Executive Chef

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 schemeCar or Car AllowanceGrow your career with our Career Pathways and MyLearning programmesQuick access for you and your immediate family to a Digital GP, and wider healthcare benefitsExclusive travel discounts with TUI, Expedia, Booking.com and many moreSave money on your food shop with discounts on Tesco, Sainsbury\’s, Morrisons and many moreUp to 44% off cinema tickets to enjoy your favourite blockbusterReceive cash rewards every time you spend and use them on a wide range of brandsUn-wind with us with free wellness, mindfulness and exercise classesYou can share all discounts and offers with your friends and familiesRole PurposeTo plan, organise and lead the preparation and delivery of high-quality food, ensuring the company’s reputation for excellence is consistently upheld in line with contractual and brand standards. The role will drive culinary quality, develop teams, deliver outstanding hospitality and ensure full compliance with food safety, HSE and financial controls.Key ResponsibilitiesLead and manage the preparation and cooking of food to agreed quality, brand and contractual standardsDeliver first-class culinary training to enhance skills, consistency and food quality across onsite teamsPlan and deliver exceptional hospitality and event cateringDrive sales through centrally developed menus, promotions and preferred supplier usageTake full responsibility for food safety, HSE and COSHH complianceImplement and maintain food monitoring and cost-control procedures, ensuring delivery within agreed budgetsWork collaboratively with the wider culinary team to support skills development and central initiativesSupport the day-to-day operational requirements of the business, adapting to changing prioritiesKey RelationshipsExecutive ChefBusiness Director and Operations TeamsRegional Culinary TeamIngredient and Recipe ManagerOnsite Catering TeamsChartwells Marketing and Nutrition TeamsClients, Schools and Senior Leadership TeamsSkills, Knowledge and ExperienceProven culinary background within a similar foodservice or catering environmentExperience working in an education setting (schools or colleges)Strong leadership and coaching skills with the ability to motivate and develop teamsPassion for great food and exceptional service deliveryConfident communicator with excellent presentation skills across diverse audiencesFinancially astute, with experience managing food costs, margins and budgetsExperience delivering culinary skills trainingAbility to analyse information and drive consistent results through planning and processStrong stakeholder management skills with the ability to build credibility quicklyProficient in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPointFlexible approach with the ability to work independently and travel when requiredEssential RequirementsOperational catering experienceKnowledge and understanding of the School Food StandardsHigh standards of personal presentation, professionalism and integrityStrong planning and organisational skills, with the ability to deliver in varied environmentsCreative and imaginative approach to food presentation for audiences including children, parents, headteachers and governorsAbility to perform under pressure and adapt to changeFull UK driving licenceAbout UsPart of Compass Group UK&I, Chartwells is the leading provider of catering and support services to the education sector. For over a quarter of a century, Chartwells has been focusing on helping those in education to build strong bodies, sharp minds and lead long healthy lives. Every week, Chartwells serves millions of nutritious and delicious meals to pupils and students in primary and secondary schools, academies, independent schools, colleges, and universities across the UK. Chartwells is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all employees to share this commitment. Any offer of employment will be subject to successfully completing pre-employment checks, including an enhanced DBS disclosure and a Children\’s Barred List check. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and we ask applicants to declare all previous convictions and cautions in order to assess their suitability to work with children.Job Reference: com/2801/40916001/52634631/R/SU #State SchoolsCompass 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!