Lead Development Chef - Innovation

Lead Development Chef - Innovation

Full-Time 31500 - 38500 £ / year (est.) On-site
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead culinary innovation and create bespoke food experiences for clients.
  • Company: Join BaxterStorey, a leader in hospitality and culinary creativity.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 28 days holiday, free meals, and bespoke training opportunities.
  • Other info: Be part of a vibrant team committed to food innovation and inclusivity.
  • Why this job: Unleash your culinary creativity and shape exceptional dining experiences.
  • Qualifications: Proven experience as Head Chef or Exec Chef with strong pastry skills.

The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.

  • Lead Development Chef -Innovation
  • London - Bank
  • Hospitality & Fine Dining -
  • Monday - Friday

Benefits

  • 28 Days holiday including bank holidays
  • Plus your birthday off
  • 3 volunteering days
  • 3 days grandparent leave.
  • 24 weeks' enhanced maternity leave.
  • Secondary careerleave
  • Wedding/commitment day leave.
  • Free meals on shift.
  • Bespoke training and development opportunities
  • Apprenticeships opportunities for all experience levels
  • Pension and life insurance.
  • Discounts available from Perkbox app, from high street shops to holidays & cinema.
  • Wellbeing hub.
  • Access to employee assistance programme.
  • Cycle to work scheme.

The Opportunity

Calling all culinary creatives who are OBSESSED with food, innovation and exceptional client experiences.

We are looking for an outstanding Culinary Innovation Chef Lead to join one of our prestigious London law firm clients in a brand new role dedicated exclusively to culinary innovation, creativity and client experience.

This is not a traditional kitchen leadership position, your focus will be on creating developing and bringing new ideas to life, ensuring our food and hospitality offer remains completely tailored to our client.

You will have the freedom to experiment, challenge and develop bespoke, customisable food experiences that respond to different client occasions, tastes and requirements.

We are looking for someone with a genuine creative eye for detail, the ability to transform an idea into something memorable, strong pastry skills alongside broad culinary expertise would be particularly desirable, allowing you to innovate across the complete food offer.

At Baxter Storey, we are passionate about food and believe in giving talented chefs the space to create.

This role offers a unique culinary opportunity where your creativity can flourish, your talent can shine and you can help shape the future of our offer.

As Culinary Innovation Chef Lead, you will

  • Lead culinary innovation and continually develop new food concepts and experiences.
  • Create bespoke and customisable offers specifically designed around the needs and preferences of the client.
  • Develop exceptional client facing food experiences, from tastings to hospitality and special events.
  • Work across pastry and savoury innovation, bringing creativity and technical expertise to both areas of the kitchen.
  • Take inspiration from emerging food trends, restaurants, hospitality, retail influences and translate these into relevant concepts.
  • Build strong relationships with the client, listening to their needs and turning insight and feedback into culinary ideas.
  • Bring concepts to life through presentation, exceptional flavour and attention to detail.
  • Collaborate with our operational on site team to ensure new concepts can be successfully delivered while maintaining exceptional standards.
  • Create a programme of engaging innovation sessions, tastings, showcases that keeps the offer continually evolving.

Become a culinary ambassador, engaging confidently with clients and bringing passion to every experience

  • Proven experience at Head Chef or Exec Chef
  • Strong pastry expertise combined with excellent all round culinary knowledge would be highly advantageous.
  • A genuine passion for food innovation, creativity and experience led hospitality.
  • An exceptional eye for presentation, detail and quality.
  • The ability to take an idea from initial inspiration through development, testing and final delivery.
  • Highly self motivated with the ability to take ownership of projects and drive ideas forward.
  • Excellent communication skills and the confidence to engage directly with clients.
  • Strong knowledge of food safety, allergen management and kitchen standards.
  • Collaborative approach and the ability to inspire others through food.
  • Alignment with Baxter Storey values and our passion for exceptional food and hospitality.

For almost 20 years, for every client, in every location (whether that’s an office, stadium, cathedral or university), we have created beautiful spaces, exciting menus and friendly teams, so that each and every customer can have the hospitality experience they deserve.

We need the brightest and the best to join us to make this all possible. We will support you to create your hospitality legacy and build a career that you are proud of.

Our drive and belief in our people, means that we always strive to supercharge our team’s careers. 'Better' is a daily habit that sits deep within our DNA, meaning learning will be front and centre of your experience working with us.

Join us, and be part of the food revolution!

Baxter

Storey Values

ALWAYS VISIONARY

We strive for better, we never settle, never compromise, never follow. We lead the way, blazing our own trail.

WHOLEHEARTEDLY POSITIVE

We are up-beat, motivating and inspiring. Our love for what we do radiates through our food, and is amplified by our people.

CREATIVELY COLLABORATIVE

We embrace our differences to push creativity and we work together to be better.

FOREVER CONSCIOUS

We work together as a team to lead by example, protecting the planet and supporting local communities.

We are proud to be an inclusive employer and welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds.

We celebrate individuality and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

We encourage applications from people of all ages, abilities, gender identities, sexual orientations, races, religions, and socio-economic backgrounds.

Baxter Storey is committed to encouraging equity, diversity, and inclusion (ED&I) among our workforce and aim for our workforce to be truly representative of all sections of society, and for each employee to feel respected and able to give their best.

To support our commitment to this we have set ourselves an ambition to 'set the standard and to be recognised for having the most inclusive culture in hospitality'.

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Lead Development Chef - Innovation employer: WSH Group

BaxterStorey is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and development of its team members, offering a range of benefits including 28 days of holiday, enhanced maternity leave, and bespoke training opportunities. Located at Airbus Broughton, our inclusive work culture fosters collaboration and celebrates diversity, ensuring that every employee can thrive while delivering outstanding hospitality experiences. Join us to be part of a supportive environment where your growth is valued and your contributions make a real impact.

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Contact Details:

WSH Group Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Lead Development Chef - Innovation

✨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 WSH Group. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!

✨Reach Out Directly to WSH Group

Don't be shy about reaching out to WSH Group 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 Lead Development Chef - Innovation

Culinary Innovation
Creativity
Pastry Skills
Client Engagement
Food Presentation
Attention to Detail
Food Safety Knowledge

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 WSH Group 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 WSH Group

✨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!