Executive Chef - London

Executive Chef - London

Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
ESS

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead our culinary vision and inspire a world-class kitchen team.
  • Company: Join Grazing, a fast-growing hospitality brand that values creativity and innovation.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, dynamic work environment, and opportunities for personal growth.
  • Other info: Be part of a diverse team that celebrates unique talents and backgrounds.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of food culture and make a real impact in a thriving business.
  • Qualifications: 3+ years as an Executive Chef with strong leadership and culinary skills.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ 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.

ESS

Contact Details:

ESS Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Executive Chef - London

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry folks. Attend food events, workshops, or even local chef meet-ups. You never know who might be looking for an Executive Chef just like you!

Tip Number 2

Show off your culinary flair! Create a portfolio showcasing your best dishes and innovative menu ideas. This is your chance to visually demonstrate how you can elevate Grazing's food culture.

Tip Number 3

Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job openings to pop up. Reach out directly to Grazing HQ and express your interest. A personal touch can make all the difference in landing that dream role.

Tip Number 4

Prepare for interviews by researching Grazing’s values and culinary style. Be ready to discuss how your vision aligns with theirs. Show them you’re not just another chef; you’re the game changer they need!

We think you need these skills to ace Executive Chef - London

Leadership Skills
Culinary Vision
Innovation
High-Volume Food Production
Menu Development
Food Safety Knowledge
Allergen Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for Food:When you're writing your application, let your love for food shine through! Share your culinary journey and what drives you to create exceptional dishes. We want to see that fire in your belly!

Highlight Your Leadership Skills:As an Executive Chef, strong leadership is key. Make sure to showcase your experience in leading teams and how you've inspired others in the kitchen. We’re looking for someone who can empower our brigade with positivity and purpose.

Be Specific About Your Experience:Don’t just list your previous roles; dive into the details! Talk about your experience in high-volume food production and any innovative menu developments you've led. We want to know how you’ve pushed boundaries in your past positions.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Let’s get this culinary journey started together!

How to prepare for a job interview at ESS

Know Your Culinary Vision

Before the interview, take some time to really think about your culinary vision. Be ready to share your ideas on how you would reshape the food culture at Grazing. This is your chance to show them that you’re not just a chef, but a strategic leader who can drive innovation.

Showcase Your Leadership Style

Grazing is looking for someone with killer leadership skills. Prepare examples of how you've empowered your kitchen teams in the past. Think about times when you inspired creativity or improved team culture, and be ready to discuss these experiences in detail.

Demonstrate Commercial Acumen

Brush up on your knowledge of GP management and supplier negotiations. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve balanced creativity with practicality in menu development. They want to see that you can think commercially while still delivering exceptional food.

Emphasise Your Hands-On Attitude

Grazing values a cool head and a warm heart. Be ready to talk about your hands-on approach in the kitchen, whether it’s leading by example or getting stuck in with the team. Show them that you’re not above washing a dish and that you genuinely care about building a supportive kitchen environment.