Executive Chef

At Debenhams Group, we are a diverse portfolio of five core brands (boohoo, boohooMAN, PrettyLittleThing, Karen Millen, and Debenhams) alongside a dynamic marketplace model and a growing financial services division, it keeps us pretty busy!

We don’t stand still, we lead, evolve, and redefine online fashion. With bold ambitions and big energy, we’re on a mission to be the best, delivering the strongest propositions to our customers in the most engaging, innovative, and efficient ways possible.

We thrive on change, innovation, and pace. Every challenge is an opportunity, and every day is a chance to push boundaries. If you’re someone who embraces the unknown, thrives in a fast-moving, high-growth environment, and is ready to shape the future of retail, you’ll love it here. We want visionaries, disruptors, and doers, people who bring fresh thinking, relentless energy, and the drive to make an impact. 

Be brave. Be creative. Be a community.

THE ROLE

The Inhouse Executive Chef is responsible for leading all culinary operations within the workplace, delivering high-quality, nutritious, and sustainable food services that enhance employee wellbeing and experience. The role combines culinary excellence, team leadership, food safety compliance, and cost control within a professional, environment.

The successful candidate will be customer focused, commercially aware with a food for fuel ethos, being both positive and imaginative with the ability to inspire and influence. 

This role is onsite in Manchester, Mon to Fri 8.30 till 5.30. No evening or weekend work.

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING

Culinary Leadership

• Design and deliver seasonal, innovative menus aligned with workplace dining expectations
• Ensure consistent food quality, presentation, and taste across all services
• Cater for diverse dietary requirements (allergens, cultural, medical, lifestyle)
• Lead food innovation initiatives, wellness-focused menus, and sustainability goals

Operational Management

• Oversee day-to-day kitchen operations, including production, service, and stock control
• Manage food budgets, GP targets, portion control, and waste reduction
• Plan production schedules to meet service demand efficiently
• Collaborate with workplace stakeholders to support events, meetings, and hospitality

People Management

• Lead, train, and develop kitchen teams, fostering a positive and inclusive culture
• Manage rotas, performance, recruitment, and succession planning
• Ensure high standards of professionalism, teamwork, and customer service

Health, Safety & Compliance

• Ensure full compliance with food safety, health & safety, and hygiene legislation
• Maintain HACCP systems, risk assessments, and food safety documentation
• Promote a strong safety culture within the kitchen and service areas

Supplier & Stakeholder Management

• Manage supplier relationships, ordering, and product quality standards
• Work closely with workplace management, HR, and wellbeing teams
• Support company-wide initiatives such as, engagement strategy, sustainability, product launches

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

Essential

• Proven experience as an Executive Chef or Senior Head Chef (workplace, contract catering, or similar)
• Strong leadership and people management skills
• Excellent knowledge of food safety, allergen management, and H&S legislation
• Food Safety Hygiene Level 3
• Financial acumen with experience managing food costs and budgets
• Passion for fresh food, nutrition, and workplace wellbeing

Desirable

• Experience in corporate or contract catering environments
• Qualifications in Professional Cookery or Hospitality Management
• Experience supporting waste reduction initiatives

WHY JOIN US 

2026 is a year for making bold moves, delivering real results, and driving forward with unstoppable momentum. If that excites you, then you belong at Debenhams Group.

Let’s lead the change together. 🚀 

#LI-LF1 #LI-onsite #LI-catering