Executive Chef – Education Catering Leader (Midlands)

Compass Group UK; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 54,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance bonus

Pension scheme

PerksAtWork benefits

Career progression

Job summary

Chartwells, part of Compass Group UK & Ireland, seeks an Executive Chef to lead culinary operations across a midlands portfolio of state school contracts. You will set standards, mentor Chef Managers and drive innovation and profitability at scale.

The role requires leadership of multiple sites, development of nutritious menus, and strong financial and stakeholder management to enhance meal participation and overall client satisfaction.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as Executive Chef or senior culinary leader.
• Experience across multiple school catering operations.
• Strong understanding of nutrition, allergens, and school food standards.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Ability to drive cost control and profitability across sites.

Responsibilities

• Lead culinary teams across multiple school sites.
• Develop nutritious, seasonal menus aligned with standards.
• Drive quality, presentation and consistency across sites.
• Coach and develop Chef Managers and teams.
• Ensure food safety and allergen management compliance.
• Analyse costs, labour and wastage to maximise efficiency.
• Support growth strategies and increase meal participation.
• Represent Chartwells in client presentations and tenders.
• Champion innovation and sustainability in the region.
• Build relationships with school leaders and stakeholders.

Skills

Executive leadership

Multi-site leadership

Financial acumen

Stakeholder management

Nutrition & food safety

Job description

Chartwells, part of Compass Group UK & Ireland, seeks an Executive Chef to lead culinary operations across a midlands portfolio of state school contracts. You will set standards, mentor Chef Managers and drive innovation and profitability at scale.

The role requires leadership of multiple sites, development of nutritious menus, and strong financial and stakeholder management to enhance meal participation and overall client satisfaction.