National Culinary Lead

Compass Group; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 42,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading contract catering firm is seeking a dynamic National Culinary Lead to oversee culinary innovation and strategy across Amazon and Volkswagen Group sites. The ideal candidate will have significant contract catering experience and proven leadership skills in multi-site environments. Responsibilities include developing menus, mentoring culinary talent, and ensuring exceptional food quality. The role requires extensive travel across the UK and offers a competitive salary and benefits package.

Benefits

Access to development opportunities

Career progression pathways

Comprehensive benefits package

Qualifications

• Significant experience in contract catering is essential.
• Proven success in leading multi-site culinary teams.
• Full UK driving licence with flexibility to travel.

Responsibilities

• Lead culinary strategy across Amazon and Volkswagen Group sites.
• Drive menu development aligned with client expectations.
• Coach and mentor culinary talent across multiple regions.

Skills

Leadership

Culinary innovation

Contract catering experience

Communication

Attention to detail

Job description

National Culinary Lead – Amazon & Volkswagen Group

Salary: Up to £50,000 per annum + car or allowance
Location: National – extensive UK travel across Amazon & VW Group sites

Are you a dynamic culinary leader with a passion for food innovation and contract catering excellence?
Join Eurest, part of Compass Group UK&I, as our National Culinary Lead for two of our largest and most progressive client partnerships: Amazon and Volkswagen Group.

In this high-impact role, you’ll shape the future of workplace dining across a diverse portfolio of fast-paced, high-profile sites. You’ll lead the culinary vision, inspire our chefs, and ensure exceptional food experiences that reflect the innovation and scale of both brands.

What you’ll be doing

• Lead culinary strategy, development, and innovation across all Amazon and Volkswagen Group UK sites.
• Partner with site and regional chef teams to elevate food quality, consistency, and creativity.
• Drive menu development aligned to client expectations, sustainability goals, and Eurest standards.
• Coach, mentor, and develop culinary talent across multiple regions, embedding best practice.
• Collaborate closely with operational and senior stakeholders to deliver client‑centric food solutions.
• Lead the rollout of new concepts, programs, and national culinary initiatives.
• Ensure all menus reflect strong nutritional standards, cost‑effectiveness, and operational deliverability.

About you

• A passionate, innovative chef with significant experience in contract catering – essential.
• Proven success in leading multi‑site or national culinary teams within workplace, B&I, or large‑scale food service environments.
• Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to influence at all levels.
• Hands‑on, energetic, and naturally collaborative, with exceptional attention to detail.
• Committed to sustainability, operational excellence, and outstanding customer experience.
• Full UK driving licence with flexibility to travel nationally across Amazon and VW Group locations.

Why join us?

At Eurest, we’re redefining workplace dining delivering sustainable, innovative, and engaging food experiences for some of the world’s most forward‑thinking companies.
You’ll join a highly supportive team with access to development opportunities, career progression pathways, and a comprehensive Compass Group benefits package.

Be part of a team delivering culinary excellence at national scale across two of our most exciting and iconic client partnerships.