Regional Development Chef

Location: County Durham

Regional Development Chef

Chartwells – Education Catering

Role Overview

This role plays a pivotal part in supporting the Chartwells Operations Team to ensure our school catering teams fully understand their responsibilities and deliver against clear standards and expectations.

You will drive a consistent, elevated and innovative food offer across all schools – from counter service to hospitality and event catering. The role ensures modular menus are implemented using The Source recipes, hospitality brochures are relevant and user-friendly, and the “Beyond the Kitchen” programme is embedded successfully across every site.

You will lead the development of kitchen teams, champion new food concepts, and ensure our food offer remains fresh, inspiring, compliant, and commercially successful.

Key Responsibilities

Lead the delivery and presentation of food across schools, encouraging teams to showcase their offer and host tastings with clients.

Engage clients in meaningful conversations around food quality, innovation, and school strategy.

Create and implement new culinary ideas such as pop-ups, BBQ events, tasting events, and themed food activations.

Develop innovative, School Food Standards-compliant regional dishes for inclusion on menus.

Ensure modular menus are implemented correctly using approved recipes from The Source.

Ensure every school has a relevant and accessible hospitality brochure.

Team Development & Training

Train culinary teams across all craft levels, reviewing kitchen operations and developing capability at every level.

Deliver bi-annual unit manager training to support new menu launches and updates.

Support and coach teams through chef challenges and provide short-term relief support where required.

Ensure “Tasting Kitchen” and “Recipe Clinics” are embedded across the estate.

Beyond the Kitchen Programme

Support and guide schools in embedding the Beyond the Kitchen programme.

Ensure activities are planned, diarised, and delivered consistently.

Liaise with the Nutrition Team where required.

Personally deliver selected Beyond the Kitchen activities throughout the year.

Operational & Strategic Support

Support mobilisation of new contracts.

Oversee planning of large-scale hospitality events within schools.

Review and update school strategies during each visit.

Maintain a strong understanding of purchasing compliance, sourcing, and commercial performance.

Key Relationships

Chartwells Culinary Director

Managing Director

Senior Leadership Team

Head of Operations

Regional Managers

Compass Group UK Food Service Team

School Clients

Kitchen Teams

Catering Managers / General Managers

Unit Managers

About You

Genuine passion for food and education catering

Strong knowledge of food trends and culinary development

Creative food service background

Experience with purchasing, sourcing, modular menus and recipe systems

Proven track record of developing and implementing food concepts

Experience working in fast-paced, forward-thinking environments

Excellent communication and influencing skills

Strong coaching and leadership ability

Ability to build relationships across diverse stakeholder groups

Strong project management skills

Knowledge of varied food production methods

Passion-led approach to school visits, always showcasing the very best food

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 My Learning programmes

Quick access for you and your immediate family to a Digital GP, and wider healthcare benefits

Exclusive travel discounts with TUI, Expedia, (url removed) 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 Us

Part of Compass Group UK&I, Chartwells is the leading provider of catering and support services to the education sector. For over a…