Join Us as Director of Culinary Innovation & Operations Are you a strategic culinary leader with a bold vision, a passion for innovation, and a track record of operational excellence? This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of a dynamic, fast-growing food program. As a site-based Director of Culinary Innovation & Operations, you'll lead a talented and expanding kitchen team, serving a community that has nearly doubled in size since 2021 - with more growth on the horizon.
In this role, you'll drive the evolution of our culinary offerings, play a key role in designing kitchen infrastructure for our planned future move, and guide the team through ongoing change in a collaborative, high-energy environment. We’re looking for a creative, commercially astute leader who thrives at both the strategic and operational levels from big-picture planning to the heat of service.
Location: Central London Rate of pay: £65,000 - £75,000 per annum depending on experience Working pattern: Monday - Friday with shifts usually from 6.30/7am to 3/3.30pm
Key Responsibilities Strategic Culinary Leadership Drive innovation and ongoing improvement of the food offer in line with evolving needs and expectations. Introduce and champion new concepts, seasonal updates, and customer-led enhancements Translate long-term culinary vision into scalable, practical solutions.
Kitchen Planning & Infrastructure Serve as a critical stakeholder in the design and planning of the future new kitchen facility. Lead on flow, logistics, equipment decisions, and capacity planning. Provide future-facing insight to ensure the space supports evolving culinary needs.
Team Growth & Development Lead, mentor, and develop a team of 20+ staff, scaling effectively as demand grows. Promote a supportive, high-performance culture rooted in collaboration and ownership. Manage recruitment, onboarding, training, and performance reviews.
Operational & Financial Oversight Oversee kitchen ordering, cost control, inventory, and supplier management. Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and hygiene standards. Own and maintain food safety systems, audits, and recordkeeping.
Digital & Administrative Excellence Demonstrate strong proficiency in Excel, including the ability to build and manage cost models, forecasts, inventory tracking, labour planning, and reporting dashboards. Utilise digital systems confidently — including ordering platforms, compliance tools, time management software, and audit logs — to streamline kitchen operations and uphold accountability. Maintain exceptional attention to detail in recordkeeping, documentation, and compliance tracking, ensuring nothing is overlooked in a high-paced environment. Confidently interpret data to make informed operational decisions, and communicate insights clearly to stakeholders. Take ownership of digital accuracy, with the same level of discipline and consistency expected in food safety and kitchen execution.
What We’re Looking For Experience leading large teams or multi-site operations (café, restaurant, hotel, or contract catering). Background in mobilising new kitchens or hospitality spaces. Deep culinary knowledge with a flair for innovation and creativity. Calm under pressure and comfortable making quick, effective decisions. Confident with digital tools (Excel, compliance systems, operational software). Strong interpersonal skills and a natural collaborator.
Why This Role is Unique? You’ll play a pivotal role in shaping the future of food at this site. Be part of a highly collaborative, thoughtful team where ideas are heard and change is embraced. Lead in a workplace where growth, innovation, and vision are not buzzwords -they’re daily practice.
What's in it for you? Working with Vacherin has its perks! People are at the heart of everything we do, so we've developed a range of benefits to keep you happy. Personal Development and Training opportunities Life assurance scheme Pension scheme Holiday allowance Private medical eligibility Eye care A great wellbeing strategy – including access to our Employee Assistance Programme, salary finance Family friendly support Regular social events and communication with our leaders A holiday purchase scheme Volunteering days Professional subscriptions Recognition schemes and people awards Long service awards Access to some great high street discount vouchers
Vacherin officially formed part of CH&CO Catering Group Ltd in 2021. Partnerships, Innovation, Integrity, Quality, Fun