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- Tasks: Lead a passionate kitchen team to create delicious, hand-made food.
- Company: Join COOK, a family-owned B Corp dedicated to quality and sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy paid breaks, free meals, birthday leave, and staff discounts.
- Why this job: Be part of a supportive culture that values growth, teamwork, and creativity.
- Qualifications: Catering qualification or equivalent experience; leadership skills are a plus.
- Other info: Work Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm in Sittingbourne.
The predicted salary is between 32000 - 48000 £ per year.
Location: Sittingbourne, Kent - COOK Pastry & Pies
Hours: Monday to Friday - 8am - 4pm
Pay rate: £40,000
Join Our Chef Team! As an Executive Chef at COOK, you'll lead a team of passionate Prep, Mix, Weigh and Kitchen Chefs who care deeply about making delicious food the right way with love, by hand, and to an incredible standard. You'll help us build Britain's Best Kitchen, grow remarkable people, and bring our values to life every day.
The Role
- Lead your team to deliver to spec, on budget, with care and consistency.
- Use systems and processes to track stock, recipes, and batch control.
- Work with Engineering to keep kit in top shape and plan for the future.
- Stay engaged in Food Safety, HACCP and quality conversations and take action when needed.
- Support your team's wellbeing and development with monthly 1-to-1s, regular recognition, and real conversations.
- Keep the kitchen safe, clean and calm - a place where people can thrive and grow.
- Work with the Technical team to keep our food safe and allergen risks low.
- Set the standard for food quality, consistency and presentation - every tray matters.
- Lead problem-solving, recipe improvement and help bring new products to life.
- Champion zero waste and better yield - cooking smart and sustainably.
- Help shape how the kitchen runs by being a voice in the leadership team.
- Bring energy, joy, and good vibes into the kitchen each day.
- Celebrate wins big and small. Run engaging huddles and be a cheerleader for your team.
- Keep communication fun, open, and meaningful.
- Be visible, hands-on, and approachable in the kitchen.
- Work closely with fellow KECs to share what's working and create a strong team spirit across sites.
- Support our Ops Academy and help spot and grow future stars.
Good to Have
- Qualification in catering or experience to equivalent level.
- Food Safety level 3.
- Experience in team and individual leadership.
- Good communicator with suitable IT Skills.
If you tick most of these boxes but not all - don't stress. We're all about potential.
Benefits including
- Paid breaks.
- Free cooked from fresh lunch for all employees.
- Free car park.
- Paid leave on your birthdays, moving house, becoming a grandparent or your child starts school for the first time.
- Staff profit share.
- Wellbeing program.
- 30% staff discount.
- Access to CookieJar Smart Spending discounts and free food perks.
- Team meals, events & away days.
- Be part of a B-Corp-certified business that values sustainability, people, and the community.
- And many more.
Based in Sittingbourne at our COOK Pies & Pastry Kitchen.
What Cook is About
We're a proudly independent, family-owned B Corp, which basically means we care. A lot. About our food. About our people. And about doing the right thing - even when it's not the easy thing.
Our vision for COOK has always been that we are a place where EVERYONE is welcome. We want everyone to feel like they belong at COOK. We all have different roles, different abilities and different personalities. By collaborating we can do remarkable things. Whatever your story, if you would like to grow with COOK please apply.
Executive Chef employer: Cook Trading Limited
Contact Detail:
Cook Trading Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with COOK's values and mission. As an Executive Chef, you'll need to embody their commitment to quality and sustainability. Show how your personal philosophy aligns with theirs during any discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your leadership style and experience in team development. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've supported your team's growth and wellbeing, as this is a key aspect of the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Demonstrate your knowledge of food safety and quality control. Be ready to share your experiences with HACCP and how you've implemented these practices in previous roles to ensure high standards.
✨Tip Number 4
Engage with the community around COOK. Understanding local food trends and customer preferences can set you apart. Consider how you can bring fresh ideas to the kitchen that resonate with their customer base.
We think you need these skills to ace Executive Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in culinary leadership, food safety, and team management. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to lead a kitchen team and maintain high standards.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your passion for cooking and leadership. Mention how your values align with COOK's mission and how you can contribute to building 'Britain's Best Kitchen'.
Showcase Your Skills: In your application, emphasise your qualifications in catering, food safety certifications, and any relevant IT skills. Highlight your experience in problem-solving and recipe development to show your proactive approach.
Express Your Personality: COOK values a positive and engaging kitchen environment. Let your personality shine through in your application. Share anecdotes that illustrate your ability to foster team spirit and celebrate successes.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cook Trading Limited
✨Show Your Passion for Food
As an Executive Chef, your love for food should shine through. Be prepared to discuss your culinary journey, favourite dishes, and what inspires you in the kitchen. This will demonstrate your commitment to quality and creativity.
✨Highlight Leadership Experience
Since you'll be leading a team, it's crucial to showcase your leadership skills. Share specific examples of how you've motivated teams, handled conflicts, or improved kitchen operations in previous roles.
✨Discuss Food Safety Knowledge
Food safety is paramount in any kitchen. Be ready to talk about your experience with HACCP and food safety protocols. Mention any relevant certifications and how you've implemented these practices in past positions.
✨Emphasise Team Development
COOK values the growth of its team members. Prepare to discuss how you've supported staff development in the past, whether through training, mentorship, or regular feedback sessions. This shows that you care about your team's wellbeing and success.
