Location:East Sussex, BN8 6BN
Salary: £65k, plus £5k bonus and company car
Company:Zebedees
Full-time | Permanent | MondayFriday, 5am 2pm
About Zebedees
We are the UKs leading nursery meals provider, providing hot lunches and cold teas for nurseries across the South East. Zebedees is a privately owned business committed to producing nutritious, high quality food that exceeds EYFS nutritional guidance.
The Role
Due to internal promotion, a rare opportunity has arisen for a passionate and highly experienced Executive Chefto join our CPU. You will oversee our kitchen operations, drive standards, inspire the team, lead culinary excellence and innovation as we continue to grow.
This is a strategic and hands-on leadership rolereporting directly to the Operations Manager and Directors. You will be responsible for the daily operations, food safety compliance, kitchen efficiency, and leadership of a team of 45 kitchen staff, in a high-output central production facility.
Key Responsibilities
Lead, support, and manage a kitchen team of 45 chefs, kitchen assistants, and porters
Oversee daily operations of our CPU (high-volume nursery catering)
Ensure consistent execution of meals to specification, quality, and allergen standards
Manage and maintain all HACCP documentation, internal food safety audits, and compliance procedures
Collaborate with the Operations Manager and renowned Nutritionist (Charlotte StirlingReed)on menu development and innovation
Monitor and maintain compliance with food hygiene, food safety, and auditing standards
Implement process improvements to enhance productivity and reduce waste
Ensure safe and efficient use of high-spec machinery
Coordinate with logistics and operations teams for timely service delivery
About You
Proven experience in a senior kitchen management or executive chef role (high volume / CPU experience preferred)
Strong leadership experience managing teams of 30+ staffin a food production or catering environment
In-depth knowledge of HACCP systems, food safety legislation, and auditing procedures
High level of organisation, communication, and problem-solving skills
Experience in scaling production, managing KPIs, and leading continuous improvement
Food hygiene qualification (Level 3 minimum, Level 4 desirable)
Proven experience in staff training, strong mentoring, and staff development under your management
Passionate about food, nutrition, and team culture
Our perks
Salary £65k plus £5k bonus
Company car (electric Tesla Y) with valid driving licence
Monday to Friday daytime hours: 5am - 2pm (no evenings or weekends)
Workplace pension scheme
Private medicalinsurance
Death in servicecover
25 days holiday per year, plus 8 Bank Holiday days, plus birthday leave
Closed for bank holidays, and from Christmas to New Year
Free food daily including breakfast, hot lunch, snacks, tea, coffee
Fun Fridayswith cooked breakfasts, cakes, and drinks for the whole team
Fully paid team social events and staff days out
Full uniform provided
Fully funded training and development opportunities
A close-knit, people-first leadership culture
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