Employee Dining Executive Head Chef

Compass Group; Greater London; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading hospitality services provider in Canary Wharf seeks an experienced Executive Chef to oversee a high-volume staff dining operation. This role focuses on delivering quality food consistently for up to 1,700 covers daily and leading a team of chefs. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in kitchen leadership, menu planning, and staff development, with a passion for fresh cuisine. Benefits include a free gym, pension scheme, career growth opportunities, and exclusive discounts.

Benefits

Free on-site gym

Contributory pension scheme

Career development programmes

Digital GP access

Travel discounts

Grocery shopping discounts

Cinema ticket discounts

Cash rewards

Wellness and exercise classes

Qualifications

• Previous experience as a Head Chef or Executive Chef in a high-volume environment.
• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Organised, structured, and calm under pressure.
• Passion for fresh, well-executed food.

Responsibilities

• Overall leadership of the kitchen operation.
• Menu planning and delivery for high-volume service.
• Consistent food quality across breakfast and lunch.
• Cost control, stock management, and GP.
• Training, mentoring, and developing the chef team.
• Ensuring food safety, H&S, and compliance standards.
• Liaising with senior site stakeholders.

Skills

Leadership

Food quality control

Menu planning

Cost control

Training and mentoring

Job description

Executive Chef - Employee Dining
Location: Canary Wharf, London
Salary: Up to £60,000 per annum
Hours: 40 hours per week, Monday-Friday
Working hours: Between 6:00am - 5:00pm

The role

We are seeking an experienced Executive Chef to lead a high-volume staff dining operation in Canary Wharf. This is a Monday-Friday role with excellent work-life balance, overseeing a fast-paced kitchen serving up to 1,700 covers per day.

Operation overview

• Staff dining restaurant
• Breakfast service: 7:30am - 10:00am
• Lunch service: 11:30am - 2:00pm
• High-volume, fresh-food-led kitchen

Team structure

• Executive Chef leading the operation
• 2 Sous Chefs reporting into the role
• Wider brigade of 9 chefs

Key responsibilities

• Overall leadership of the kitchen operation
• Menu planning and delivery for high-volume service
• Consistent food quality across breakfast and lunch
• Cost control, stock management, and GP
• Training, mentoring, and developing the chef team
• Ensuring food safety, H&S, and compliance standards
• Liaising with senior site stakeholders

The ideal candidate

• Previous experience as a Head Chef or Executive Chef in a high-volume environment
• Strong leadership and people management skills
• Organised, structured, and calm under pressure
• Passion for fresh, well-executed food

We ensure you're rewarded for all your hard work, which is why we offer a comprehensive benefits package which includes but is not limited to:

• Free on-site gym
• Contributory pension scheme
• Grow your career with our Career Pathways and MyLearning programmes
• Quick access for you and your immediate family to a Digital GP, and wider healthcare benefits
• Exclusive travel discounts with TUI, Expedia, Booking.com and many more
• Save money on your food shop with discounts on Tesco, Sainsbury's, Morrisons and many more
• Up to 44% off cinema tickets to enjoy your favourite blockbuster
• Receive cash rewards every time you spend and use them on a wide range of brands
• Un‑wind with us with free wellness, mindfulness and exercise classes
• You can share all discounts and offers with your friends and families

About Us

Restaurant Associates provides brilliant hospitality through our food, drink and services. We work with our partners and collaborate with our clients to achieve great things together. Every day, our teams of passionate hospitality professionals strive for excellence in delivering employee dining and hospitality to some of the UK's leading workplace as well as inspiring exceptional experiences in iconic cultural and heritage destinations.

Job Reference: com/2801/97901001/52786057/R/SU #RA Group

Compass Group UK&I is committed to fostering an environment where every individual can truly be themselves at work and has equal opportunities to advance in their careers. We strive to build a culture that respects and celebrates the unique talents, beliefs, backgrounds, and abilities of all our team members. We want our colleagues to feel valued, empowered to reach their full potential, and to thrive - because diversity is our strength!