Executive Head Chef

Lexington Independents; Greater London; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking company as an Executive Chef, where your culinary skills and leadership will shine. This role emphasizes the importance of providing high-quality, nutritious meals for students, ensuring their wellbeing through exceptional food service. You will lead a dedicated team, focusing on operational excellence and financial growth while adhering to safety and environmental standards. Enjoy a supportive work culture that values flexibility, career progression, and comprehensive wellbeing benefits, making a real difference in the lives of young people.

Benefits

FREE On-Site Lunches

Flexible Working

Term Time Holidays

Family Leave

Paid Charity Leave

Opportunities for Career Progression

Comprehensive Wellbeing Benefits

Life Assurance & Pension Schemes

Exclusive Discounts & Perks

Qualifications

• Proven leadership ability with a proactive, hands-on approach.
• At least 2 years experience as an Executive Chef or Sous Chef.

Responsibilities

• Manage and support a catering team for efficient service.
• Ensure compliance with food safety and legal regulations.

Skills

Leadership

Customer Service

Catering Experience

Chef Skills

Job description

This role based at Paddington Academy sits within our Education division, catering for students. We are dedicated to providing high-quality, nutritious, fresh, and sustainable food for our younger generation, and we are 100% committed to supporting a healthy diet. At Lexington Independents, we believe that young people deserve and need the best food for their wellbeing; we do food with a difference.

Lexington Independents is committed to safeguarding children and colleagues. Candidates shortlisted for this role will be required to undergo an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, including the Children's Barred List, along with two suitable references.

Our way of saying thank you...

At Lexington Independents, we strive to ensure that our colleagues feel appreciated and rewarded, which is why we offer generous benefits in exchange for your dedicated efforts:

• FREE On-Site Lunches: Delicious and healthy meals on us, every day at work
• Flexible Working: Enjoy the freedom to balance work and personal life with flexible hours
• Term Time Holidays: Offering flexibility during school holidays
• Family Leave: Support for your family commitments during important times
• Paid Charity Leave: Paid time off to volunteer for causes you care about
• Opportunities for Career Progression: Grow and advance your career with ongoing learning and development
• Comprehensive Wellbeing Benefits: Mental health support and wellbeing programs
• Life Assurance & Pension Schemes: Secure your future with our life assurance and pension plans
• Exclusive Discounts & Perks: Discounts on entertainment, leisure activities, cashback offers, and our cycle-to-work scheme

What you’ll be doing…

As an Executive Chef, you will proactively manage and support a catering team, creating a platform for financial growth through cost control and culinary excellence.

• Recruit, train, support, and develop staff to deliver efficient, high-quality service to Elior UK, customers, and clients
• Maintain, order, and control food stocks within budget
• Ensure ongoing team communication, build internal and external relationships, manage reporting, and liaise with clients to enable operational excellence
• Be accountable for COSHH, Food Safety, H&S, legal regulations, environmental policies, and duty of care to customers and colleagues

What can you bring?

• Proven leadership ability with a proactive, hands-on approach
• Genuine interest in customer service excellence
• Focus on the front line
• Catering experience essential, with chef skills
• At least 2 years experience as an Executive Chef or Sous Chef, ready for the next step