Head Chef: Lead Culinary Innovation & Team Growth

Compass Group UK; Canterbury; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Subsidised meals

Subsidised car parking

Contributory pension scheme

Career development programmes

Healthcare benefits and wellbeing

Job summary

Compass Group UK&I in the universities sector seeks an experienced Head Chef to lead culinary teams and deliver outstanding food using fresh ingredients. You will plan, organise, and direct preparation to uphold our reputation for quality with clients and customers alike.

The role requires hands-on leadership, strong budgeting and food-cost control, and a passion for culinary excellence. Join a leading food service provider offering progression, a competitive benefits package, and a dynamic

Qualifications

• Excellent and innovative culinary and presentation skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Energetic with a passion to do a great job.
• Able to manage staff in a calm, inspirational manner.
• A forward-thinker who can prevent wastage.
• Demonstrates a passion for food.
• Team player and highly organised.
• Numerate with understanding of budgeting and food costing.

Responsibilities

• Plan, organise and direct the preparation and cooking to maintain quality.
• Take responsibility for food production with a hands-on approach.
• Drive sales through central menu planning and promotions.
• Manage all aspects of food safety, HS and COSHH.
• Monitor costs and budgets to ensure target margins are met.

Skills

Culinary excellence

Communication

Staff leadership

Waste prevention

Financial awareness

Menu planning

Food costing

Organisational skills

Tools

POS systems

Computer literacy

Job description

Compass Group UK&I in the universities sector seeks an experienced Head Chef to lead culinary teams and deliver outstanding food using fresh ingredients. You will plan, organise, and direct preparation to uphold our reputation for quality with clients and customers alike.

The role requires hands-on leadership, strong budgeting and food-cost control, and a passion for culinary excellence. Join a leading food service provider offering progression, a competitive benefits package, and a dynamic