Executive Chef

Compass Group; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food service provider in the United Kingdom is seeking an experienced Executive Chef to lead culinary operations. As an Executive Chef, you will drive food quality, manage a high-performing kitchen team, and ensure customer satisfaction across diverse outlets. The role requires expert culinary skills, proven experience in a similar position, and strong leadership capabilities. This is an exciting opportunity to influence culinary direction and maintain high standards within a dynamic environment.

Benefits

Contributory pension scheme

Career development programmes

Healthcare benefits

Exclusive travel discounts

Discounts on groceries

Cinema ticket discounts

Cash rewards on spending

Wellness and exercise classes

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a Head Chef or Executive Chef role.
• Ability to inspire and motivate a culinary team.
• Strong understanding of health and safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Develop and approve menus for various clients.
• Ensure food quality standards are met consistently.
• Lead health and safety culture across kitchens.

Skills

Expert culinary skills

Influential leadership

Business management capability

Education

NVQ Level 3 in Professional Cookery or equivalent

Level 3 / Intermediate Food Hygiene qualification

Job description

Benefits

We ensure you're rewarded for all your hard work, which is why we offer a comprehensive benefits package which includes but is not limited to:

• Contributory pension scheme
• Grow your career with 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 many more
• Save money on your food shop with discounts on Tesco, Sainsbury's, Morrisons and many more
• Up to 44% off cinema tickets to enjoy your favourite blockbuster
• Receive cash rewards every time you spend and use them on a wide range of brands
• Un-wind with us with free wellness, mindfulness and exercise classes
• You can share all discounts and offers with your friends and families

About The Role

Are you a dynamic and innovative culinary leader ready to take charge of a large and complex food service operations? We’re looking for an Executive Chef to lead our culinary vision, drive exceptional food quality, and inspire a high‑performing kitchen team.

This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced and passionate Executive Chef who thrives in a fast‑paced, multi‑outlet environment and is committed to delivering excellence.

Key Responsibilities

Customer & Client Satisfaction

• Develop, innovate, and approve menus
• Oversee VIP events and exclusive functions
• Ensure food quality standards are achieved consistently across all operations

Operational Excellence

• Lead a strong health & safety culture across all kitchens
• Achieve food production, labour, and GP targets
• Drive continuous improvement as part of the contract leadership team
• Recruit, train, and develop the culinary team, ensuring strong succession planning
• Support apprenticeship programmes
• Oversee food purchasing, stock control, and cost management
• Perform additional duties as reasonably requested

Health & Safety

• Champion and maintain high health‑and‑safety standards at all times

About You

Essential

• Expert culinary skills
• Proven experience in a Head Chef or Executive Chef role
• Strong, influential leadership skills with the ability to inspire and motivate
• Solid business management capability within a kitchen environment

Desirable

• NVQ Level 3 in Professional Cookery or equivalent
• Level 3 / Intermediate Food Hygiene qualification

Additional Requirements

• Uniform and PPE provided
• Completion of One Compass Welcome Induction and on‑site training required

Why Join Us?

You’ll be joining a forward‑thinking team where quality, innovation, and excellence are at the heart of everything we do. You’ll have the autonomy to shape culinary direction, develop your team, and make a meaningful impact across a major contract.