Director of Culinary Innovation and Operations

JR United Kingdom; Slough; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading catering company in the UK is seeking an Executive Chef to lead their culinary operations in Central London. The role involves menu development, budget management, and staff supervision, ensuring high-quality food service across various B&I sites. With a focus on personal development and well-being, Vacherin offers a supportive work environment with numerous employee benefits.

Benefits

Personal Development and Training opportunities

Private medical eligibility

Eye care

Family friendly support

Regular social events

Professional subscriptions

Recognition schemes and people awards

Long service awards

Discount vouchers

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a leadership role within culinary or food service operations.
• Strong culinary expertise and diverse cuisine knowledge.
• Ability to manage budgets and deliver financial results.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all culinary aspects for catering, including menu planning and execution.
• Manage kitchen operations and supervise a team of 20+ staff.
• Ensure quality control and compliance with health regulations.

Skills

Culinary expertise

Leadership skills

Communication skills

Budget management

Food safety knowledge

Ability to work under pressure

Strategic thinking

Job description

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Vacherin are committed to delivering deliciously different experiences, having fun, and conducting business with a social and environmental conscience. Due to new business growth, we are excited to be recruiting for an Executive Chef to work with us to support our wonderful B&I sites in London.

Location: Central London

Rate of pay: £65,000 - £75,000 per annum depending on experience

Working pattern: Monday - Friday with shifts usually from 6.30/7am to 3/3.30pm

We are looking for an experienced Executive Chef to oversee all culinary aspects of catering provided on sites covering both retail and hospitality, including menu planning, food preparation, staff supervision, and ensuring high-quality food and service. We are looking for an Executive Chef to manage kitchen operations, budgets, and team performance.

Key Responsibilities:

• Menu Development & Execution: Creating and implementing menus that align with client preferences, dietary requirements, and event themes.
• Kitchen Operations: Supervising all aspects of kitchen operations, including food preparation, presentation, and service.
• Staff Management: Hiring, training, scheduling, and evaluating kitchen staff. Managing a team of 20+
• Budgeting and Financial Management: Managing kitchen budgets, controlling food costs, and ensuring profitability.
• Quality Control: Ensuring consistency, quality, and presentation of all culinary offerings.
• Health and Safety Compliance: Upholding all health, safety, and sanitation standards.
• Contract Compliance: Ensuring compliance with contract terms and conditions, including service level agreements (SLAs).

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• Proven experience in a leadership role within a restaurant or food service operation, previous workplace catering experienced is preferred
• Strong culinary expertise and knowledge of various cuisines.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills.
• Ability to manage budgets and financial performance.
• Strong understanding of food safety and hygiene regulations.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple tasks simultaneously
• Strategic thinking

What's in it for you?

Working with Vacherin has its perks! People are at the heart of everything we do, so we've developed a range of benefits to keep you happy.

• Personal Development and Training opportunities
• Private medical eligibility
• Eye care
• A great wellbeing strategy – including access to our Employee Assistance Programme, salary finance
• Family friendly support
• Regular social events and communication with our leaders
• Professional subscriptions
• Recognition schemes and people awards
• Long service awards
• Access to some great high street discount vouchers

Vacherin officially formed part of CH&CO Catering Group Ltd in 2021.