Executive Head Chef - Education Catering Leader

Compass Group UK; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension scheme

Career Pathways

Learning & development programmes

Discounts

Job summary

Chartwells, part of Compass Group UK & Ireland, is seeking an inspirational Executive Head Chef to lead culinary excellence across our Midlands education catering portfolio. You will shape menus, nurture teams, and champion fresh, nutritious dining for hundreds of pupils each day within primary and secondary schools.

The role requires strategic leadership across multiple sites, coaching Chef Managers, driving innovation, maintaining rigorous food safety standards, cost control, and strong client

Qualifications

• Significant experience operating at Head Chef, Executive Chef or Area Chef level.
• Multi-site catering experience within education, contract catering, hospitality or foodservice environments.
• Strong leadership experience managing and developing teams.
• Excellent culinary skills and a passion for fresh food.
• Sound commercial awareness and budget management experience.
• Strong knowledge of food safety, allergen management and compliance.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• The ability to inspire teams and drive a culture of continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire catering teams across multiple school locations.
• Drive food quality, innovation and menu development in line with Chartwells' nutritional standards.
• Coach, mentor and develop Chef Managers and culinary teams.
• Ensure full compliance with food safety, allergen management and health & safety regulations.
• Support new business mobilisation, retention and client relationships.
• Monitor food costs, gross profit performance and wastage controls.
• Deliver culinary training and best practice workshops.
• Support schools with hospitality events, themed promotions and engagement activities.

Skills

Head Chef level

Multi-site catering

Team leadership

Culinary expertise

Budget management

Food safety

Stakeholder management

Change leadership

Job description

Chartwells, part of Compass Group UK & Ireland, is seeking an inspirational Executive Head Chef to lead culinary excellence across our Midlands education catering portfolio. You will shape menus, nurture teams, and champion fresh, nutritious dining for hundreds of pupils each day within primary and secondary schools.

The role requires strategic leadership across multiple sites, coaching Chef Managers, driving innovation, maintaining rigorous food safety standards, cost control, and strong client