Chartwells Universities
Head Chef - Greenwich
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Benefits
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 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.com 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
Head Chef
Chartwells Higher Education | University of Greenwich
Are you a passionate and innovative Head Chef ready for your next exciting challenge?
At Chartwells, part of the Compass Group family, we are proud to partner with the University of Greenwich, delivering outstanding food, hospitality, and event catering experiences for students, faculty, and guests across campus.
We're passionate about great food, exceptional service, and memorable events. We are now looking for an experienced Head Chef to join our team and play a key role in shaping and delivering our culinary offer across a diverse and vibrant university environment.
Working closely with our Executive Head Chef, you will help drive innovation, inspire your team, and lead food production across our cafés, restaurants, hospitality operations, conferences, events, and fine dining functions.
The Role
As Head Chef, you will lead the day-to-day kitchen operation while supporting the wider culinary strategy for the site. This is a fantastic opportunity to influence menus, champion food trends, develop talent, and create exceptional dining experiences within one of London's leading universities.
Key Responsibilities
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Culinary Leadership
- Lead and develop the culinary offer across all retail, hospitality, and event catering operations.
- Support the National Executive Chef and Unit Manager in delivering a food vision focused on quality, innovation, sustainability, and brand standards.
- Drive menu development and introduce exciting food concepts that respond to customer needs and industry trends.
- Source high-quality ingredients and work closely with suppliers and central teams to ensure consistency and availability.
- Ensure all dishes are prepared and presented to the highest standards.
- Maintain excellent food safety, allergen management, hygiene, and health & safety compliance.
- Implement waste reduction initiatives and support the achievement of financial and GP targets.
- Manage stock control and support regular stock takes in line with company procedures.
- Deputise for the Unit Manager when required.
Team Leadership
- Lead, motivate, coach, and develop a talented kitchen team.
- Create a positive, professional, and collaborative kitchen culture.
- Manage rotas and labour scheduling using company systems, ensuring budgets are achieved.
- Identify and nurture talent through training and development opportunities.
- Support recruitment and people management activities alongside HR and site leadership teams.
- Deliver ongoing skills training with a focus on food quality, innovation, and compliance.
About You
Essential Skills & Experience
- Exceptional culinary skills and a genuine passion for food.
- Proven experience leading and developing teams within a senior kitchen position.
- Strong commercial awareness with experience managing budgets, stock, and labour costs.
- Excellent organisational and planning skills.
- Customer-focused with a commitment to delivering outstanding food and service.
- A collaborative leader who leads by example and inspires others.
- Strong understanding of food safety, allergen management, and health & safety legislation.
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Desirable Qualifications & Experience
- NVQ Level 3 in Professional Cookery or equivalent.
- Intermediate Food Hygiene / Level 3 Food Safety qualification.
- Experience working within a contract catering environment.
- Previous experience as a Head Chef.
- Experience using payroll and stock management systems.
- Competent with Microsoft Outlook, Teams, and Excel.
- Full UK driving licence.
Why Join Us?
- Be part of the UK's leading food and support services business, Compass Group.
- Work within a dynamic and diverse university environment.
- Influence a varied food offer spanning retail, hospitality, events, conferences, and fine dining.
- Access industry-leading training, development, and career progression opportunities.
- Collaborate with talented culinary professionals across the wider Chartwells and Compass network.
- Play a key role in driving innovation, sustainability, and food excellence at the University of Greenwich.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you're an ambitious culinary leader with a passion for people, innovation, and delivering exceptional food experiences, we'd love to hear from you.
About Us
As part of Compass you'll help to feed people, fuel progress and forge connections in around 6,000 venues. Join us to grow your career with the industry leader, and get competitive pay, great perks and unrivalled opportunities for learning and development, at one of the UK's biggest businesses.
Job Reference: com/2909/45164001/52836531/SU #Universities & Colleges
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!
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