Executive Chef

Part Of Compass Group Uk&i; London; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading catering services company in the UK is seeking an experienced Executive Chef to oversee food operations across multiple outlets. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in catering leadership, ensuring high standards of food quality and compliance. Responsibilities include managing teams, maintaining budget control, and recruiting staff. Benefits include a contributory pension scheme and opportunities for career advancement.

Benefits

Contributory pension scheme

Career development programs

Healthcare benefits

Travel discounts

Food shop discounts

Cinema ticket discounts

Cash rewards on spending

Wellness and mindfulness 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 and team development.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage catering operations across multiple kitchens.
• Ensure food safety and cleanliness across all sites.
• Oversee stock, equipment, staffing, and labour planning.
• Recruit, train, and develop catering teams.

Skills

Team management

Budget management

Food safety compliance

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Catering operations

Education

Advanced Food Hygiene qualification

Job description

Overview

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

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

Qualifications

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

About us

Part of Compass Group UK&I, ESS is the Defence, Government, and Energy services sector of Compass Group UK & Ireland. We support 250+ UK military establishments, high profile police, secure environments and government sites, along with a range of onshore and offshore facilities including platforms, drilling rigs, floatels and offices for the energy sector. We know that a friendly face makes all the difference, so we look for people who are passionate about delivering excellent customer service, at all levels, to join our teams.

Benefits

• 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