Group Chef Review

I’m responsible for the operational and commercial performance of a 17-site national portfolio, making sure premium food and service standards are consistently delivered across a range of B&I and hospitality environments. A big part of my role is mobilising new contracts end-to-end, covering kitchen design, procurement, compliance, recruitment, onboarding, and full operational launch.
I work closely with senior stakeholders at client and board level and have built strong relationships with high-profile chefs and partners including Michel Roux, Bryn Williams, Jason Atherton, and Sabrina Ghayour. Alongside this, I focus on building and mentoring strong operational teams through structured development, clear expectations, and succession planning.

The programme at Aston University is very well organised and structured. The modules are clearly sequenced, which helps build knowledge progressively from core theory through to applied strategic thinking. There is a good balance between taught content, independent research, and practical application, particularly through assignments that link directly to real workplace challenges. The dissertation process is also well supported, with clear guidance and milestones that help maintain focus and momentum. Overall, the structure feels coherent and purposeful, making it easier to connect academic learning with my role in industry.

I receive a high level of support from my employer. They have actively enabled me to balance my MBA at Aston University alongside my full-time role, providing flexibility where needed for study time, coursework deadlines, and research activity. I’ve also been supported through access to relevant business information, internal data, and opportunities to align my assignments with real operational challenges within the organisation. In addition, my role has been adapted at times to allow me to apply learning directly in practice, which has made the programme more relevant and impactful.

I receive a good level of support from Aston University throughout my MBA. The programme is well structured with clear guidance on each module, assessment criteria, and expectations, which helps keep me on track. Tutors are accessible and responsive when I need clarification or feedback, particularly during assignment preparation and dissertation development. There is also strong support through learning materials, online resources, and structured milestones for major pieces of work. Overall, the support provided has been consistent and helpful in enabling me to manage the academic demands alongside a full-time senior role.

My MBA at Aston University has had a strong positive impact on my performance in my role. It has helped me think more strategically and commercially, particularly when assessing operational performance, developing food concepts, and making more informed business decisions. It has also improved my confidence in presenting business cases, leading change, and linking operational decisions to wider commercial outcomes. Overall, the qualification directly enhances how I approach leadership, strategy, and day-to-day decision-making in my role.

Yes

Yes, I would recommend Compass Group to a friend, particularly because of the strong career pathways and the wide availability of apprenticeships. The organisation offers clear progression routes across multiple levels and sectors, supported by structured development programmes and on-the-job learning. Apprenticeships provide a practical way to earn while gaining recognised qualifications and building experience, which makes it accessible for people at different stages of their career. Overall, it’s a good environment for someone looking to develop, progress, and move into more senior roles over time.