Job Title – Executive Chef
Reports to: Head of School
Salary: Up to £35,000 per annum DOE
Hours: Full-Time (40 hours per week) Monday to Friday
Join Odyssey – A Premier Preschool Brand in Marylebone, London
Odyssey, part of the Busy Bees group, is an award-winning global preschool brand, preparing to open its first exclusive 106-place campus in Marylebone, London, in April 2025. Designed for children aged 0-5, Odyssey offers a premium early years’ experience with bespoke learning opportunities, state-of-the-art facilities, and a cutting-edge, research-based curriculum focused on child development and outcomes.
We are looking for a talented and passionate Executive Chef to join our team and deliver exceptional culinary experiences that reflect our innovative and high-quality brand.
About the Role:
As the Executive Chef, you will lead the kitchen operations at our Marylebone centre, ensuring the preparation of healthy, delicious, and cost-effective meals for children. This is an exciting opportunity for a skilled culinary professional to combine expertise in food preparation, leadership, and innovation, all while contributing to the growth of a premium global brand.
Key Responsibilities
Menu Development and Food Preparation
- Create and plan cost-effective, nutritious, and appealing menus that meet the dietary needs of children aged 0-5.
- Develop innovative recipes and adapt meals to reflect the latest industry trends.
Leadership and Team Management
- Lead, train, and supervise a team of kitchen staff to ensure consistent delivery of high-quality meals.
- Provide hands-on support in meal preparation and guide kitchen staff to meet performance expectations.
Kitchen Operations and Compliance
- Oversee all aspects of kitchen operations to ensure compliance with food safety, hygiene, and regulatory standards.
- Regularly inspect kitchen tools, equipment, and facilities to maintain safety and efficiency.
Inventory and Budget Management
- Manage inventory levels for ingredients and equipment, ensuring timely replenishment while adhering to budgetary guidelines.
- Monitor expenditure to align with financial objectives and contribute to cost-efficiency.
Brand Representation and Engagement
- Act as a brand ambassador by showcasing culinary expertise during outreach events, such as:
- Preparing specialty dishes for guests or special occasions.
- Hosting culinary workshops for parents.
- Engaging children in "Cucina" cooking classes to foster a love for food.
- Support brand-wide initiatives, including sustainability (ESG), home-school partnerships, and community collaborations.
What We’re Looking For in an Executive Chef
- A diploma or bachelor’s degree in Culinary Arts.
- Proven leadership experience as a Sous Chef or in a similar role within a high-performing restaurant or kitchen setting.
- Strong understanding of food safety, hygiene, and sanitation regulations.
- Experience or knowledge of children’s nutrition and cooking is an advantage.
- Exceptional leadership, organizational, and multitasking skills.
- Passionate about creating innovative and engaging menus tailored for young children.
- Excellent interpersonal skills to inspire, train, and collaborate with the kitchen team and other stakeholders.
If you’re a skilled Executive Chef ready to take the next step in your career and make a real difference, we’d love to hear from you! Join us at Odyssey Marylebone and be part of something extraordinary.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £32,000.00-£35,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Employee discount
- Enhanced maternity leave
- Enhanced paternity leave
Schedule:
Experience:
Work Location: In person
