Regional Executive Chef – Sussex NEW

Heathfield, Sussex
Compass Group UK

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 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 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 foodservice 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 PowerPoint
• 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 SU 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!