Executive Head Chef | Multi-Site School Dining Leader

Chartwells Schools; West Midlands; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company pension scheme

Career development through CompassCARE

Learning and development programmes

Perks at Work discounts and employee

Job summary

Chartwells, part of Compass Group UK & Ireland, seeks an inspirational Executive Head Chef to lead culinary operations across our Midlands state school portfolio. You will drive food innovation, mentor Chef Managers and teams, and ensure outstanding pupil dining experiences.

As Executive Head Chef, you will provide culinary leadership across multiple school locations, uphold nutrition, compliance and customer satisfaction, and collaborate with Operations Managers to achieve commercial

Qualifications

• Experience at Head Chef/Executive/Area Chef level.
• Multi-site education/contract catering background.
• Strong leadership and people management abilities.
• Excellent culinary skills with passion for fresh food.
• Sound commercial awareness including budget management.
• Good knowledge of food safety, allergens and compliance.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management.
• Ability to inspire teams and drive continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire catering teams across multiple school locations.
• Drive food quality, innovation and menu development.
• Coach and develop Chef Managers and culinary teams.
• Ensure food safety, allergen management and health & safety compliance.
• Support new business mobilisation, retention and client relationships.
• Monitor food costs, gross profit and wastage controls.
• Deliver culinary training and best practice workshops.
• Support schools with hospitality events and pupil engagement.

Skills

Head/Executive/Area Chef experience

Multi-site leadership

People management

Culinary excellence

Budget awareness

Food safety & compliance

Stakeholder management

Change and coaching

Job description

Chartwells, part of Compass Group UK & Ireland, seeks an inspirational Executive Head Chef to lead culinary operations across our Midlands state school portfolio. You will drive food innovation, mentor Chef Managers and teams, and ensure outstanding pupil dining experiences.

As Executive Head Chef, you will provide culinary leadership across multiple school locations, uphold nutrition, compliance and customer satisfaction, and collaborate with Operations Managers to achieve commercial