Lead Food Architect

ISS Facility Services; Sworton Heath; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A facility management company is looking for an Executive Head Chef to join their team in Knutsford. In this role, you will oversee daily kitchen operations, ensuring high standards of food quality and safety. Responsibilities include leading a dynamic team, managing costs, and delivering innovative dining experiences. The ideal candidate will have strong leadership skills and a cookery qualification. This is an exciting opportunity to influence culinary direction within a renowned organization.

Qualifications

• Experience in contract catering or strong chefs with administrative skills.
• Proven leadership skills in kitchen operations.
• Innovative and proactive in leading a dynamic team.

Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality food and drink experiences.
• Maintain a safe kitchen environment.
• Lead and inspire a motivated team.

Skills

Leadership

Food Safety Compliance

Communication

Cost Control

Innovative Thinking

Education

SCQF Level 8 cookery qualification

Job description

ISS Executive Head Chef

Location: Knutsford, WA16 9EU

Hours of work: 40

Contract Type: Permanent

We're looking for an Executive Head Chef to take a leading role in delivering an exceptional culinary experience across the Campus. Reporting to the Food Experience Lead, you'll oversee the craft team daily, ensuring the highest standards of food quality, safety, and presentation.

This is a rare opportunity to join one of ISS's flagship accounts in a truly unique role.

Job Description

With a hands-on approach and a creative mindset, you'll inspire your team to deliver excellence, shape trend-setting food moments, and play a key role in high-profile events. You'll also support the delivery of the Campus food strategy, champion a 'One Team' culture, and ensure compliance with health, safety, and financial standards. Passionate about food and innovation, you'll bring energy, leadership, and vision to create memorable experiences that go beyond expectations.

Key Responsibilities

1. Deliver consistently high-quality food and drink experiences that align with brand standards and create a lasting positive impression.
2. Maintain a safe, compliant kitchen environment by upholding health, safety, and food standards, ensuring audit readiness at all times.
3. Lead and inspire a motivated team through effective training, recognition, and clear communication to drive service excellence and wellbeing.
4. Control labour, stock, and production costs by managing schedules, adhering to recipes, and applying financial procedures to meet business targets.
5. Collaborate with internal teams to design and deliver innovative, trend-focused campus events and experiences that exceed customer expectations.

About ISS

ISS is a world-leading workplace and facility management company, connecting people and places to make the world work better. We understand every aspect of the user experience, working closely with our customers to achieve their purpose, whether in hospitals, businesses, or airports. We are committed to doing business responsibly and fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce.

We offer a challenging and exciting career in an organization that values people. Everyone at ISS has the opportunity to develop, grow, and make a difference. We are proud to be a Disability Confident (Level 2) employer and promote inclusive hiring practices.

If you have questions about this role, please contact the Resourcing Team by email. For more information or to join our Talent community, please follow the provided links.

Minimum Requirements

• Experience in contract catering preferred, but strong chefs with solid administrative skills will be considered.
• Minimum SCQF Level 8 (or equivalent) cookery qualification.
• Proven leadership skills in kitchen operations, service excellence, and team engagement.
• Experience in large-scale, high-end catering and/or fast casual food service outlets.
• IT literate with excellent communication skills.
• Innovative, proactive, and confident in leading a dynamic team.
• Strong problem-solving skills with a track record of exceeding client expectations.