Executive Head Chef

The University of Manchester; Greater London; On-site; GBP 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK university is seeking an Executive Head Chef to provide culinary leadership and create innovative food concepts. You will drive commercial growth and ensure compliance with food safety standards while leading a high-performing culinary team. Ideal candidates will have proven experience in multi-site operations and exceptional stakeholder management skills. Enjoy generous annual leave, professional development, and employee benefits at an institution dedicated to quality and excellence.

Benefits

Generous annual leave of 34 days

Pension scheme with employer contributions

Subsidised car parking

Tax relief on childcare

Access to exclusive employee benefits

Qualifications

• Proven experience as an Executive or Senior Head Chef in a multi-site hospitality operation.
• Strong track record in culinary strategy, innovation, and sustainability.
• Exceptional leadership and stakeholder management skills.
• Financial and commercial acumen with experience in cost control and performance analysis.
• Level 4 Food Hygiene certification and professional cookery qualifications.
• In-depth knowledge of HACCP and food compliance frameworks.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills.
• IT literacy and familiarity with hospitality management systems.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a long-term food strategy that aligns with the University's objectives.
• Drive commercial growth using insights and trends.
• Lead strategic planning for food production infrastructure.
• Oversee food safety and HACCP compliance.
• Implement systems for cost control and financial performance monitoring.
• Build and lead a culinary leadership team.
• Represent HospitalityOnCampus at events and forums.
• Drive projects to enhance efficiency and profitability.

Job description

Job Title

Executive Head Chef

Location

Oxford Road, Manchester

Salary

54,683 per year

Job type

Full Time, Permanent. 40 hours per week, working 5 out of 7 days

Closing date

26 / 01 / 2026

About this Role

Are you a visionary culinary leader ready to shape the future of hospitality at one of the UK's leading universities? We're seeking an Executive Head Chef to provide strategic leadership and culinary direction for HospitalityOnCampus. This is central to shaping and delivering a progressive culinary strategy that prioritizes creativity, sustainability, and excellence across multiple sites. You'll play a pivotal role in ensuring that HospitalityOnCampus reflects the University's values through innovative food concepts, quality, and service, while driving commercial growth, enhancing brand reputation, and delivering outstanding customer experiences.

Key Responsibilities

• Shape Culinary Vision : Develop and implement a long-term food strategy that aligns with the University's Hospitality & Events objectives, championing creativity, sustainability, and innovation.
• Drive Commercial Growth : using insights and trends to influence menu design, pricing strategies, and customer engagement.
• Plan for Future Capability : Lead strategic planning for food production infrastructure and resources to meet evolving business needs and expansion opportunities.
• Governance & Compliance : Oversee food safety, allergen management, and HACCP systems, ensuring proactive compliance and audit readiness.
• Financial Leadership : Implement robust systems for cost control, stock accountability, and financial performance monitoring to achieve strategic targets.
• Talent Development : Build and lead a high-performing culinary leadership team, embedding succession planning and continuous professional development.
• Brand & Stakeholder Engagement : Represent HospitalityOnCampus at tastings, events, and industry forums to strengthen partnerships and elevate the University's hospitality profile.
• Continuous Improvement : Drive cross-functional projects to enhance efficiency, sustainability, and profitability across the Hospitality & Events portfolio.

The Conferences, Hospitality and Venues division at The University of Manchester delivers a comprehensive range of services across the campus. We provide year-round hospitality to university departments and clients, alongside bespoke catering and event support for national and international conferences held at multiple venues. Our portfolio includes two restaurants and four cafés, each dedicated to delivering outstanding service and memorable experiences that reflect the University's commitment to quality and excellence.

About You

• Proven experience as an Executive or Senior Head Chef in a multi-site hospitality operation, ideally including central production and satellite kitchens
• A strong track record in culinary strategy, innovation, and sustainability.
• Exceptional leadership and stakeholder management skills.
• Financial and commercial acumen, with experience in cost control and performance analysis.
• Level 4 Food Hygiene certification and professional cookery qualifications (minimum City & Guilds 706 / 3 or equivalent).
• In-depth knowledge of HACCP and food compliance frameworks.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills.
• IT literacy and familiarity with hospitality management systems.

What You'll Get in Return

• You'll feel valued at The University of Manchester, receiving access to exclusive rewards and benefits including :
• Generous annual leave, starting at 34 days (inc. Bank Holidays)
• Annual closure for Christmas and New Year
• A pension scheme with generous employer contributions.
• Subsidised car parking and tax relief on childcare.
• A strong commitment to personal and career development, as well as well-being and mental health.
• Access to Purple Place - our colleague benefits platform, including exclusive electric vehicle schemes.

As an equal opportunities employer we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, sex, gender (or gender identity), ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments are made on merit.

Please note that we anticipate shortlisting will take place week commencing 5th February, with interviews being held from the 16th February. These dates are subject to change.

This vacancy will close for applications at midnight on the closing date.

Please click APPLY to be redirected to our website to complete an application form.

Candidates with experience or relevant job titles of; Head Chef, Catering Manager, Experienced Chef, Qualified Chef, Head Cook, Senior Chef, Executive Chef, Senior Cook, Experienced Cook, may also be considered.