Development Chef

Lexington is an award-winning contract caterer that focus on providing great food and service to customers. To do this we need fabulous people and we work hard to create an environment where our team members feel engaged, inspired, valued and enjoy what they do.

Assist the development team and manage key projects and sites across the Lexington estate. Implement through different strategies the company's food vision. Ensure the highest quality of food production and catering services according to the requirements of our clients and Lexington. Assist in the winning and retention of business. Help maintain our recipe management system, Star Chef, with support from other stakeholders Operational Skills
As a key strategic member of the Lexington food team, the development chef will be responsible for giving our teams the necessary tools to deliver a high standard of food across the Lexington estate, both in retail, hospitality, and events to respond to our client's requirements on a site-by-site basis. Work in conjunction with key stakeholders and the leadership team to determine and implement the food strategy across our business The role requires an amazing chef with the strength of character and ability to support the building of a food community both within the catering teams and within the client's customer base and the ability to manage projects from end to end. They will demonstrate a keen understanding of the latest food trends and have a track record of delivering sustained food excellence across all service areas. Assist the team in delivering food forums, and training.
Necessary Operational Skills:
Minimum 3 years' experience as a head chef running staff and hospitality dining
Job Knowledge, Technical Knowledge, Expertise, Customer Service, Administrative and Result Orientated. Ability to lead and inspire site teams. Deliver projects from start to finish and find own solutions to every aspect of the role. Coaching and mentoring skills. Flexibility, as evening and weekend work may be required.
Duties:
Assist with the development, innovation and implementation of menus and food styles for the retail, hospitality, Executive dining, Café, Events and any other catering services required by our clients, customers and executive team.
Incorporate Lexington's and our client's Wellness, CSR and ESG approach throughout the food offer and work with the marketing team to develop a well-being approach.
Show financial management through correct costing, stock taking and menu planning benefiting both Lexington and our customers on Star Chef and within set budgets.
Recruit, support, train, coach and manage kitchen staff and set an example for delivering an efficient quality and financially beneficial service for both Lexington and our customers.
Enhance and improve skills and knowledge by training and development benefiting self, all staff, Lexington and our customers.
Work closely with the marketing team to ensure our vision is always shared through social media campaigns.
Maintain our recipe management system, Star Chef, with other stakeholders.
Assist with the planning of food forums and engagement sessions for the team
Mobilise new sites
Maintain health and safety and hygiene and hygiene procedures in line with the company's policy.
Cover for team members as required during their absence.
Train team and sites in the skills needed to deliver the food offer.
Interpersonal Skills Necessary Interpersonal Skills:
Effective Communicator; Verbal (Speech) and& Non-Verbal (Listening), Team Worker, Team Builder, Persuasiveness and Flexibility.
Able to engage at a high level with senior stakeholders and able to present and impart ideas and strategies well.
Present food ideas, proposals and catering solutions to prospective clients, consultants, existing clients, and the wider team.
Ensure that team building is effective to meet site and company requirements.
Ensure site teams understand the parameters of the business through the company's objectives and Standard Operating Procedures.
Work collaboratively with the management team to ensure excellent team relationships.
Ensure attendance of all relevant training and development courses.
Liaise with operations managers where necessary.
Ensure that sites are always aware of the standards required.
Attend client meetings, and project meetings and arrange tastings as appropriate.
Managerial Skills Duties:
Ensure that staff are committed to their job roles to provide a consistent high-quality service.
To assist with the development of the company and self to ensure continuous pro-active progression.
Find solutions to problems and deliver projects from end to end with minimal supervision.
Recruitment
Actively support the retention and recruitment of staff in our sites.

Our way of saying thank you.
At Lexington, we strive to ensure that our colleagues feel appreciated & rewarded, which is why we offer generous rewards & benefits in exchange for your dedicated efforts.

FREE On-Site Lunches:
Savor delicious and healthy meals, on us, every day at work
Flexible Working:
Enjoy the freedom to balance work and personal life with our flexible working hours
Holiday Allowance:
Start with 28 days of holiday to relax and recharge, increasing to 31 days after two years of service
Family Leave:
Prioritise your family commitments with our family leave options designed to support you during important times
Paid Charity Leave:
Make a difference in your community with paid time off to volunteer for your favourite causes
Opportunities for Career Progression:
Grow and advance your career with us, supported by continuous learning and development opportunities
Comprehensive Wellbeing Benefits:
Access mental health support and a range of wellbeing benefits to keep you feeling your best, both professionally and personally
Life Assurance & Pension Schemes:
Secure your future with our life assurance and workplace pension schemes
Exclusive Discounts & Perks:
Enjoy discounts and cashback on entertainment, leisure activities, and much more, alongside our popular cycle-to-work scheme
Why it's great to work for us.
At Lexington, we dare to be different in our food, catering, reception services, and work culture. Our values encourage creativity, boldness, and fun, fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We nurture talent, helping our people thrive and reach their potential.

We take pride in being an equal opportunity employer and welcome everyone. Let us know if you need any reasonable adjustments or assistance in your application, and feel free to share your pronouns.

Join our award-winning team passionate about serving delicious food to exceptional clients in London. Visit our website to hear from our team first-hand.

Interested? Click the 'Apply now'
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