Executive Head Chef - Croydon

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

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking an Executive Head Chef to lead culinary innovation and maintain high standards in food preparation. This role offers a unique opportunity to showcase your culinary skills while managing a dynamic kitchen environment. You'll be responsible for overseeing food production, ensuring quality, and engaging with customers to enhance their dining experience. With a focus on personal growth and development, this position promises a rewarding career path in the contract catering sector. Join a company that values diversity and fosters an inclusive culture, where your contributions will make a significant impact.

Benefits

Free meals

Free on-site gym and pool

Onsite free car parking

Contributory pension scheme

Growth opportunities

Digital GP access

Travel discounts

Grocery discounts

Cinema ticket discounts

Cash rewards for spending

Qualifications

• Proven experience as an Executive Chef catering for large numbers.
• Strong personality with excellent people skills to lead and inspire a team.
• Knowledge of food innovation and current trends.

Responsibilities

• Plan, organize, and oversee food preparation and cooking.
• Ensure the company's reputation for quality is maintained.
• Implement food monitoring procedures to control costs.

Skills

Culinary Skills

Leadership

Food Safety Knowledge

Customer Service

Financial Understanding

Organizational Skills

Communication Skills

Innovation in Food Trends

Job description

We ensure you're rewarded for all your hard work, which is why we offer a comprehensive benefits package including, but not limited to:

• Monday to Friday, 7am to 3pm (very occasional Saturday and weekend overtime)
• Free meals
• Free on-site gym and pool
• Onsite free car parking
• Contributory pension scheme
• Growth opportunities through our Career Pathways and MyLearning programmes
• Quick access to a Digital GP and wider healthcare benefits for you and your immediate family
• Exclusive travel discounts with TUI, Expedia, Booking.com, and others
• Discounts on groceries at Tesco, Sainsbury's, Morrisons, and more
• Up to 44% off cinema tickets
• Cash rewards for spending, redeemable across various brands
• Free wellness, mindfulness, and exercise classes
• Share discounts and offers with friends and family

What you'll be doing:

As the Executive Head Chef, you will be a food ambassador for Compass, innovating our food offerings and staying current with food trends. This role offers a fantastic opportunity for an inspiring and enthusiastic chef to build their reputation in the contract catering industry.

We provide support and development to help you grow within our business, alongside a competitive salary.

More about the role:

The Executive Chef will plan, organize, and oversee food preparation and cooking, ensuring the company's reputation for quality is maintained with students, staff, and visitors. You will adopt a hands-on approach, taking responsibility for all food production, including employee dining and pop-up events. You should have a strong drive for quality and innovation, be responsible for food safety, health & safety, and COSHH, and implement food monitoring procedures to control costs and monitor kitchen expenses against budgets.

Who you are:

• Proven experience as an Executive Chef, catering for large numbers while providing personalized meals
• Strong personality with excellent people skills to lead, develop, train, and inspire a team
• Passion for food and customer service, with enthusiasm and a focus on customer engagement
• Knowledge of food innovation and current trends
• Effective communication skills at all levels
• Exceptional culinary skills
• Good financial understanding
• High standards and quality-driven mindset
• Excellent organizational skills
• A proactive 'Can do' attitude

About Us:

As part of Compass, you'll help feed people, fuel progress, and forge connections across approximately 6,000 venues. Join us to grow your career with the industry leader, enjoying competitive pay, great perks, and unmatched learning and development opportunities at one of the UK's largest businesses.

Job Reference: com/1004/41692001/52732384/SU #Independent

Compass Group UK&I is committed to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone can be themselves and has equal opportunities for career advancement. We celebrate diversity and aim to create a culture where all team members feel valued, empowered, and able to thrive—because diversity is our strength!