Executive Chef — Multi-Site School Catering Leader

Thomas Franks Ltd; Street; On-site; GBP 68,000 - 83,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Wider wallet scheme

Free meals on duty

Volunteers leave

Enhanced family leave

Cycle to work scheme

Employee assistance programme

Job summary

Thomas Franks Ltd in Somerset seeks an experienced Executive Chef to lead a large-scale, high-profile catering operation across two buildings. You will manage a kitchen team of ~25 and deliver around 4,000 meals daily, balancing culinary excellence with strong financial and people management.

A 52-week, 7-days-a-week operation with diverse events awaits. You will drive menu development, client satisfaction and operational targets while ensuring top food safety and quality standards across staff

Qualifications

• Proven experience as an Executive Chef or senior catering leader in a large-scale operation.
• Experience delivering ~4,000 meals per day in multi-site catering.
• Strong financial, commercial and budget-management skills.
• Ability to lead and develop a 25-person kitchen team.
• Excellent communication and client relationship-management abilities.
• Capability to manage high-end banqueting and events.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a kitchen and catering team of approximately 25 employees.
• Oversee a high-volume operation producing around 4,000 meals per day.
• Deliver fresh, seasonal food across multiple kitchens and sites.
• Ensure food is cooked, displayed and served to high standards.
• Take responsibility for high-end banqueting, functions and events.
• Support menu development for client presentations.
• Deliver catering across two buildings and support evenings and Saturdays.
• Maximise income and achieve client budgets and financial targets.
• Own the Catering Department's financial performance including budgets and stock.
• Review weekly financial and operational performance and address variances.
• Prepare end-of-month accounts with the Operations Manager.
• Manage labour, rotas, payroll, overtime and agency costs.
• Develop onsite marketing initiatives (min two promotions per month).
• Build and maintain client relationships through regular meetings.
• Keep stakeholders informed of progress and results.
• Recruit swiftly to fill vacancies per company procedures.
• Lead, train and mentor the catering team in skills and careers.
• Create a positive, inclusive working environment.
• Handle customer feedback professionally and promptly.
• Maintain highest Health & Safety, food safety and hygiene standards.
• Report and manage accidents, hazards and maintenance.
• Keep compliance documents and location packs up to date.

Skills

Executive Chef leadership

Large-scale operation

Multi-site experience

High-volume food production

Banqueting experience

Kitchen team leadership

Budget management

Food costs & stock control

Sales targeting

Staff training & development

Client relationship management

Operational leadership

Education

Level 3 Food Safety qualification

Job description

Thomas Franks Ltd in Somerset seeks an experienced Executive Chef to lead a large-scale, high-profile catering operation across two buildings. You will manage a kitchen team of ~25 and deliver around 4,000 meals daily, balancing culinary excellence with strong financial and people management.

A 52-week, 7-days-a-week operation with diverse events awaits. You will drive menu development, client satisfaction and operational targets while ensuring top food safety and quality standards across staff