At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a talented kitchen team and create delicious meals for corporate clients.
- Company: Fast-growing independent contract catering business in London.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £55,000 and opportunities for career growth.
- Other info: Immediate start available; refer a friend for rewards!
- Why this job: Join a food-first company and make a real impact in culinary leadership.
- Qualifications: Experience in high-volume kitchens and strong team management skills.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 55000 € per year.
This is a fantastic opportunity to step into a senior culinary leadership role within a fast-growing, independent contract catering business with sites across London. Operating from a busy Central Production Unit in Canary Wharf, you'll take full ownership of the kitchen operation leading a talented team, setting the culinary direction, and delivering outstanding food to a growing portfolio of corporate clients every day.
With continued expansion and real ambition behind the business, this is a great time to join a company that's food-first and scaling quickly.
The Role
As Executive Chef of the CPU, you'll lead a team of five across a Sunday-Friday operation producing covers daily. Your food will be delivered to corporate clients without an onsite kitchen who rely on you for consistent, flavoursome, visually impactful lunches, hot buffets, salads, sides, and grab & go. You'll also support the onsite café serving the building via a simple breakfast and lunch offer alongside occasional hospitality events for the wider group including bowl food, finger buffets, and canapé functions. This is a highly visible leadership role; the business needs someone who can stabilise, inspire, and grow the team as much as someone who can cook brilliantly.
Key Responsibilities Will Include:
- Lead and manage the full CPU operation, including day-to-day team oversight
- Produce high-quality, flavoursome food at volume for corporate client sites
- Develop and evolve menus in line with client briefs, balancing creativity with practicality
- Oversee grab & go production for the onsite café
- Support hospitality events, including bowl food, finger buffets, and canapé functions
- Build, motivate, and develop the team creating a positive, stable kitchen culture
- Manage food costs and menu costing to ensure financial targets are met
- Take full responsibility for onsite health & safety compliance
The Candidate
- Proven experience leading large, high-volume kitchens ideally within contract catering
- Head Chef experience preferred, though strong Sous Chefs from high-volume environments will be considered
- Confident with menu writing, financial management, and food cost control
- Experienced in managing large teams
- A natural people manager calm under pressure, leads from the front, and gets the best from those around them
- Able to inspire, grow, and stabilise a team; this is as much a people role as a culinary one
Package
Salary up to £55,000. Immediate start.
Sound great? Apply below.
Not for you, but still looking for your dream role? Drop us a message or check out our latest opportunities.
Know someone great? Refer a friend if we place them, you'll receive up to £250 in High Street vouchers.
Executive Chef in Poplar employer: Sixty Eight People Ltd
Join a dynamic and rapidly expanding independent contract catering business as an Executive Chef in the vibrant Canary Wharf area. With a strong focus on culinary excellence and a supportive work culture, you'll have the opportunity to lead a talented team, innovate menus, and contribute to a growing portfolio of corporate clients. The company prioritises employee growth and offers a collaborative environment where your leadership skills can truly shine.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive Chef in Poplar
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your culinary contacts and let them know you're on the lookout for an Executive Chef role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, create a portfolio showcasing your best dishes and menu designs. This will give potential employers a taste of what you can bring to their kitchen.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common culinary leadership questions. Think about how you would handle team dynamics, menu development, and high-pressure situations. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities that could be perfect for you. Plus, it’s a great way to get noticed by hiring managers who are looking for top talent like you.
We think you need these skills to ace Executive Chef in Poplar
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Culinary Skills:When you're writing your application, make sure to highlight your experience in leading high-volume kitchens. We want to see how you've managed teams and created amazing menus that wow clients!
Be Personable:This role is as much about people as it is about food. Let your personality shine through in your application! Share stories about how you've inspired and motivated your team in the past.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to tailor your application to the job description. We love seeing candidates who take the time to align their skills and experiences with what we're looking for in an Executive Chef.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our website! It's the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sixty Eight People Ltd
✨Know Your Culinary Vision
Before the interview, take some time to think about your culinary philosophy and how it aligns with the company's food-first approach. Be ready to discuss your vision for menu development and how you can bring creativity while maintaining practicality.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role is as much about managing people as it is about cooking. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in high-pressure environments. Highlight your ability to inspire and stabilise a kitchen culture, as this will be key to impressing the interviewers.
✨Demonstrate Financial Acumen
Since managing food costs and menu pricing is crucial, brush up on your financial management skills. Be prepared to discuss how you've previously managed budgets and met financial targets in your kitchens. This will show that you understand the business side of running a successful kitchen.
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities in a busy kitchen environment. Think about scenarios where you've had to adapt quickly or overcome challenges. Being able to articulate these experiences will demonstrate your readiness for the fast-paced nature of the role.
