Debenhams Group
Executive Chef
How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
At Debenhams Group
At Debenhams Group, we are a diverse portfolio of five core brands (boohoo, boohooMAN, PrettyLittleThing, Karen Millen, and Debenhams) alongside a dynamic marketplace model and a growing financial services division, it keeps us pretty busy!
We don’t stand still, we lead, evolve, and redefine online fashion. With bold ambitions and big energy, we’re on a mission to be the best, delivering the strongest propositions to our customers in the most engaging, innovative, and efficient ways possible.
We thrive on change, innovation, and pace. Every challenge is an opportunity, and every day is a chance to push boundaries. If you’re someone who embraces the unknown, thrives in a fast-moving, high-growth environment, and is ready to shape the future of retail, you’ll love it here. We want visionaries, disruptors, and doers, people who bring fresh thinking, relentless energy, and the drive to make an impact.
Be brave. Be creative. Be a community.
THE ROLE
The Inhouse Executive Chef is responsible for leading all culinary operations within the workplace, delivering high-quality, nutritious, and sustainable food services that enhance employee wellbeing and experience. The role combines culinary excellence, team leadership, food safety compliance, and cost control within a professional environment.
Reasons to use Rodeo
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
It searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
The successful candidate will be customer focused, commercially aware with a food for fuel ethos, being both positive and imaginative with the ability to inspire and influence.
This role is onsite in Manchester, Mon to Fri 8.30 till 5.30. No evening or weekend work.
WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING
Culinary Leadership
- Design and deliver seasonal, innovative menus aligned with workplace dining expectations
- Ensure consistent food quality, presentation, and taste across all services
- Cater for diverse dietary requirements (allergens, cultural, medical, lifestyle)
- Lead food innovation initiatives, wellness-focused menus, and sustainability goals
Operational Management
- Oversee day-to-day kitchen operations, including production, service, and stock control
- Manage food budgets, GP targets, portion control, and waste reduction
- Plan production schedules to meet service demand efficiently
- Collaborate with workplace stakeholders to support events, meetings, and hospitality
People Management
- Lead, train, and develop kitchen teams, fostering a positive and inclusive culture
- Manage rotas, performance, recruitment, and succession planning
- Ensure high standards of professionalism, teamwork, and customer service
Health, Safety & Compliance
- Ensure full compliance with food safety, health & safety, and hygiene legislation
- Maintain HACCP systems, risk assessments, and food safety documentation
- Promote a strong safety culture within the kitchen and service areas
Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
Supplier & Stakeholder Management
- Manage supplier relationships, ordering, and product quality standards
- Work closely with workplace management, HR, and wellbeing teams
- Support company-wide initiatives such as, engagement strategy, sustainability, product launches
WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR
Essential
- Proven experience as an Executive Chef or Senior Head Chef (workplace, contract catering, or similar)
- Strong leadership and people management skills
- Excellent knowledge of food safety, allergen management, and H&S legislation
- Food Safety Hygiene Level 3
- Financial acumen with experience managing food costs and budgets
- Passion for fresh food, nutrition, and workplace wellbeing
Desirable
- Experience in corporate or contract catering environments
- Qualifications in Professional Cookery or Hospitality Management
- Experience supporting waste reduction initiatives
WHY JOIN US
2026 is a year for making bold moves, delivering real results, and driving forward with unstoppable momentum. If that excites you, then you belong at Debenhams Group.
Let’s lead the change together. 🚀
#LI-LF1 #LI-onsite #LI-catering
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London
Skills