Executive Chef

Cook Trading Limited; Sittingbourne; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a dynamic culinary team as an Executive Chef at a family-owned B Corp, where you’ll lead a passionate group dedicated to creating delicious food with love and care. This role offers the chance to shape kitchen operations, mentor future talent, and promote sustainable practices in a supportive environment. Enjoy a range of benefits including free meals, paid leave for special occasions, and the opportunity to be part of a business that values community and sustainability. If you’re ready to make a difference and grow with a company that cares, we want to hear from you!

Benefits

Free cooked-from-fresh lunch

Free parking

Paid leave for birthdays

Staff profit share

Smart Spending discounts

Team meals and events

B-Corp certification benefits

Qualifications

• Lead a passionate team to deliver high-quality food.
• Ensure compliance with food safety and quality standards.

Responsibilities

• Manage kitchen operations and maintain a positive environment.
• Collaborate with teams to ensure food safety and quality.

Skills

Team Leadership

Food Safety

Communication Skills

Problem Solving

Education

Qualification in Catering

Food Safety Level 3

Job description

Location: Sittingbourne, Kent - COOK Pastry & Pies

Hours: Monday to Friday - 8am - 4pm

Join Our Chef Team!

As an Executive Chef at COOK, you’ll lead a team of passionate Prep, Mix, Weigh, and Kitchen Chefs who care deeply about making delicious food the right way — with love, by hand, and to an incredible standard. You’ll help us build Britain’s Best Kitchen, grow remarkable people, and bring our values to life every day.

The Role

1. Lead your team to deliver to specifications, on budget, with care and consistency.
2. Use systems and processes to track stock, recipes, and batch control.
3. Collaborate with Engineering to keep equipment in top shape and plan for future needs.
4. Maintain engagement in Food Safety, HACCP, and quality standards — and take necessary actions.
5. Support your team’s wellbeing and development through monthly 1-to-1s, recognition, and open conversations.
6. Ensure the kitchen is safe, clean, and a positive environment for growth.
7. Work with the Technical team to ensure food safety and low allergen risks.
8. Set the standard for food quality, consistency, and presentation — every tray matters.
9. Lead problem-solving, recipe improvements, and assist in launching new products.
10. Promote zero waste and sustainable cooking practices.
11. Contribute to the leadership team by helping shape kitchen operations.
12. Bring energy, joy, and positive vibes to the kitchen daily.
13. Celebrate achievements, run engaging team huddles, and motivate your team.
14. Maintain open, fun, and meaningful communication.
15. Be visible, hands-on, and approachable within the kitchen environment.
16. Collaborate with fellow KECs to share best practices and foster team spirit across sites.
17. Support the Ops Academy and identify future talent.

Good to Have

• Qualification in catering or equivalent experience
• Food Safety Level 3
• Experience in team and individual leadership
• Good communication skills and IT proficiency

If you tick most of these boxes but not all—don’t stress. We’re all about potential.

Benefits include

• Free cooked-from-fresh lunch for all employees
• Free parking
• Paid leave for birthdays, moving house, becoming a grandparent, or child's first day at school
• Staff profit share
• Access to CookieJar Smart Spending discounts and free food perks
• Team meals, events, and away days
• Being part of a B-Corp-certified business that values sustainability, people, and community

And many more.

Based in Sittingbourne at our COOK Pies & Pastry Kitchen

What Cook is About

We’re a proudly independent, family-owned B Corp, which means we care deeply. About our food, our people, and doing the right thing—even when it’s not the easiest path.

Our vision for COOK is to be a place where EVERYONE feels welcome and belongs. We value different roles, abilities, and personalities. By collaborating, we can achieve remarkable things. If you want to grow with COOK, please apply.