Development Chef
Be part of something greater.
- Job reference: SDX/TP/736016/156870
- Location: Ascot
- Job type: Full Time - 40 hours a week
- Salary: Highly £competitive per annum plus Sodexo Benefits
- Closing date: 17 May 2026
About the role
Development Chef
Ascot Racecourse, Berkshire, SL5 7JX
Full time | 40 hours per week, 5 days out of 7
£Competive Salary + Bonus and Flexible benefit funds
Perks: 4 Tickets for racedays and a box for 1 raceday
About the role
We are looking for an exceptional Development Chef to join the culinary leadership team at Ascot Racecourse, working in close partnership with the Executive Head Chef to help shape one of the most high-profile food offers in British sport and events.
This is a rare opportunity for a chef with genuine culinary authority to play a defining role in the future direction of food at Ascot. More than a traditional development position, this role sits at the intersection of innovation, leadership, operational judgement, and brand standards translating food strategy into clear, seasonal and confident menus across hospitality, retail, racedays, conferences and events.
You will help drive Ascot’s food offer forward, ensuring it is recognised not just for delivery at scale, but for the quality of its thinking, the strength of its identity, and the consistency of its execution. This role will suit a chef who combines a refined culinary point of view with the ability to influence teams, engage stakeholders, and lead with credibility in a demanding, high-profile environment.
What you’ll be doing
Working closely with the Executive Head Chef, you will:
- Help define and deliver the Ascot food offer strategy, aligned to the Ascot Food Ethos and evolving guest expectations
- Lead the development of seasonal menus and food concepts across hospitality, retail and events
- Create food offers that are modern, commercially intelligent, and operationally effective
- Support Head Chefs with menu design, tastings, refinement and implementation
- Lead or support internal tastings, client tastings and menu presentations
- Work with suppliers to support product development, innovation and seasonality
- Provide hands-on culinary leadership during racedays and peak trading periods
- Act as Lead Chef in the AA Box on racedays
- Deputise for the Executive Head Chef when required
- Support strong control of food, labour and operational costs through effective planning and menu design
- Drive high standards in allergens, dietary requirements, food safety and compliance
- Contribute to the development of the Ascot Academy culinary programme
- Mentor and develop chefs across the wider team
What we’re looking for
We are looking for a chef with a strong blend of culinary pedigree, creativity, operational credibility, and leadership presence.
You will ideally bring:
- Experience in a senior chef or development chef role within a premium environment
- A strong background in fine dining, luxury hospitality, or high-quality food operations
- Proven experience developing menus and food concepts that are both inspiring and practical to deliver
- Confidence in tastings, presentations, and speaking knowledgeably about dishes and food direction
- The ability to influence teams and guide others with clarity and credibility
- Strong people skills and the confidence to work across multiple stakeholders
- Calm, decisive leadership in fast-paced and high-pressure environments
- A sharp understanding of seasonality, quality, and contemporary British food
- Strong commercial awareness and sound operational judgement
- A high regard for standards, detail, and consistency
Why join Ascot
Ascot Racecourse is one of the most iconic names in British sport and hospitality. This is an opportunity to shape food within a unique and prestigious environment where guest expectations are high, standards matter, and food plays an important role in the wider brand experience.
For the right chef, this is a chance to take on a visible and influential role within a flagship venue, working across premium hospitality, major racedays, and high-profile events.
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
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Pension Plan
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Wellbeing support
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Generous leave
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Virtual GP
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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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