Executive Chef

Executive Chef

Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the kitchen team, create innovative menus, and ensure high food quality.
  • Company: Join Compass Group UK&I, a diverse company that values every individual's unique talents.
  • Benefits: Enjoy discounts on travel, groceries, cinema tickets, and wellness classes.
  • Why this job: Be part of a creative culinary environment with opportunities for career growth and innovation.
  • Qualifications: 2+ years culinary education and 5+ years experience in a similar role required.
  • Other info: We celebrate diversity and empower our team members to thrive.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

We ensure you're rewarded for all your hard work, which is why we offer a comprehensive benefits package which includes but is not limited to:

  • Contributory pension scheme
  • Grow your career with our Career Pathways and MyLearning programmes
  • Quick access for you and your immediate family to a Digital GP, and wider healthcare benefits
  • Exclusive travel discounts with TUI, Expedia, Booking.com and many more
  • Save money on your food shop with discounts on Tesco, Sainsbury's, Morrisons and many more
  • Up to 44% off cinema tickets to enjoy your favourite blockbuster
  • Receive cash rewards every time you spend and use them on a wide range of brands
  • Un-wind with us with free wellness, mindfulness and exercise classes
  • You can share all discounts and offers with your friends and families

Role Details

  • Creating an overall vision and plan for the food outlets.
  • Designing innovative menus with the management teams support to suit the theme of the outlets.
  • Designing dish rotation to fit the menu and keeping customers returning to try new offers
  • Developing menus and item pricing
  • Sourcing ingredients for the menus, and keeping stock levels fully up-to-date
  • Keeping the kitchen fully equipped with all the tools and inventory
  • Ensuring that the quality of food is consistently high and that hygiene standards are exceeded
  • Organising, employing, training new staff and motivating staff in the kitchen and on the restaurant floor
  • Organising budgets and finances for the kitchen
  • Assisting kitchen staff with food prep and dish creation
  • Purchasing food and supplies from vendors approved by the company. The post-holder oversees the professional and line management of the Chef team and has responsibility for driving up the standards of the catering offer through innovation and positive change. This post is predominantly craft based, working alongside the Chefs daily to develop individuals and improve the catering provision. There should be a clear vision for the future services offered, in all locations from core feeding, pop ups, coffee shops, franchise partners and hospitality events, and to deliver food presentation and service in an exciting and modern way.

Executive Chef Role Requirements:

  • Excellent knowledge of culinary ingredients and practices
  • Technical cooking skills
  • Creative skills
  • Proven leadership skills and the ability to motivate staff
  • Ability to delegate tasks
  • Organisational and administrative skills
  • To lead, demonstrate and deliver the highest of food standards in keeping with the companies' principles.
  • To align yourself to the Contract Manager to identify objectives for their business. These will be culinary based and focused on enhancing food quality and driving consistency across the Contract.
  • Roll out the food concepts, offers and innovative ideas that are developed with the National Exec Chef.
  • To lead in the overall food operational duties, encouraging and directing any in unit lead chef roles.
  • To support the operations teams and location managers in delivery of quality food standards.
  • To control and achieve agreed financial targets whilst maximising all commercial opportunities.
  • To train, identify and support the development of chefs across the Kitchens you manage.
  • To ensure that customers are given a prompt and efficient service, and expectations are consistently exceeded.
  • To ensure all food is cooked, presented, and served in line with company standards, demonstrating innovation in the method and style of presentation and food service.
  • To attend any client or company meetings as requested.

2+ years of culinary education.

5+ years of experience in a similar position.

Advanced knowledge of food professional principles and practices.

Proficient knowledge of human resources management.

Excellent knowledge of BOH systems, ordering and inventory.

The successful candidate would need to have a City & Guilds 706/1&2 or NVQ level 3 in catering, or equivalent, with a CIEH Level 3 Award in Food Safety in Catering.

Previous experience in a similar role is essential along with the ability to manage a team and work effectively under pressure.

About Us

Job Reference: com/1902/555300/52718519/R/SU

Compass Group UK&I is committed to fostering an environment where every individual can truly be themselves at work and has equal opportunities to advance in their careers. We strive to build a culture that respects and celebrates the unique talents, beliefs, backgrounds, and abilities of all our team members. We want our colleagues to feel valued, empowered to reach their full potential, and to thrive – because diversity is our strength!

AMRT1_UKCT

Executive Chef employer: Compass Group

At Compass Group UK&I, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a comprehensive benefits package that includes a contributory pension scheme, exclusive travel discounts, and wellness classes to support your well-being. Our vibrant work culture fosters creativity and innovation, providing ample opportunities for career growth through our Career Pathways and MyLearning programmes. Join us in a dynamic environment where your culinary expertise will shine, and you will be empowered to lead a talented team while exceeding customer expectations.
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Contact Detail:

Compass Group Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Executive Chef

✨Tip Number 1

Showcase your creativity by developing a unique dish or menu concept that reflects your culinary style. This will not only demonstrate your innovative thinking but also align with the role's requirement for designing exciting menus.

✨Tip Number 2

Highlight your leadership skills by sharing examples of how you've successfully motivated and trained kitchen staff in previous roles. This is crucial as the position requires managing and developing a team.

✨Tip Number 3

Familiarize yourself with the latest food trends and sustainability practices. Being knowledgeable about current culinary practices can set you apart, especially since the role emphasizes innovation and quality.

✨Tip Number 4

Prepare to discuss your experience with budgeting and financial management in the kitchen. The role involves controlling finances and achieving targets, so demonstrating your proficiency in this area will be beneficial.

We think you need these skills to ace Executive Chef

Culinary Expertise
Menu Development
Leadership Skills
Staff Training and Development
Budget Management
Food Safety Standards
Inventory Management
Creativity in Food Presentation
Organizational Skills
Communication Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Time Management
Ability to Work Under Pressure
Customer Service Excellence

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Take the time to thoroughly read the job description for the Executive Chef position. Understand the key responsibilities and requirements, such as menu design, staff management, and maintaining high food standards.

Highlight Relevant Experience: In your application, emphasize your culinary education and relevant experience. Make sure to mention any leadership roles you've held and how you've successfully managed kitchen operations in the past.

Showcase Your Creativity: Since the role involves designing innovative menus, include examples of your creative culinary work. Discuss any unique dishes or concepts you've developed that align with the company's vision for modern food presentation.

Tailor Your Application: Customize your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific skills and experiences that match the job requirements. Use keywords from the job description to demonstrate that you are a perfect fit for the Executive Chef role.

How to prepare for a job interview at Compass Group

✨Showcase Your Culinary Vision

Be prepared to discuss your overall vision for the food outlets. Highlight how you would design innovative menus and dish rotations that keep customers coming back for more.

✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills

Share examples of how you've successfully led and motivated kitchen staff in previous roles. Discuss your approach to training new team members and fostering a positive work environment.

✨Discuss Financial Acumen

Be ready to talk about your experience with budgeting and financial management in a kitchen setting. Explain how you've controlled costs while maximizing commercial opportunities.

✨Emphasize Quality and Innovation

Prepare to discuss how you ensure high food quality and hygiene standards. Share any innovative ideas you've implemented in food presentation and service that align with company principles.

Executive Chef
Compass Group
C
  • Executive Chef

    Full-Time
    36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.)

    Application deadline: 2027-03-15

  • C

    Compass Group

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