Head Chef for Major Events

Job Introduction

If you’ve made your way here, we’re guessing you’re an exceptional Head Chef; a true Kitchen alchemist that conjures and creates thrilling menus and phenomenal cuisine that tantalises tastebuds and leaves guests astounded. 

You lead by example, you instil excitement and passion, you’re maverick, not afraid to the break the rules, you’re proud of the dishes you create and the team you lead - you never stand still in your quest to be the best.

We would love to have you join our Major Events Team here at Sodexo Live! You will be the lead Chef delivering superb culinary experiences for all major events across the business including the famous RHS Chelsea Flower Show, Royal Ascot, Henley Royal Regatta and other Major events held over the year.

This is an exceptional role for a truly exceptional Chef!

When you join Sodexo Live! you truly belong, you will have the opportunity to thrive with career and learning opportunities available across the organisation - we cant wait for you to join us!

Role Responsibility

• To deliver the culinary and food safety elements for major events across the Sodexo Live business including client tastings, chef management, food safety compliance and operational standards
• To demonstrate a knowledge of current food trends and have the ability to bring innovation into the food offers in the events business
• To plan, execute and monitor exceptional Food Safety and Health and Safety standards at all operated major events

• To ensure all menus are photographed and specified to deliver consistency in delivery on the event site

  ▪ To create the menu design process and provide innovation that drives positive PR, positive client feedback, increased revenues or wins new business

  ▪ To fulfil an active role within the wider events team – contribute to team activities, discussions and decisions to grow and improve the events business

  ▪ To articulate the service offers for each event, the food element, the equipment, the flow and the customer experience

  ▪ To cost each menu and clearly state the margins delivered. To respond to price fluctuation and adapt menu to protect margin

  ▪ To operationally deliver client tastings and be able to speak passionately and knowledgably about each dish

The Ideal Candidate

• Demonstrable experience in a high-volume environment – major events or banqueting operation
• Fine Dining background gained in hotels, restaurants, or contract catering
• A passionate interest in the catering industry
• A competent communicator and ability to present to colleagues, peers and clients
• Financial awareness and understanding of a food profit and loss account
• Evidence of being organised and possess excellent planning skills
• A through understanding of Food Hygiene and Food Safety legislation
• Ability to competently use Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Email
• Proven ability to manage and lead a team of chefs
• Knowledge of Allergens

Package Description

Circa £50,000 per annum plus company bonus and flexible benefits fund

We also offer Sodexo Discounts site promoting discounted mobile phone tariffs, savings across restaurant chains and days out, where you and your family can save money on everything from your weekly food shop to the latest cinema blockbuster and much more

About the Company

In the UK and Ireland, Sodexo employs around 30,000 people, and partners with clients in many sectors across business and industry; schools and universities; sports and leisure; energy and resources; government and agencies; healthcare; justice and defence.

Sodexo’s connected; people-centric approach brings together a diverse range of expertise. The breadth of services it offers ranges from food and hospitality; cleaning; reception; concierge (Circles); security; property management and technical services through to data driven workplace strategy and design (Wx); employee engagement and recognition services (Sodexo Engage) and personal home services through Prestige Nursing + Care and the Good Care Group.

Vital Spaces is Sodexo’s value proposition that puts people at the heart of everything we do, bringing together services and solutions and focusing on the productivity and wellbeing of people wherever they are.

Sodexo is committed to being an inclusive employer; we welcome and encourage applications from people with a diverse variety of experiences, backgrounds and identities.

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.

We are building on our support to the Armed Forces community through the development of specific pathways within our recruitment process to  support ex-forces personnel and reservists, those applying for jobs with us who meet the ideal candidate criteria for the role advertised are guaranteed to progress to the selection process