At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead food strategy, develop innovative menus, and drive excellence across multiple locations.
- Company: Join an adventurous team passionate about creating memorable food experiences.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, personal development, health support, and a great wellbeing strategy.
- Other info: Enjoy regular social events and opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the culinary world and inspire others with your creativity.
- Qualifications: Strong experience in menu development and food innovation; leadership skills are a must.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 80000 £ 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 an
- Executive Chef to join our team in
London .
Working pattern: Monday to Friday, 40 hours per week (with very occasional weekends)
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the overall food strategy across multiple locations.
- Develop innovative menus and new food concepts.
- Drive consistency, quality and excellence across all food operations.
- Coach, support and develop Site Lead Chefs.
- Work closely with the Account Director and wider leadership team.
- Visit sites regularly to provide operational support and culinary guidance.
- Lead food innovation projects and future food initiatives.
- Support site mobilisations and new opening projects where required.
- Operational Details
- Strategic leadership role with some operational involvement.
- Not a hands-on Head Chef position with day-to-day kitchen responsibility.
- Regular travel between sites to support food development, projects and operational excellence.
- Responsible for the leadership and development of 5 direct reports.
- Ideal Candidate Profile
- Strong experience in menu development, food innovation and concept creation.
- Excellent knowledge of current and emerging food trends.
- A passion for driving food standards and creating modern, innovative food offers.
- Experience leading food strategy across multiple sites.
- Experience supporting mobilisations or opening new sites (desirable).
- Understanding or experience of Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) concepts (desirable but not essential).
- Strong leadership, coaching and stakeholder management skills.
- Previous experience within contract catering or large-scale hospitality environments.
What's in it for you?
Working with
Gather + 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
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Executive Chef employer: Gather & Gather
Gather & Gather is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee well-being and professional development. Located in Sunbury-on-Thames, we offer a vibrant work culture with competitive pay, free meals, and onsite parking, alongside unique benefits such as discounts on travel and wellness classes, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful career growth in the catering industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive Chef
✨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. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Gather & Gather
Don't be shy about reaching out to Gather & Gather 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
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 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
✨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!
