Regional Culinary Director — Multi-Site Kitchen Leader

Maki & Ramen; Slough; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

MAKI & RAMEN is seeking a high-calibre Multi-Site Executive Chef to lead culinary operations across London and the South. You will drive food quality, consistency, and commercial performance, working with Head Chefs and senior teams to roll out menus and establish robust kitchen systems.

Travel across sites is required, with a focus on expanding the group’s kitchen leadership and openings. This is a hands-on, leadership role that balances culinary ambition with business results.

Qualifications

• At least 2 years' experience in a senior multi-site culinary role within a restaurant group or established chain.
• Proven responsibility for multiple high-volume kitchens.
• Strong experience leading and developing Head Chefs and senior kitchen teams.
• Excellent commercial understanding of food cost, GP, labour, waste, stock and kitchen profitability.
• Experience supporting new restaurant openings would be highly advantageous.
• Hands-on leadership style with ability to move between strategy and on-ground support.
• Willingness to travel regularly between sites.

Responsibilities

• Lead food and kitchen performance across multiple restaurants.
• Coach, challenge and develop Head Chefs and senior kitchen teams.
• Drive consistency in food quality, recipes, presentation, portioning and execution.
• Manage food cost, GP, labour, stock, ordering and waste across portfolio.
• Identify underperforming kitchens and implement practical improvement plans.
• Develop and test new dishes and roll menus out across sites.
• Establish kitchen systems, SOPs, and standards across the group.
• Support recruitment, training and succession planning for kitchen leadership.
• Maintain excellent food safety, allergen, hygiene and H&S standards.
• Support openings from mobilisation through to launch and stabilisation.
• Spend time in restaurants observing service and operations.
• Collaborate with leadership on growth and menu strategy.

Skills

Multi-site culinary leadership

Head Chefs leadership

Food cost management

Menu development

Food safety & H&S

Job description

MAKI & RAMEN is seeking a high-calibre Multi-Site Executive Chef to lead culinary operations across London and the South. You will drive food quality, consistency, and commercial performance, working with Head Chefs and senior teams to roll out menus and establish robust kitchen systems.

Travel across sites is required, with a focus on expanding the group’s kitchen leadership and openings. This is a hands-on, leadership role that balances culinary ambition with business results.