Regional Executive Chef

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

Car or Car Allowance

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

Role Purpose To plan, organise and lead the preparation and delivery of high-quality food, ensuring the company’s reputation for excellence is consistently upheld in line with contractual and brand standards. The role will drive culinary quality, develop teams, deliver outstanding hospitality and ensure full compliance with food safety, HSE and financial controls.

Key Responsibilities Lead and manage the preparation and cooking of food to agreed quality, brand and contractual standards

Deliver first-class culinary training to enhance skills, consistency and food quality across onsite teams

Plan and deliver exceptional hospitality and event catering

Drive sales through centrally developed menus, promotions and preferred supplier usage

Take full responsibility for food safety, HSE and COSHH compliance

Implement and maintain food monitoring and cost-control procedures, ensuring delivery within agreed budgets

Work collaboratively with the wider culinary team to support skills development and central initiatives

Support the day-to-day operational requirements of the business, adapting to changing priorities

Key Relationships Executive Chef

Business Director and Operations Teams

Regional Culinary Team

Ingredient and Recipe Manager

Onsite Catering Teams

Chartwells Marketing and Nutrition Teams

Clients, Schools and Senior Leadership Teams

Skills, Knowledge and Experience Proven culinary background within a similar food service or catering environment

Experience working in an education setting (schools or colleges)

Strong leadership and coaching skills with the ability to motivate and develop teams

Passion for great food and exceptional service delivery

Confident communicator with excellent presentation skills across diverse audiences

Financially astute, with experience managing food costs, margins and budgets

Experience delivering culinary skills training

Ability to analyse information and drive consistent results through planning and process

Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to build credibility quickly

Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel and Power Point

Flexible approach with the ability to work independently and travel when required

Essential Requirements Operational catering experience

Knowledge and understanding of the School Food Standards

High standards of personal presentation, professionalism and integrity

Strong planning and organisational skills, with the ability to deliver in varied environments

Creative and imaginative approach to food presentation for audiences including children, parents, headteachers and governors

Ability to perform under pressure and adapt to change

Full UK driving licence

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 quarter of a century, Chartwells has been focusing on helping those in education to build strong bodies, sharp minds and lead long healthy lives. Every week, Chartwells serves millions of nutritious and delicious meals to pupils and students in primary and secondary schools, academies, independent schools, colleges, and universities across the UK.

Chartwells is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all employees to share this commitment. Any offer of employment will be subject to successfully completing pre-employment checks, including an enhanced DBS disclosure and a Children's Barred List check. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and we ask applicants to declare all previous convictions and cautions in order to assess their suitability to work with children.

Job Reference: com/1301/(phone number removed)/(phone number removed)/SU #State Schools

Compass Group UK&I is committed to fostering an environment where every individual can truly be themselves at work and has equal opportunities to advance in their careers. We strive to build a culture that respects and celebrates the unique talents, beliefs, backgrounds, and abilities of all our team members. We want our colleagues to feel valued, empowered to reach their full potential, and to thrive - because diversity is our strength