Group Executive Chef – Lodestone House at The Reigate Grammar School Group

Lead Culinary Excellence Across One of the UK’s Leading Independent School Groups

Lodestone House is proud to deliver exceptional catering and hospitality services across The Reigate Grammar School Group, comprising Reigate Grammar School, Reigate St Mary’s, Micklefield School and Chinthurst School.

With a rich history and an innovative approach to education, the Group is renowned for its academic excellence, outstanding pastoral care and vibrant co-curricular programme. We are now looking for an exceptional Group Executive Chef to lead our culinary operation and set the benchmark for food quality, innovation and hospitality across the Group.

About the Role

As Group Executive Chef, you will provide strategic and operational culinary leadership across the Lodestone House portfolio, with The Reigate Grammar School Group as a flagship account.

You will shape the culinary vision, drive innovation and ensure consistently high standards across multiple sites. Working closely with operational leaders, school leadership teams and culinary managers, you will champion fresh, seasonal food and create memorable dining experiences for pupils, staff and visitors.

This is a high-profile senior leadership opportunity for a commercially focused and inspirational chef who enjoys being visible and hands-on, developing talented teams and delivering culinary excellence across multiple locations.

What You’ll Be Doing

Culinary Leadership

• Develop and deliver the culinary strategy across the Lodestone House portfolio.
• Lead, inspire and mentor Head Chefs, Chef Managers and their teams.
• Create innovative, seasonal menus reflecting current food trends and client expectations.
• Drive consistency and excellence across dining, hospitality and event services.
• Provide visible, hands-on culinary leadership and support sites whenever required.

Food Quality & Standards

• Champion exceptional food quality, presentation and customer experience.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, allergen legislation and company standards.
• Drive consistency through effective recipe management, purchasing compliance and production standards.
• Promote sustainable sourcing, responsible food practices and waste reduction.
• Continuously review and develop the food offer to exceed expectations.

Commercial Performance

• Manage food cost performance, gross profit and budget delivery.
• Use operational data and insight to maximise participation and profitability.
• Support new contract mobilisations and the retention of existing business.
• Contribute to business growth through menu development, food presentations and client engagement.

People & Talent Development

• Build and develop a high-performing culinary leadership team.
• Deliver coaching, mentoring and structured development programmes.
• Support succession planning and create clear career pathways for culinary talent.
• Foster an inclusive, collaborative and innovative food culture.

Client & Business Partnership

• Build strong and trusted relationships with school leadership teams and key stakeholders.
• Support hospitality events, client presentations and business development opportunities.
• Act as a culinary ambassador for Lodestone House.
• Ensure every location consistently delivers an exceptional hospitality experience.

About You

We’re looking for an experienced senior culinary leader who can combine creativity and culinary expertise with strong commercial and people leadership.

You will ideally have:

• Proven experience as a Group Executive Chef, Executive Chef or Regional Executive Chef within education, hospitality or contract catering.
• Experience leading multiple kitchen teams across several sites.
• A genuine passion for fresh food, culinary innovation and exceptional customer experiences.
• Strong commercial awareness, including food cost and budget management.
• Outstanding leadership, coaching and people development skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities and projects.
• A proven track record of driving culinary standards and continuous improvement.
• A flexible approach, with the ability and willingness to travel between Lodestone House locations as required.

Why Join Lodestone House?

This is an exciting opportunity to take a Group-level culinary leadership role within a premium independent education environment, working across a collection of highly regarded schools.

You’ll have the opportunity to shape the food strategy, influence culinary standards across multiple sites, develop the next generation of culinary talent and create exceptional dining experiences for thousands of pupils, staff and guests.

If you’re an inspirational chef who combines culinary creativity, commercial thinking and exceptional leadership, we’d love to hear from you.

Join Lodestone House and help us set a new standard for independent school catering.

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/1208/98279001/52825195/SU #Lodestone House

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!