Excel Recruitment is currently seeking an experienced and strategic Head of Culinary / Executive Head Chef to lead food service operations across a large, multi-building corporate campus. This is a senior leadership role offering the opportunity to drive culinary excellence, food safety, and service innovation within a high-profile client environment.
The Role
You will have full responsibility for food production, menu development, quality standards, and culinary leadership across the campus. Working closely with senior stakeholders, you will lead multiple kitchen teams while ensuring consistent, high-quality food service delivery aligned with client expectations.
Key Responsibilities
1. Lead and champion all food service operations across a large, multi-building campus
2. Manage, support, and develop senior kitchen teams, including Sous Chefs, to ensure consistent delivery of high standards
3. Oversee menu development and food production, ensuring quality, consistency, and innovation across all locations
4. Ensure full compliance with food safety, quality, and regulatory standards, including audits and inspections
5. Develop a client-focused, site-specific service approach aligned with customer and business expectations
6. Drive continuous improvement by measuring performance, implementing best practices, and introducing effective SOPs
7. Work closely with senior stakeholders to support operational goals, growth opportunities, and future service development
Candidate Requirements
8. Proven experience in a senior culinary leadership role within contract catering, hospitality, or large-scale food service operations
9. Strong leadership and people management skills with experience managing multi-site or multi-kitchen teams
10. In-depth knowledge of food safety, quality management systems, and regulatory compliance
11. Experience with audits, inspections, and quality assurance processes (ISO, EHO, HACCP)
12. Commercial awareness with the ability to manage standards, budgets, and operational efficiency
13. Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
14. A client-focused mindset with a passion for service excellence
15. Ability to drive change, implement best practices, and lead continuous improvement
16. Relevant culinary qualifications and food safety certifications
What's on Offer
17. Competitive salary package
18. Senior leadership role within a prestigious corporate campus environment
19. Opportunity to influence and shape culinary standards at scale
20. Strong career progression within a global organisation
21. Supportive leadership structure and collaborative working culture
22. Access to training, development, and industry best practices
If this opportunity interests you, contact Clare on 087 338 8065. Visit the Excel Recruitment website to explore additional current vacancies.
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