Head Chef (External Catering)
- 50,000 per annum
- 5 out of 7 days per week
- Healthcare benefits (dental, optical, therapy) for employee and 4 dependents
- Free annual healthcare check (Aviva Digicare)
- Access to perks and discounts (cinema, health clubs, travel, shopping)
- Meals on duty
- Vodafone discounts
- Pension scheme, life assurance, and employee assistance program
- 23 days holiday + BH, birthday day off
- Additional leave post-maternity (2 days)
- Competitive family benefits and day off for baby's 1st birthday
- Holiday purchase scheme
- Ongoing training, development, and career pathways
- Professional subscriptions covered
- Financial wellbeing programme and salary finance discounts
Who we are:
Levy UK & Ireland is the vibrant and exciting sector of Compass Group, the world's largest catering company. We work at some of the greatest venues in the world, delivering legendary experiences in food, drink, and hospitality.
In the UK, we are proud to have a wealth of long-standing partnerships with venues across sports, entertainment, and events. Our partnerships include venues such as Wimbledon, Twickenham, Edgbaston, Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea, Principality Stadium, Scottish Event Campus (SEC) and ExCel London.
We are culinary champions - it's what we do and it's what we are passionate about. At the core of our work is the belief that sustainably sourced great food and drink, coupled with exceptional service is key to creating legendary experiences.
Focused on 'doing the right thing' for our people and the planet, sustainability, wellbeing, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of what we do.
We have a commitment to being Net Zero by 2027, are official partners of the British Paralympic Association, and are proud to pay all our team members at least the Real Living Wage or London Living Wage.
We collaborate with some of the UK's most game-changing and well-loved brands, all sharing our vision for bringing best-in-class experiences.
About the Role:
Join the EICC as Head Chef (Outside Catering) and lead our mission to deliver exceptional culinary experiences for off-site events. Collaborate with our talented culinary team to design innovative menus, oversee food preparation, and ensure flawless event execution-all while upholding the EICC's renowned standards of excellence.This dynamic leadership role focuses on our outside catering operations while providing support to EICC's in-house events as needed. You'll inspire a cohesive team, manage resources effectively, and drive creativity and quality that exceed client expectations. Be part of elevating the EICC/Levy brand in a competitive catering landscape.
Bring your passion for food, leadership expertise, and innovative flair to redefine excellence in event catering.
Key Responsibilities:
- Leadership & Team Management: Lead, train, and motivate the kitchen team while managing schedules to ensure high performance and retention.
- Menu Planning & Development: Design seasonal menus, update offerings to reflect trends, and maintain quality, taste, and presentation.
- Food Preparation & Quality Control: Oversee food preparation, enforce hygiene standards, and ensure consistency through regular quality checks.
- Inventory & Cost Management: Manage inventory, control food costs, minimize waste, and negotiate with suppliers for optimal pricing.
- Compliance & Safety: Ensure adherence to health and food safety regulations, maintain a safe kitchen environment, and keep accurate records.
- Collaboration & Communication: Work with front-of-house, events, and marketing teams to deliver seamless service and coordinate special functions.
- Customer Engagement: Address customer feedback, resolve complaints, and collaborate with clients on menu tastings and personalized experiences.
- Continuous Improvement & Event Management: Stay updated on culinary trends, drive efficiency, and execute high-standard catering for special events.
About You:
- Proven Experience: Minimum 5 years in a senior chef role in high-volume catering or restaurant settings.
- Leadership: Strong team management, including external agency chefs and kitchen staff.
- Menu Development: Expertise in creating and adapting menus to trends and customer preferences.
- Culinary Expertise: Advanced skills in various cuisines and cooking techniques.
- Creativity: Ability to design innovative, high-quality dishes with strong presentation.
- Communication: Excellent verbal and written skills for managing teams and liaising with clients and suppliers.
- Budget Management & Organisational Skills: Proficient in managing budgets, controlling costs, and ensuring efficient kitchen operations.
- Attributes: Passionate, adaptable, customer-focused, with attention to detail and strong physical stamina.
Why Join Us?
At Levy UK & Ireland, we take pride in fostering a workplace culture that celebrates diversity and promotes inclusion. We believe that our differences are our greatest strengths, and we are committed to creating an environment where every individual is valued, respected, and empowered.
Our team is a vibrant tapestry of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, which enriches our creativity, innovation, and overall success. We are dedicated to providing equal opportunities, promoting fairness, and ensuring that all voices are heard.
We firmly believe that a diverse team leads to innovation and creativity. We welcome candidates from all walks of life and backgrounds to join us in our mission to create a supportive and equitable work environment where everyone has the chance to excel and collaborate.
Join us in our journey towards a more diverse and inclusive world, where every person has the chance to thrive and contribute their unique talents. Together, we can achieve greatness.
