Lead Chef - Retail | SEC

Lead Chef - Retail | SEC | Full-Time / Permanent

£38,000 + excellent benefits including healthcare, wellbeing support, 23 days' annual leave plus bank holidays, life assurance, meals on duty, and more.

We're looking for...

The overall purpose of a Lead Chef is to serve as a key leader in the kitchen, supporting the Head Chef in maintaining exceptional culinary standards and operational efficiency. They oversee the preparation and presentation of food to ensure consistency and quality, contribute to menu development and innovation, and manage kitchen staff by providing training and mentorship. With a focus on operational excellence, cost control, and compliance with health and safety standards, the Lead plays a pivotal role in creating a positive dining experience while contributing to the overall success and profitability of the establishment. This role focuses on our retail operations across The Ovo Hydro and at times, SEC Campus.

We are Levy

We are a visionary venue partner. We design and deliver bespoke guest experiences that prioritise people and the planet.

Trusted by some of the world's most iconic stadiums, entertainment venues, and major events from Wimbledon and Twickenham to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Edgbaston, the SEC and ExCeL London we bring experiences to life with passion and precision.

Our mission is to succeed the right way. From pioneering tech and seamless operations to show-stopping menus and exceptional service, we use insight and innovation to understand guests, improve the customer journey, reduce environmental impact, and support local communities.

We are a passionate, diverse team of venue specialists dedicated to making the planet better for future generations.

Lead Chef - Retail - The Role

KEY RESPONSIBILTIES:

• Assist in Menu Planning and Development: Collaborate with the head chef to design and develop balanced, nutritious menus that cater to the dietary needs of our client.
• Oversee Food Preparation and Cooking: Supervise and participate in the preparation and cooking of meals, ensuring they meet the highest standards of quality, taste, and presentation while adhering to food safety and hygiene regulations.
• Team Supervision and Development: Lead and mentor the kitchen team, including chefs and kitchen assistants, to maintain a cohesive, efficient, and productive work environment. Provide Management, training and support to staff on nutrition and culinary techniques relevant to our client diets.
• Quality Control: Maintain consistency in food quality and presentation, implementing quality control measures and continuously seeking ways to improve the culinary offerings.
• Inventory and Stock Management: Assist in managing the ordering, storage, and inventory of kitchen supplies and ingredients, ensuring efficient stock control and minimising waste.
• Cost Management: Help manage the kitchen budget, control food costs, and source ingredients economically without compromising on quality or nutritional value.
• Health and Safety Compliance: Ensure compliance with all health and safety regulations, food hygiene standards, and dietary requirements. Conduct regular inspections and audits to maintain high standards of cleanliness and safety in the kitchen.
• Support Event Catering: Assist in planning and executing catering for club events, meetings, and functions, ensuring the provision of high-quality food and service that meets the expectations of all stakeholders.
• Collaborate with Nutritionists: Work closely with nutritionists and sports science professionals to develop and adjust meal plans that align with the nutritional needs and performance goals of the athletes.
• Foster a Positive Dining Experience: Contribute to creating a positive dining experience for players and staff, soliciting feedback to continuously improve the food offerings and ensure satisfaction.
• Assist in Culinary Innovation: Stay updated with culinary trends and innovations, incorporating new techniques and ingredients into the menu to keep offerings fresh and exciting.
• Operational Efficiency: Ensure efficient kitchen operations with minimal downtime or delays, contributing to the overall effectiveness of the culinary team.
• Performance and Wellness Support: Support the overall wellness and performance goals of Rangers Football Club by providing meals that enhance the health, fitness, and performance of players and staff.

What we're looking for

PERSON SPECFICATION:

• Extensive Culinary Experience: Proven experience in a senior culinary role, such as Sous Chef, preferably within a stadia, area, large hotels or high-performance environment, demonstrating expertise in menu planning, food preparation, and kitchen management.
• Leadership and Management Skills: Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and manage a kitchen team, fostering a positive and productive working environment.
• Food Safety and Hygiene: In-depth knowledge of food safety regulations, hygiene standards, and compliance requirements, with a proven track record of maintaining high standards in these areas.
• Creativity and Innovation: Ability to contribute to the creation of innovative and varied menus that cater to different tastes and dietary requirements while maintaining nutritional balance.
• Budgeting and Cost Control: Experience in managing food costs, assisting with budget planning, and sourcing ingredients effectively without compromising on quality.
• Excellent Communication Skills: Strong interpersonal and communication skills to collaborate effectively with the head chef, nutritionists, and other club staff.
• Flexibility and Adaptability: Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, to meet the needs of the campus and its schedules.

What you'll get in return

• Competitive salary with bonus and full company benefits
• 23 days' annual leave plus bank holidays, your birthday off, and a holiday purchase scheme
• Healthcare & wellbeing: Aviva Digicare, Medicash (dental, optical, therapy treatments)
• Mental health support: 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
• Family benefits: Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption leave. 2 days additional leave after returning from maternity leave, day off for your baby's first birthday, enhanced family leave
• Perks & discounts: Shopping, entertainment, and travel discounts, 20% off Nuffield Health and 10% off PureGym memberships
• Financial wellbeing: Pension scheme, Life Assurance, preferred rates on salary finance products
• Development opportunities: Professional subscriptions, ongoing training and structured career pathways
• Meals on duty included

Why Join Us?

Levy UK & Ireland is part of Compass Group, the world's largest catering company, and a vibrant leader in hospitality.

We believe in celebrating individuality and building inclusive teams where everyone feels they belong. Our diverse team fuels creativity, innovation, and excellence.

We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and welcome candidates from all backgrounds to join us in creating a supportive, empowering workplace where everyone can thrive.

Together, we create unforgettable experiences and shape the future of hospitality.

• Medicash - Healthcare benefits, including dental, optical and therapy treatments (includes up to 4 dependent children)
• Aviva Digicare - Free annual healthcare check
• Exclusive Benefits & Wellbeing site (Perks at Work)
• Entertainment discounts - up to 55% off cinema tickets
• Health & Wellbeing discounts - Discounts for Nuffield Health (20%) and Pure Gym (10%)
• Travel discounts - Discounts with holiday companies such as TUI and Expedia
• Shopping discounts - Save up to 15% at high street and online stores by purchasing Shopping Cards
• Meals on duty
• Vodaphone discounts
• Pension scheme and Life Assurance
• Employee Assistance Programme
• 23 days + BH's and additional day off for your birthday
• 2 days additional leave, following return from Maternity leave during first year back
• Competitive and supportive family benefits
• Day off for baby's first birthday
• Holiday purchase scheme
• On-going training & development and career pathways
• Professional subscriptions paid
• Financial wellbeing programme and preferred rates on salary finance products

As part of Compass you'll help to feed people, fuel progress and forge connections in around 6,000 venues. Join us to grow your career with the industry leader, and get competitive pay, great perks and unrivalled opportunities for learning and development, at one of the UK's biggest businesses.