At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead culinary excellence and innovation across multiple prestigious schools.
- Company: Join Lodestone House, part of Compass Group, a leader in independent school catering.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, great perks, and opportunities for learning and development.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values creativity and personal growth.
- Why this job: Shape the food strategy and create exceptional dining experiences for thousands.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in culinary leadership and a passion for fresh food.
The predicted salary is between 49500 - 60500 £ per year.
- Group Executive Chef - Lodestone House at The Reigate Grammar School Group
- Lead Culinary Excellence Across One of the UK’s Leading Independent School Groups
- Lodestone House is proud to deliver exceptional catering and hospitality services across
The Reigate Grammar School Group , comprising Reigate Grammar School, Reigate St Mary’s, Micklefield School and Chinthurst School.
With a rich history and an innovative approach to education, the Group is renowned for its academic excellence, outstanding pastoral care and vibrant co-curricular programme.
We are now looking for an exceptional Group Executive Chef to lead our culinary operation and set the benchmark for food quality, innovation and hospitality across the Group.
About the Role
As
Group Executive Chef , you will provide strategic and operational culinary leadership across the Lodestone House portfolio, with The Reigate Grammar School Group as a flagship account.
You will shape the culinary vision, drive innovation and ensure consistently high standards across multiple sites.
Working closely with operational leaders, school leadership teams and culinary managers, you will champion fresh, seasonal food and create memorable dining experiences for pupils, staff and visitors.
This is a high-profile senior leadership opportunity for a commercially focused and inspirational chef who enjoys being visible and hands-on, developing talented teams and delivering culinary excellence across multiple locations.
- What You’ll Be Doing Culinary Leadership
- Develop and deliver the culinary strategy across the Lodestone House portfolio.
- Lead, inspire and mentor Head Chefs, Chef Managers and their teams.
- Create innovative, seasonal menus reflecting current food trends and client expectations.
- Drive consistency and excellence across dining, hospitality and event services.
- Provide visible, hands-on culinary leadership and support sites whenever required.
- Food Quality & Standards
- Champion exceptional food quality, presentation and customer experience.
- Ensure compliance with food safety, allergen legislation and company standards.
- Drive consistency through effective recipe management, purchasing compliance and production standards.
- Promote sustainable sourcing, responsible food practices and waste reduction.
- Continuously review and develop the food offer to exceed expectations.
- Commercial Performance
- Manage food cost performance, gross profit and budget delivery.
- Use operational data and insight to maximise participation and profitability.
- Support new contract mobilisations and the retention of existing business.
- Contribute to business growth through menu development, food presentations and client engagement.
- People & Talent Development
- Build and develop a high-performing culinary leadership team.
- Deliver coaching, mentoring and structured development programmes.
- Support succession planning and create clear career pathways for culinary talent.
- Foster an inclusive, collaborative and innovative food culture.
- Client & Business Partnership
- Build strong and trusted relationships with school leadership teams and key stakeholders.
- Support hospitality events, client presentations and business development opportunities.
- Act as a culinary ambassador for Lodestone House.
- Ensure every location consistently delivers an exceptional hospitality experience.
About You
We’re looking for an experienced senior culinary leader who can combine creativity and culinary expertise with strong commercial and people leadership.
You will ideally have
- Proven experience as a
Group Executive Chef, Executive Chef or Regional Executive Chef within education, hospitality or contract catering.
- Experience leading multiple kitchen teams across several sites.
- A genuine passion for fresh food, culinary innovation and exceptional customer experiences.
- Strong commercial awareness, including food cost and budget management.
- Outstanding leadership, coaching and people development skills.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.
- Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities and projects.
- A proven track record of driving culinary standards and continuous improvement.
- A flexible approach, with the ability and willingness to travel between Lodestone House locations as required.
- Why Join Lodestone House?
This is an exciting opportunity to take a
Group-level culinary leadership role within a premium independent education environment, working across a collection of highly regarded schools.
You’ll have the opportunity to shape the food strategy, influence culinary standards across multiple sites, develop the next generation of culinary talent and create exceptional dining experiences for thousands of pupils, staff and guests.
If you’re an inspirational chef who combines culinary creativity, commercial thinking and exceptional leadership , we’d love to hear from you.
Join Lodestone House and help us set a new standard for independent school catering.
About Us
As part of Compass you'll help to feed people, fuel progress and forge connections in around 6,000 venues.
Join us to grow your career with the industry leader, and get competitive pay, great perks and unrivalled opportunities for learning and development, at one of the UK's biggest businesses.
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!
Group Executive Head Chef - Reigate employer: Compass Group UK
Compass Group UK is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that values teamwork and innovation within the dynamic setting of the Imperial War Museum London. Employees benefit from competitive salaries, opportunities for professional growth, and the chance to be part of a passionate team dedicated to delivering outstanding service in hospitality. With a focus on employee well-being and development, Compass Group UK stands out as a rewarding place to build a meaningful career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Group Executive Head Chef - Reigate
✨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. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Compass Group UK
Don't be shy about reaching out to Compass Group UK 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 Group Executive Head Chef - Reigate
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 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
✨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!
