Our client is a market leading contract catering company specialising in school food. By combining their understanding of the education sector and their knowledge of what’s on trend in the food world, they encourage creativity and excitement in their kitchens, allowing the teams to do what they do best and provide fantastic food experiences for the children.
The role:
Our client is searching for a highly skilled and strategic Executive Chef to lead the culinary standards across their school sites. You will be instrumental in the rollout and launch of exciting new menus, using your expertise to ensure they are operationally sound, profitable, and genuinely delicious. You'll be the ultimate resource for their kitchen teams.
Your responsibilities will include:
Leading the Rollout: Oversee the development and launch of innovative food offers, expertly balancing financial, operational, and consumer requirements.
Trendsetting: Develop engaging food offers and marketing initiatives that keep us cutting-edge, profitable, and ahead of high-street trends.
Mentoring and Coaching: Actively coach and develop Chefs and Unit Managers across your area on company standards, compliance, and policies related to food quality and safety.
Driving Service Excellence: Guarantee that food standards, presentation and service are consistently immaculate, acting as a final point of escalation for customer issues..
Driving Growth: Ensure our exceptional food offering increases sales and supports the retention of existing business.
Compliance Expert: Uphold the strictest adherence to all company, client, and statutory regulations (H&S, hygiene, COSHH).
About you:
You are currently working in a development or senior culinary role within contract catering or education sector and are ready for a new challenge.
You can demonstrate exceptional creativity and flair in the food you produce.
You possess strong industry knowledge, constantly keeping up-to-date with the latest trends and innovations.
You have a strong understanding of budgets and costs and, crucially, the ability to effectively pass this financial knowledge on to your team.
You have proven ability to communicate effectively at all levels, successfully driving company initiatives and engaging diverse audiences.
You are highly experienced in working within a compliance-led environment, emphasising the importance of rigorous policies and procedures.
Why apply?
Join one of the UK's fastest-growing independent businesses where our clients people are truly at their core.
Unlimited Career Growth: The opportunity to develop your career is endless.
They offer fantastic Learning & Development programmes that include the ability to gain qualifications while receiving comprehensive support.
40 hours per week
52 weeks per year
£18-£20 per hour, plus car allowance
Please note, our client expects all staff to share their commitment of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children/young people so an enhanced DBS disclosure will be sought by the company
Contact us about this vacancy
Kat Kantorova
07548 963 089
kat.kantorova@pineapple-recruitment.co.uk
Location Newcastle, United Kingdom
Salary £18-£20 Per Hour
Job Reference REF2719
Posted on Posted on 02 March 2026
Category Education