Executive Chef

Compass Group; Greater London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK catering firm is looking for an experienced Executive Chef to lead food operations across multiple outlets. The role involves managing catering operations, ensuring the highest standards of food quality and compliance, and developing teams. Ideal candidates will have a minimum of 2 years in a leadership role, excellent communication skills, and a passion for food service. Competitive benefits package offered including health benefits, career development programs, and various discounts.

Benefits

Contributory pension scheme

Career development programs

Digital GP access

Travel discounts

Grocery discounts

Cinema ticket discounts

Cash rewards

Wellness classes

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years in a Head Chef or similar leadership role.
• Proven ability to manage teams and deliver against budgets.
• Strong IT skills and understanding of compliance procedures.
• Passion for food, service excellence, and team development.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage catering operations across multiple kitchens.
• Ensure food safety, health & safety compliance across all sites.
• Deliver consistent food quality and service.
• Oversee stock, equipment, staffing, and labour planning.
• Recruit, train, and develop catering teams.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Organizational skills

Food quality management

Team development

Education

Advanced Food Hygiene qualification

Job description

Are you an experienced catering leader with a passion for food, service, and people? We're looking for aExecutive Chef to lead food operations across multiple outlets, ensuring high standards, customer satisfaction, and compliance with safety and contractual requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage catering operations across multiple kitchens and hospitality services
• Ensure food safety, health & safety compliance, and cleanliness across all sites
• Deliver consistent food quality and service, meeting client expectations
• Oversee stock, equipment, staffing, and labour planning
• Recruit, train, and develop catering teams and apprentices
• Maintain budget control, manage suppliers, and drive continuous improvement
• Role model company values and support innovation in menu development

What We're Looking For

• Minimum 2 years in a Head Chef or similar leadership role
• Proven ability to manage teams and deliver against budgets
• Excellent communication and organisational skills
• Strong IT skills and understanding of compliance procedures
• Passion for food, service excellence, and team development
• Flexible, self-motivated, and hands‑on approach

Desirable

• Experience managing multiple outlets
• Advanced Food Hygiene qualification
• Menu development and innovation experience
• Membership of a professional body (e.g., Craft Guild of Chefs)

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:

• 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

As part of Compass you'll help to feed people, fuel progress and forge connections in around 6,000 venues. Join us to grow your career with the industry leader, and get competitive pay, great perks and unrivaled opportunities for learning and development, at one of the UK's biggest businesses.

Job Reference: com/0801/43458001/52783624/SU #One Retail

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!