At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead culinary strategy and innovate food experiences across UCL campus.
- Company: Join a passionate team at an award-winning culinary company.
- Benefits: Enjoy personal development, health support, and a great wellbeing strategy.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on student and staff dining experiences.
- Qualifications: Proven senior culinary leadership experience and strong team management skills.
The predicted salary is between 59000 - 59000 £ per year.
Great food in the workplace isn’t simply about fuel.
It’s about increasing productivity and improving performance; it’s about happy, motivated people and inspiring environments.
Our customers are at the heart of everything we do - we live to bring food and people together.
We are brave, bold and curious adventurers in food and drink. Never shy of being different, always challenging the conventional.
Our passionate team of chefs, baristas, servers, nutritionists and much more, love nothing more than creating memorable moments that enrich the everyday.
Come and join our award‑winning teams - we are currently recruiting for a Head of Campus Culinary to join our team.
Working Pattern: 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday, with occasional weekend work required.
About the Role
We are looking for an experienced and passionate Head of Campus Culinary to lead the food strategy and culinary operations across the UCL campus.
This is a senior leadership role responsible for driving food innovation, delivering exceptional customer experiences, and ensuring operational excellence across retail, residential dining, and hospitality services.
You will lead a team of Head Chefs, oversee menu development, manage culinary performance, and build strong relationships with key stakeholders.
The role combines creativity, commercial awareness, people leadership, and a commitment to delivering high‑quality, sustainable food solutions.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the culinary strategy across all UCL food outlets and hospitality services.
- Develop innovative, nutritious, and commercially successful menus for students, staff, and guests.
- Ensure consistently high standards of food quality, presentation, hygiene, and customer satisfaction.
- Drive sustainability initiatives, responsible sourcing, and food waste reduction programmes.
- Manage food costs and support labour cost controls to achieve financial targets.
- Work closely with marketing and operational teams to enhance the campus food offer and respond to customer feedback.
- Ensure compliance with all food safety, HACCP, health and safety, and audit requirements.
- Lead, mentor, and develop Head Chefs and wider culinary teams across the campus.
- Support recruitment, succession planning, training, and performance management activities.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with UCL stakeholders and Compass colleagues.
- Act as the culinary ambassador for UCL and contribute to wider Higher Education sector initiatives.
- Our Ideal Candidate
- Proven experience in a senior culinary leadership role such as Executive Chef, Group Chef, or Head of Culinary.
- Strong track record of managing multiple food operations within a high‑volume environment.
- Passion for food innovation, trends, sustainability, and customer experience.
- Excellent commercial awareness with experience managing budgets, food costs, and profitability.
- Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire, develop, and motivate culinary teams.
- Thorough knowledge of food safety, HACCP, and health and safety compliance.
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
- Ability to balance creativity with operational and financial performance.
- A proactive, customer‑focused approach with a commitment to continuous improvement.
What’s in it for you?
Working with Gather and Gather has its perks! People are at the heart of everything we do, so we've developed a range of benefits to keep you happy.
- Personal Development and Training opportunities
- Life assurance scheme
- Pension scheme
- Holiday allowance
- Access to Healthcare Support App which includes Annual health check, Digital GP, Mental Health Consultations, Nutritional Consultations, Second Medical Opinion
- Eye care
- A great wellbeing strategy - including access to our Employee Assistance Programme, salary finance
- Family friendly support
- Regular social events and communication with our leaders
- A holiday purchase scheme
- Volunteering days
- Professional subscriptions
- Recognition schemes and people awards
- Long service awards
- Access to some great high street discount vouchers
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.
We want our colleagues to feel valued, empowered to reach their full potential, and to thrive - because diversity is our strength!
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Head of Campus Culinary employer: Gather & Gather UK
Gather & Gather UK is an excellent employer, offering a vibrant work culture in Barnsley where creativity and teamwork flourish. With benefits like free meals, comprehensive training, and wellness facilities, employees are supported in their personal and professional growth, making it a rewarding place to build a career in catering.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Campus Culinary
✨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 Gather & Gather UK. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Gather & Gather UK
Don't be shy about reaching out to Gather & Gather UK 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 Head of Campus Culinary
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 Gather & Gather UK 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 Gather & Gather UK
✨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!
