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- Tasks: Lead a dynamic kitchen team and oversee high-volume meal production for nurseries.
- Company: Join Zebedees, the UK's top nursery meals provider, dedicated to quality and team wellbeing.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, bonus potential, private medical insurance, and free daily meals.
- Why this job: Be part of a supportive culture that values innovation, teamwork, and culinary excellence.
- Qualifications: Must have senior kitchen management experience and strong leadership skills in food production.
- Other info: Monday to Friday hours with no evenings or weekends; enjoy fun team events and training opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
Zebedees Laughton, England, United Kingdom
Zebedees Laughton, England, United Kingdom
Direct message the job poster from Zebedees
Executive Chef / Kitchen Operations Manager
Location:East Sussex, BN8 6BN
Salary: Circa £65,000 – £70,000 (dependent on experience) plus bonus up to £6,500
Full-time | Permanent | Monday–Friday, 5am – 2pm
About Zebedees
We are the UK’s leading nursery meals provider, providing over 12,000 lunches and 6,000 teas a day for nursery children across the South East. Zebedees is a privately owned, family-run business committed to fostering a supportive culture and promoting the wellbeing of our team and the customers we serve.
The Role
A rare opportunity has arisen for a passionate and highly experienced Executive Chefto join our Central Production Kitchento oversee our kitchen operations, drive standards, inspire the team, and lead culinary excellence and innovation as we continue to grow.
This is a strategic and hands-on leadership rolereporting directly to the Operations Manager and Directors. You will be responsible for the daily operations, food safety compliance, kitchen efficiency, and leadership of a team of 45 kitchen staff, including kitchen assistants, chefs, and kitchen porters, in a high-output central production facility.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead, support, and manage a kitchen team of 45 production chefs, kitchen assistants, and porters
- Oversee daily operations of our central production kitchen (high-volume nursery catering)
- Ensure consistent execution of meals to specification, quality, and allergen standards
- Manage and maintain all HACCP documentation, internal food safety audits, and compliance procedures
- Collaborate with the Operations Manager and renowned Nutritionist (Charlotte Sterling Reed)on menu development and innovation
- Monitor and maintain compliance with food hygiene, food safety, and auditing standards
- Implement process improvements to enhance productivity and reduce waste
- Ensure safe and efficient use of high-spec machinery
- Coordinate with logistics and operations teams for timely service delivery
About You
- Proven experience in a senior kitchen management or executive chef role (central/volume production preferred)
- Strong leadership experience managing teams of 30+ staffin a food production or catering environment
- In-depth knowledge of HACCP systems, food safety legislation, and auditing procedures
- High level of organisation, communication, and problem-solving skills
- Experience in scaling production, managing KPIs, and leading continuous improvement
- Proven experience in staff training, strong mentoring, and staff development under your management
- Passionate about food, nutrition, and team culture
·Salary circa £65,000 – £70,000 (dependent on experience) plus bonus up to £6,500
- Monday to Friday daytime hours: 5am – 2pm (no evenings or weekends)
- Private medicalinsurance
- Death in servicecover
- 25 days holiday per year, plus 8 Bank Holiday days, plus birthday leave
- Closed for bank holidays, and from Christmas to New Year
- Free food daily– including breakfast, hot lunch, snacks, tea, coffee
- Fun Fridayswith cooked breakfasts, cakes, and drinks for the whole team
- Fully paid team social events and staff days out
- Full uniform provided
- Fully funded training and development opportunities
- A close-knit, people-first leadership culture
For more information please contact Holly, HR Manager at hr@zebedees.co.uk
Seniority level
-
Seniority level
Director
Employment type
-
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
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Job function
Management and Manufacturing
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Industries
Food and Beverage Manufacturing
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Executive Chef | Salary £65,000-£70,000 + bonus employer: Zebedees
Contact Detail:
Zebedees Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive Chef | Salary £65,000-£70,000 + bonus
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the culinary industry, especially those who have experience in high-volume production kitchens. Attend local food events or workshops to connect with potential colleagues and learn about the latest trends in nursery catering.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with HACCP systems and food safety legislation, as these are crucial for the role. Consider taking a short course or certification if you need to brush up on your knowledge, which will demonstrate your commitment to food safety standards.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you've successfully managed large teams in previous roles. Think of specific examples where you improved kitchen efficiency or mentored staff, as this will showcase your ability to lead a team of 45 kitchen staff.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Zebedees and their approach to nutrition and meal provision for children. Being knowledgeable about their mission and values will help you align your vision with theirs during discussions, making you a more attractive candidate.
We think you need these skills to ace Executive Chef | Salary £65,000-£70,000 + bonus
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in kitchen management and food production. Emphasise your leadership skills and any specific achievements in previous roles that align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for food and nutrition, as well as your management style. Mention how your experience aligns with Zebedees' commitment to quality and team culture, and express your enthusiasm for the role.
Highlight HACCP Knowledge: Since the role requires in-depth knowledge of HACCP systems and food safety legislation, ensure you detail your experience with these in your application. Provide examples of how you've implemented food safety standards in past positions.
Showcase Leadership Experience: Given the need to manage a large team, include specific examples of your leadership experience. Discuss how you've successfully led teams, mentored staff, and driven continuous improvement in a kitchen environment.
How to prepare for a job interview at Zebedees
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As an Executive Chef, you'll be managing a large team. Be prepared to discuss your leadership style and provide examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. Highlight any specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to inspire and motivate others.
✨Demonstrate Your Knowledge of Food Safety
Given the importance of food safety in this role, make sure you can talk confidently about HACCP systems and food safety legislation. Prepare to answer questions on how you've implemented these standards in previous positions and how you ensure compliance within your team.
✨Discuss Menu Development Experience
Zebedees values innovation in their menu offerings. Be ready to share your experience in menu development, particularly in a high-volume production environment. Discuss any collaborations you've had with nutritionists or other professionals to create balanced and appealing meals.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle kitchen operations under pressure. Think of examples where you've improved kitchen efficiency or resolved conflicts within your team, and be ready to explain your thought process.