At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead culinary excellence across multiple Fenwick restaurants and inspire kitchen teams.
- Company: Fenwick, a historic family-owned department store group in the UK.
- Benefits: Up to 25% discount, birthday off, private medical cover, and pension scheme.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team driving innovation and excellence in the culinary world.
- Why this job: Shape exceptional dining experiences and develop future culinary leaders.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in premium hospitality and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
We’re excited to be recruiting a Group Executive Chef to lead culinary excellence across our Fenwick restaurant estate. This is a high-impact, multi-site role where you’ll shape and elevate our food offering, inspire kitchen teams, and play a key part in delivering an exceptional customer experience across our stores.
We’re flexible on location for this role, provided you are based within reasonable distance of one of our restaurant sites, with regular travel expected across all Fenwick locations.
When you join Fenwick, you’ll receive:
- Up to 25% discount in all Fenwick stores and fenwick.co.uk.
- Your birthday off as an additional day annual leave – this can be taken any day within your birth month.
- Immediate access to the Main Section of Fenwick Limited Superannuation Scheme which provides higher Company contributions and free Life Assurance of 4x your pensionable salary.
- Peace of mind with Private Medical Cover membership.
- WeCare - 24/7 GP, wellbeing advice & support service.
As Group Executive Chef, you will take overall responsibility for culinary leadership across all Fenwick-operated restaurants, playing a key role in elevating the in-store experience and driving commercial performance. Working across our multi-site estate, you’ll ensure consistently high standards of food quality, presentation, and execution, while bringing a strong, visible leadership presence to our kitchens. This is a hands-on role where you’ll regularly visit sites, building strong relationships with teams and setting the tone for excellence across the business.
You’ll lead, coach, and develop Head Chefs and their teams, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Working closely with senior stakeholders including the Head of Restaurant Operations and Commercial Operations Lead, you’ll ensure menus are implemented effectively, operational challenges are addressed, and teams are set up for success. You’ll also play a key role in talent development and succession planning, supporting the growth of future culinary leaders across the estate.
With a strong focus on operational efficiency and compliance, you’ll drive improvements in kitchen productivity, oversee food safety standards, and support supplier and product quality management. You’ll use insight and feedback to enhance customer satisfaction, reduce complaints, and ensure consistency across all locations. By bringing teams together through initiatives such as the Head Chef Forum, you’ll champion best practice, share expertise, and continue to raise the bar for Fenwick’s food offering.
What we are looking for in a candidate:
- Proven experience leading multiple kitchens within a premium hospitality environment.
- Strong leadership and coaching capability.
- Deep understanding of food safety and kitchen operations.
- Multi-site experience.
- Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
- Commercial awareness balanced with culinary excellence.
- Hands-on leadership style with a passion for developing people.
About Fenwick: Fenwick is rich with heritage and history and have been style pioneers since 1882 when our first store opened. We know luxury and are proud to remain the largest independent, family-owned group of department stores within the UK. We are on an exciting journey to exceed our customers' expectations and we are always on the lookout for new talent to join us.
Our collaborative spirit unites a workforce of over 2,000 individuals across our stores, as well as in our support functions, encompassing Digital, Buying & Merchandising, IT, Finance, People, Customer Service teams, and our cherished restaurants and distribution centres.
In 2023 we launched our ‘Quiet No More’ campaign, enhancing our presence on the UK high street as well as our eCommerce website going from strength to strength. Together, we form the beating heart of Fenwick, driving forward our vision for excellence and innovation. Join us as we pave the way toward an even brighter tomorrow, where tradition meets transformation!
Group Executive Chef in Slough employer: Fenwick
Fenwick is an exceptional employer that values culinary excellence and fosters a collaborative work culture across its restaurant estate. As a Group Executive Chef, you will enjoy a range of benefits including generous discounts, additional leave for your birthday, and comprehensive health coverage, all while leading a passionate team dedicated to delivering outstanding customer experiences. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, Fenwick offers unique opportunities to shape the future of its culinary offerings in a supportive environment that champions innovation and tradition.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Group Executive Chef in Slough
✨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 Fenwick. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Fenwick
Don't be shy about reaching out to Fenwick 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 Chef in Slough
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 Fenwick 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 Fenwick
✨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!
