At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive culinary excellence and develop innovative food concepts for schools.
- Company: Join Pabulum, a leading independent catering provider in education.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension scheme, healthcare support, and discounts.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with ongoing learning and development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on school food and inspire future generations.
- Qualifications: Culinary expertise, strong leadership skills, and a passion for food innovation.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
This job is with Compass Group UK & Ireland, an inclusive employer and a member of myGwork – the largest global platform for the LGBTQ+ business community.
At Pabulum, we believe that great food has the power to inspire, educate, and bring communities together. We're looking for an innovative and passionate Development Chef to help elevate our food offer across our portfolio of schools, supporting our teams to deliver exceptional dining experiences every day.
This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced culinary professional who thrives on developing people, driving food innovation, and influencing food culture across a diverse education catering business. If you're passionate about food trends, education catering, and inspiring teams to be their best, we'd love to hear from you.
As the Development Chef, you will work closely with our Operations teams, senior leadership team, and school stakeholders to champion culinary excellence across the business. You'll play a key role in developing and implementing innovative food concepts, supporting menu development, embedding our food engagement programmes, and ensuring our school catering teams have the skills, tools, and confidence to deliver outstanding food experiences.
This role combines culinary creativity, operational support, training, coaching, and client engagement, making it ideal for someone who enjoys variety and making a visible impact.
What You'll Be Doing
- Driving culinary excellence across our school catering operations.
- Developing exciting and innovative food concepts, themed events, pop-ups, BBQs, and tasting experiences.
- Creating School Food Standards-compliant dishes and menu enhancements that keep our offer fresh, engaging, and relevant.
- Supporting the implementation and consistency of company menus, recipes, and food standards.
- Coaching, mentoring, and developing kitchen teams at all levels.
- Delivering culinary workshops, training sessions, and development programmes.
- Supporting and promoting food education and engagement activities within schools.
- Establishing and leading tasting sessions, recipe clinics, and food innovation workshops.
- Supporting new contract mobilisations and key operational projects.
- Working alongside school clients to showcase food innovation and enhance customer satisfaction.
- Reviewing site food strategies and identifying opportunities for continuous improvement.
- Supporting large-scale hospitality and special event catering across the business.
- Acting as a culinary ambassador for Pabulum, championing food quality, nutrition, and innovation.
Who We're Looking For
We're looking for someone who combines culinary expertise with the ability to inspire and develop others.
You’ll Bring:
- A genuine passion for food, innovation, and customer experience.
- Previous experience in a senior culinary, food development, executive chef, or food innovation role.
- Strong knowledge of food trends and the ability to translate these into engaging concepts.
- Experience of menu development and food concept implementation.
- Strong understanding of purchasing, sourcing, recipe management, and food production.
- Excellent coaching, training, and leadership skills.
- Strong stakeholder management and communication abilities.
- A collaborative and influential approach to working with teams and clients.
- Excellent planning and project management skills.
- The flexibility to travel regularly across the business.
Desirable
- Experience within education catering, contract catering, or large-scale food service environments.
- Knowledge of School Food Standards.
- Experience developing menus for primary and secondary school environments.
- A recognised professional culinary qualification.
Why Join Pabulum?
At Pabulum, we're passionate about delivering fresh, nutritious, and exciting food that pupils genuinely enjoy. We pride ourselves on putting food and people at the heart of everything we do.
We offer a comprehensive benefits package including:
- Competitive salary
- Contributory pension scheme
- Ongoing learning and development opportunities
- Access to a Digital GP and healthcare support
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Lifestyle, shopping, and travel discounts
- Recognition and reward programmes
- A supportive and collaborative culture
- The opportunity to shape the future of food across a growing education catering business
About Pabulum
Pabulum is a leading independent catering provider specialising in education. We are passionate about creating fresh, nutritious, and sustainable food that supports learning, wellbeing, and positive dining experiences for pupils and staff alike.
Our focus is on delivering high-quality food, exceptional service, and meaningful partnerships with the schools we serve. Through innovation, creativity, and a commitment to excellence, we continue to set new standards within education catering.
Apply Today
If you're an ambitious culinary leader who is passionate about developing people, creating innovative food experiences, and making a positive impact in education, we'd love to hear from you. Join Pabulum and help shape the future of school food.
Development Chef in Surrey employer: Compass Group UK & Ireland
Pabulum Catering is an exceptional employer that champions culinary innovation and education, offering a vibrant work culture where creativity thrives. With a strong commitment to employee development, you will have access to ongoing training and mentorship opportunities, alongside a comprehensive benefits package that includes a competitive salary and lifestyle discounts. Join us in shaping the future of school food while enjoying a supportive environment that values collaboration and community impact.
Contact Details:
Compass Group UK & Ireland Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Development Chef in Surrey
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Compass Group UK & Ireland. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Compass Group UK & Ireland
Don't be shy about reaching out to Compass Group UK & Ireland directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Development Chef in Surrey
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Compass Group UK & Ireland and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Compass Group UK & Ireland
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
