Location: Sittingbourne, Kent - COOK Pastry & Pies
Hours: Monday to Friday - 8am - 4pm
Join Our Chef Team!
As an Executive Chef at COOK, you’ll lead a team of passionate Prep, Mix, Weigh, and Kitchen Chefs who care deeply about making delicious food the right way — with love, by hand, and to an incredible standard. You’ll help us build Britain’s Best Kitchen, grow remarkable people, and bring our values to life every day.
The Role
1. Lead your team to deliver to specifications, on budget, with care and consistency.
2. Use systems and processes to track stock, recipes, and batch control.
3. Collaborate with Engineering to keep equipment in top shape and plan for future needs.
4. Maintain engagement in Food Safety, HACCP, and quality standards — and take necessary actions.
5. Support your team’s wellbeing and development through monthly 1-to-1s, recognition, and open conversations.
6. Ensure the kitchen is safe, clean, and a positive environment for growth.
7. Work with the Technical team to ensure food safety and low allergen risks.
8. Set the standard for food quality, consistency, and presentation — every tray matters.
9. Lead problem-solving, recipe improvements, and assist in launching new products.
10. Promote zero waste and sustainable cooking practices.
11. Contribute to the leadership team by helping shape kitchen operations.
12. Bring energy, joy, and positive vibes to the kitchen daily.
13. Celebrate achievements, run engaging team huddles, and motivate your team.
14. Maintain open, fun, and meaningful communication.
15. Be visible, hands-on, and approachable within the kitchen environment.
16. Collaborate with fellow KECs to share best practices and foster team spirit across sites.
17. Support the Ops Academy and identify future talent.
Good to Have
* Qualification in catering or equivalent experience
* Food Safety Level 3
* Experience in team and individual leadership
* Good communication skills and IT proficiency
If you tick most of these boxes but not all—don’t stress. We’re all about potential.
Benefits include
* Free cooked-from-fresh lunch for all employees
* Free parking
* Paid leave for birthdays, moving house, becoming a grandparent, or child's first day at school
* Staff profit share
* Access to CookieJar Smart Spending discounts and free food perks
* Team meals, events, and away days
* Being part of a B-Corp-certified business that values sustainability, people, and community
And many more.
Based in Sittingbourne at our COOK Pies & Pastry Kitchen
What Cook is About
We’re a proudly independent, family-owned B Corp, which means we care deeply. About our food, our people, and doing the right thing—even when it’s not the easiest path.
Our vision for COOK is to be a place where EVERYONE feels welcome and belongs. We value different roles, abilities, and personalities. By collaborating, we can achieve remarkable things. If you want to grow with COOK, please apply.
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