At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic kitchen team and innovate exceptional menus across multiple outlets.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking culinary team focused on quality and excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including discounts and wellness classes.
- Other info: Opportunity for professional growth and to inspire a high-performing kitchen team.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact in a fast-paced environment while developing your culinary career.
- Qualifications: Expert culinary skills and proven leadership experience required.
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
Are you a dynamic and innovative culinary leader ready to take charge of a large and complex food service operations? We're looking for an Executive Chef to lead our culinary vision, drive exceptional food quality, and inspire a high-performing kitchen team. This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced and passionate Executive Chef who thrives in a fast-paced, multi-outlet environment and is committed to delivering excellence.
About the Role
As our Executive Chef, you will take overall ownership of food production across several outlets. Your influence will shape menu innovation, operational performance, client satisfaction, and the professional growth of your team. You'll ensure the consistent delivery of high-quality dishes, lead VIP and exclusive functions, and raise the bar in health, safety, and operational excellence. Working 5 days over 7.
Key Responsibilities
- Customer & Client Satisfaction
- Develop, innovate, and approve menus
- Oversee VIP events and exclusive functions
- Ensure food quality standards are achieved consistently across all operations
- Operational Excellence
- Lead a strong health & safety culture across all kitchens
- Achieve food production, labour, and GP targets
- Drive continuous improvement as part of the contract leadership team
- Recruit, train, and develop the culinary team, ensuring strong succession planning
- Support apprenticeship programmes
- Oversee food purchasing, stock control, and cost management
- Perform additional duties as reasonably requested
Health & Safety
Champion and maintain high health-and-safety standards at all times.
About You
Essential
- Expert culinary skills
- Proven experience in a Head Chef or Executive Chef role
- Strong, influential leadership skills with the ability to inspire and motivate
- Solid business management capability within a kitchen environment
Desirable
- NVQ Level 3 in Professional Cookery or equivalent
- Level 3 / Intermediate Food Hygiene qualification
Additional Requirements
- Uniform and PPE provided
- Completion of One Compass Welcome Induction and on-site training required
Why Join Us?
You'll be joining a forward-thinking team where quality, innovation, and excellence are at the heart of everything we do. You'll have the autonomy to shape culinary direction, develop your team, and make a meaningful impact across a major contract.
Executive Chef - East Sussex in Eastbourne employer: Compass Group
Join a dynamic and innovative culinary team in East Sussex, where your expertise as an Executive Chef will be rewarded with a comprehensive benefits package, including a contributory pension scheme, exclusive travel discounts, and wellness classes. Our forward-thinking work culture prioritises quality and excellence, offering you the opportunity to lead a high-performing kitchen team while benefiting from career growth through our Career Pathways and MyLearning programmes.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive Chef - East Sussex in Eastbourne
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow chefs, industry contacts, and even friends who might know someone in the culinary world. A personal connection can often get your foot in the door faster than any application.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your skills! Consider hosting a pop-up event or a tasting session to demonstrate your culinary prowess. This not only highlights your talent but also gives potential employers a taste of what you can bring to their kitchen.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings; reach out directly to restaurants or catering companies you admire. Express your interest and share your vision for their culinary offerings—this could lead to opportunities that aren’t publicly advertised.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got a range of exciting opportunities waiting for talented chefs like you. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people in our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Executive Chef - East Sussex in Eastbourne
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Culinary Passion:When writing your application, let your love for food and cooking shine through! Share your culinary journey, highlight any innovative dishes you've created, and explain how you can bring that passion to our team.
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the skills and experiences that align with the Executive Chef role. Mention specific achievements in menu innovation, team leadership, and operational excellence that demonstrate you're the perfect fit for us.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your experience and avoid jargon. We want to understand your qualifications without having to decipher complex terms!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and get you on the path to joining our fantastic team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Compass Group
✨Know Your Culinary Vision
Before the interview, think about your unique culinary vision and how it aligns with the company's goals. Be ready to discuss innovative menu ideas and how you can elevate food quality across multiple outlets.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a kitchen team in the past. Highlight your ability to inspire and motivate others, as well as any training or development initiatives you've implemented.
✨Understand Operational Excellence
Familiarise yourself with key operational metrics like food production targets and cost management. Be prepared to discuss how you've achieved these in previous roles and how you plan to drive continuous improvement.
✨Emphasise Health & Safety Standards
As an Executive Chef, maintaining high health and safety standards is crucial. Be ready to talk about your experience in fostering a strong health and safety culture in the kitchen and any relevant qualifications you hold.
