Development Chef
Be part of something greater.
- Job reference: SDX/TP/736016/155236
- Location: Ascot
- Job type: Full Time - 40 hours a week
- Salary: £competitive per annum plus Sodexo Benefits
- Closing date: 15 April 2026
About the role
- Job Title: Development Chef
- Location: Ascot Racecourse, Ascot High Street, Ascot, Berkshire, SL5 7JX
- £Competive Salary + Bonus and Flexible benefit funds
- Work pattern: 40hrs / 5days out of 7days
- Perks: 4 Tickets for racedays and a box for 1 raceday
Job Introduction
We are looking for an exceptional Development Chef to join the team at Ascot Racecourse, working closely with the Executive Head Chef to help shape and deliver a market-leading food offer across one of the most iconic venues in hospitality.
This is a unique opportunity for a highly creative and operationally strong chef to play a key role in menu development, culinary innovation, premium event delivery, and food strategy, while supporting a fast-paced and high-profile business. You will be involved in everything from developing new concepts and keeping ahead of industry trends, to supporting major event operations, leading on race days, and contributing to the development of the Ascot Academy culinary division.
We are looking for someone with real culinary pedigree, strong fine dining foundations, and experience working in premium, high-volume environments. This role would suit a chef who is just as comfortable driving innovation and presenting dishes with passion as they are stepping into a busy operation and leading from the front.
What You'll Do:
- To work with the Executive Chef to lead the culinary delivery at Ascot racecourse, including racedays, external events, client tastings, chef management, food safety compliance and operational standards
- Develop food offer strategy in line with current and emerging consumer needs and market trends.
- Support the Retail and Hospitality head Chefs with menu design and be present at relevant client tastings and be able to speak passionately about each dish
- Own, define and maintain culinary development plans, as well as leading change management processes.
- Specifically, to ensure that the venue remains ahead of the market in understanding and delivering creative and relevant innovation.
- Culinary lead in the AA box on racedays
- Drive innovation and continuous improvement of people, systems, processes, and food offer
- To take responsibility for running the culinary operation at Ascot Racecourse in the absence of the Executive Head Chef.
For a full list of responsibilities please read the attached job description
What You Bring:
Previous experience in a senior chef role within a fine dining, premium events, stadium, racecourse, luxury hotel, or high-end restaurant environment
Strong background in menu development and culinary innovation
Experience working in fast-paced, large-scale event operations
Proven ability to maintain high standards while working under pressure
Experience supporting or leading premium hospitality and event delivery
Strong understanding of current food trends and the ability to translate them into relevant, high-quality food concepts
Experience working closely with senior culinary leadership
- IOSH Managing Safely
- CIEH Level 3
What we offer:
Working with Sodexo is more than a job; it’s a chance to be part of something greater. You’ll belong in a company and team that values you for you; you’ll act with purpose and have an impact through your everyday actions; and you’ll be able to thrive in your own way. In addition, we also offer a range of resources, rewards and benefits for our colleagues and their families:
- Unlimited access to an online platform offering mental health and wellbeing support.
- Employee Assistance Programme to help with everyday issues or larger problems where you may need additional support, including legal and financial advice, support with work related issues or personal issues such as bereavement.
- Access to a free health and wellbeing app that provides rewards for maintaining a healthy lifestyle and includes access to a 24hr virtual GP and various other services.
- The Sodexo Discounts Scheme, offering great deals 24/7 (also open to friends and family) and/or the prepayment cashback card.
- Money Insights and financial benefits via the Salary Finance Platform.
- Save for your future by becoming a member of the Sodexo Retirement Plan
- A Death-in-Service benefit for colleagues who pass away whilst employed by Sodexo
- Opportunities to enable colleagues to grow and succeed throughout their career at Sodexo, including a variety of learning and development tools.
- Cycle to Work Scheme to help colleagues to do their bit for the environment whilst keeping fit.
- Volunteering Opportunities to enable all colleagues to help support worthwhile causes in our communities.
- Flexible and dynamic work environment
- Competitive compensation
- Full training and full protective uniform supplied.
Ready to be part of something greater? Apply today! Career progression for the caring profession.
Sodexo reserves the right to close this advertisement early if we are in receipt of a high volume of applications.
About Sodexo Live!
At Sodexo Live!, our purpose is to create a better every day for everyone to build a better life for all. As the global leader in services that improve the Quality of Life, we operate in 55 countries, serving over 100 million consumers each day through our unique combination of On-Site Food and FM Services, Benefits & Rewards Services and Personal & Home Services.
We are committed to being an inclusive employer. We are a forces friendly employer. We welcome and encourage applications from people with a diverse variety of experiences, backgrounds, and identities. We encourage our employees to get involved with our Employee Networks such as Pride, Sodexo Parents & Carers, Sodexo Disability, Ability network, So Together, Generations and Origins.
Sodexo Disability, Ability network, So Together, Generations and Origins.
We’re a Disability Confident Leader employer. We’re committed to changing attitudes towards disability, and making sure disabled people have the chance to fulfil their aspirations.
Click here to read more about what we do to promote an inclusive culture.
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KEY BENEFITS
-
Advice and guidance
Get help with legal, financial, personal or work issues whenever you need it. -
Pension Plan
Save effectively for your future when you join the Sodexo Pension Plan. -
Wellbeing support
Unlimited access to online support for your mental health, 24/7. -
Generous leave
For holidays, care needs or major life events, we’ll help you rest and recharge. -
Discounts and savings
Enjoy great deals from leading retailers and use our Bike to Work scheme -
Virtual GP
24-hour access to video or phone consultations for you and your family.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
At our company, we believe in fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Roles at Sodexo are designed to empower individuals from all backgrounds. We are committed to creating an environment that values equity and supports the growth of all employees, ensuring that everyone can contribute to and benefit from our collective success.
Social Impact
Ever since we started, we’ve had a clear purpose – to do some good in our communities through helping people. Today, that purpose is still a huge part of who we are. And every one of our colleagues helps that happen.
We’re committed to volunteering our time, resources, skills and knowledge – more than 50% of colleagues contribute to thousands of volunteer hours every year. And our Charitable Foundation has now donated over £9 million to charities and good causes across the country.
Ascot, United Kingdom, SL5 7JX
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