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- Tasks: Lead and elevate the catering operation with innovative culinary vision and exciting menus.
- Company: Dynamic university catering service that values talent and creativity.
- Benefits: Comprehensive benefits including pension scheme, healthcare, travel discounts, and wellness classes.
- Other info: Join a vibrant team with opportunities for career development and personal growth.
- Why this job: Inspire and create outstanding food experiences in a fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: 5+ years as an Executive Chef, culinary education, and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
We recognise and reward talent. That’s why we offer a comprehensive benefits package including (but not limited to):
- Contributory pension scheme
- Career development through 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 more
- Supermarket savings at Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons and others
- Up to 44% off cinema tickets
- Cash rewards every time you spend, redeemable across a wide range of brands
- Free wellness, mindfulness and exercise classes
- The ability to share discounts and offers with friends and family
The Role
We are seeking a passionate and visionary Executive Chef to lead and elevate the catering operation. You will be responsible for creating a clear culinary vision, ensuring food presentation and service is modern, exciting and commercially successful.
Key Responsibilities
- Create and deliver an overall culinary vision and food strategy
- Design innovative, commercially viable menus aligned to outlet themes and student demographics
- Plan seasonal dish rotations to keep customers engaged and returning
- Develop menus and manage item pricing
- Source high-quality ingredients and maintain accurate stock control
- Ensure all kitchens are fully equipped and compliant
- Maintain exceptional food quality and exceed hygiene standards
- Recruit, train, develop and motivate kitchen teams
- Manage budgets and deliver agreed financial targets
- Roll out food concepts and innovative offers in partnership with the National Executive Chef
- Support operational teams and location managers in consistently exceeding food standards
- Lead food presentation and service in an engaging, contemporary way
- Attend client and university meetings as required
About You
You are an inspirational culinary leader with strong commercial awareness and a genuine passion for delivering outstanding food in a fast‑paced university environment.
Essential Requirements
- 2+ years of culinary education
- 5+ years’ experience in a similar Executive or Senior Chef position
- City & Guilds 706/1 & 2 or NVQ Level 3 in Catering (or equivalent)
- CIEH Level 3 Award in Food Safety in Catering
- Advanced knowledge of culinary principles and practices
- Strong understanding of BOH systems, ordering and inventory management
- Proven leadership and people management experience
- Excellent organisational and administrative skills
- Ability to work under pressure while maintaining high standards
Executive Head Chef in Brighton employer: Lodestone House
Contact Detail:
Lodestone House Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive Head Chef in Brighton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow chefs, culinary schools, or even local restaurants. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an Executive Head Chef position or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your culinary vision! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share your ideas for innovative menus and food concepts. This will demonstrate your passion and creativity, making you stand out from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s food offerings and values. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their goals. This shows you’re not just looking for any job, but that you genuinely want to be part of their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources to help you land that dream role. Plus, it’s a great way to stay updated on new opportunities tailored to your culinary expertise.
We think you need these skills to ace Executive Head Chef in Brighton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for culinary arts shine through. We want to see your enthusiasm for creating innovative dishes and leading a team. Share your vision for food and how you can elevate our catering operation!
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Executive Head Chef role. Highlight your relevant experience, especially in menu design and team management. We love seeing how your background aligns with our needs, so don’t hold back!
Be Specific About Achievements: In your application, be specific about your achievements in previous roles. Did you increase customer satisfaction or reduce costs? We want to know how you’ve made a difference in your past positions, so share those success stories!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lodestone House
✨Showcase Your Culinary Vision
As an Executive Head Chef, it's crucial to articulate your culinary vision during the interview. Prepare to discuss how you would create innovative menus and engage customers. Bring examples of past successes that demonstrate your ability to elevate food presentation and service.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Highlight your experience in leading kitchen teams. Be ready to share specific instances where you've motivated staff or improved team performance. This role requires strong people management skills, so showcasing your leadership style will be key.
✨Know Your Numbers
Familiarise yourself with budgeting and financial targets relevant to the role. Be prepared to discuss how you've managed costs and maximised profits in previous positions. Showing a solid understanding of BOH systems and inventory management will impress the interviewers.
✨Stay Current with Trends
Research current culinary trends and be ready to discuss how you can incorporate them into your menus. This shows that you're not only passionate about food but also aware of what excites customers. Mention any innovative concepts you've implemented in the past to keep things fresh and engaging.