast-paced environment? Do you want to be part of a hardworking, supportive team delivering great food to thousands of visitors every week?

LED manages the catering operations at Exeter Airport, providing high-quality meals, great service and a friendly welcome to passengers and staff alike. We are now looking for a talented Chef to join our busy kitchen and help us continue delivering excellent food and customer satisfaction. PLEASE NOTE: Shifts can start at 2.30am.

About the Role

As a Chef at Exeter Airport, you will play a key role in the smooth running of our kitchen operations. You’ll be preparing and presenting quality dishes, supporting day-to-day production across all our food and beverage outlets, and ensuring the highest standards of food safety and consistency. Your work will contribute directly to a positive passenger experience at one of the South West’s busiest travel hubs.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Preparing, cooking and presenting food to brand and recipe standards.
• Maintaining stock rotation, storage, temperature checks and wastage control.
• Ensuring kitchen cleanliness and safe equipment use.
• Acting as a role model for kitchen and customer service staff.
• Providing guidance during service and supporting a positive team culture.
• Ensuring kitchen spaces remain clean, safe and compliant at all times.
• Supporting new menu ideas and operational improvements.

What We’re Looking For

Essential

• NVQ Level 2 or BTEC in Professional Cookery/Hospitality (or equivalent).
• Minimum 1 year’s professional experience in a busy kitchen.
• Strong knowledge of hygiene regulations and safe food handling.
• Experience with stock control and kitchen organisation.
• Flexibility to work varied hours, including weekends and evenings.

Desirable

• Level 2 Food Safety qualification.
• First Aid at Work certification.
• Knowledge of menu planning and costing.
• Aspiring leadership skills, with the desire to grow and develop.

Why Join LED at Exeter Airport?

• A dynamic, supportive team environment.
• Opportunities to influence menus, improve workflows, and contribute ideas.
• A unique working environment with varied service demands.
• Training, development and progression opportunities within LED Community Leisure.

Team Benefits

• Annual leave starting from 23 days (pro rata), rising to 28 days with tenure, plus bank holidays
• Enhanced sickness pay scheme (after probation)
• Gym, swim, and group exercise membership
• Staff Perks Discount Card – up to 20% off at food outlets and other LED benefits
• My Staff Shop Employee Benefit Scheme – save money on shopping
• Employee Assistance Programme and counselling
• Annual leave purchase scheme
• Free bowling for you and your household at Ocean
• Free soft play for dependents of team members at Ocean
• Personal development training
• Flexible working arrangements
• Pension scheme
• Voluntary health cash plan
• Above & Beyond Award Scheme

Diversity & Inclusion

At LED Group, we value diversity and inclusion. Applications are welcome from all backgrounds and abilities—what matters most is your passion and commitment to making a positive impact.

If you’re enthusiastic about delivering unforgettable experiences and thrive in a collaborative, lively workplace, we’d love to hear from you!

Closing Date: 01/02/2026