At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead kitchen operations, design innovative menus, and ensure food quality.
- Company: Join a high-profile site in Limehouse, London, focused on culinary excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, Monday to Friday schedule, and work-life balance.
- Other info: Occasional evening work may be needed; autonomy to influence food direction.
- Why this job: Shape food strategy, drive innovation, and nurture a positive kitchen culture.
- Qualifications: Proven experience as an Executive Chef or Senior Head Chef required.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 56000 £ per year.
Executive Chef - London
We are seeking an exceptional Executive Chef to lead a high‑profile, multi‑site operation across London and Glasgow. Based primarily across two London locations, this role offers the opportunity to shape premium staff dining, hospitality and events within a progressive and innovative food culture. We are offering 75,000 + bonus.
Main Responsibilities
- Oversee two busy London sites delivering staff dining, hospitality and events, alongside an executive site in Mayfair and a site in Glasgow.
- Lead and inspire Head Chefs across staff dining, hospitality and events operations.
- Drive a culture of excellence across all kitchens, ensuring consistent high food quality, presentation and service standards.
- Create engaging and exciting dining experiences through innovative menu development, pop‑up events and modern food concepts.
- Increase customer engagement and participation by developing fresh ideas that make the offer stand out.
- Collaborate closely across staff dining and hospitality teams to create stronger alignment and operational consistency.
- Support and develop senior culinary talent, coaching the team to evolve performance, standards and ways of working.
- Maintain exceptional compliance, operational standards and team performance across all locations.
What We're Looking For
- Proven experience operating at Executive Chef or senior multi‑site Head Chef level.
- Strong leadership presence with a calm, professional and measured approach.
- Passion for menu innovation, food trends and creating exciting dining concepts.
- Experience leading hospitality and event catering operations.
- A collaborative mindset with excellent communication and relationship‑building skills.
- Genuine passion for developing teams and elevating culinary talent.
- High standards, commercial awareness and the ability to influence positive change.
If you are driven by excellence, creativity and people development, we would love to hear from you!
Benefits
- 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.
- Receive cash rewards every time you spend and use them on a wide range of brands.
- Unwind with free wellness, mindfulness and exercise classes.
- You can share all discounts and offers with your friends and families.
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. You can feel valued, empowered to reach your full potential, and to thrive - because diversity is our strength!
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Executive Chef - London employer: ESS
As a Catering Assistant, you'll join a vibrant team dedicated to creating a positive and friendly atmosphere. The company prioritises employee growth and recognition, offering a supportive environment where your contributions are valued. With a commitment to high-quality service and a focus on individual development, this role provides an excellent opportunity for those seeking meaningful employment in a dynamic setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive Chef - London
✨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 ESS. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to ESS
Don't be shy about reaching out to ESS 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 Executive Chef - London
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 ESS 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 ESS
✨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!