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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead culinary operations for high-profile events across five cultural venues.
- Company: Join Sodexo, a global leader in enhancing Quality of Life services.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible work, mental health support, and career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Perfect for food enthusiasts eager to create exceptional dining experiences in historic settings.
- Qualifications: Experience in high-volume catering and a passion for fine dining required.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive team that values diversity and personal growth.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 58000 £ per year.
Heritage Portfolio is delighted to be recruiting for a dynamic Lead Events Chef. This role is perfect for someone looking to take the next step up! Reporting into the Head of Events, you will lead all culinary aspects of events across 5 cultural destinations: the Wallace Collection, The Royal Academy of Arts, Trinity House, Lancaster House, and Insurance Hall. Your focus will be to drive excellence in food preparation, safety, and service across all events and client tastings. The successful candidate will be able to work independently and manage a team of 9 while upholding high operational and food safety standards, ensuring timely, quality delivery that exceeds client expectations. This role is ideal for someone interested in working high-end events serving high-profile guests in historic buildings. If you're passionate about leading a dynamic kitchen team and delivering exceptional culinary experiences, we’d love to hear from you.
What You’ll Do:
- Understand and embody the vision of Sodexo Live and Heritage Portfolio to ensure consistent, high-quality event delivery.
- Participate in menu design, innovation, costing, and specification, supporting revenue growth, PR, and client satisfaction.
- Lead kitchen operations daily, including managing casual labour, kitchen organisation, and compliance with food safety, allergen, and waste policies.
- Oversee menu photography and clearly articulate food, equipment, service flow, and customer experience for each event.
- Manage ordering to meet event specifications, budgets, and minimise waste, following established procedures.
- Collaborate closely with event managers on-site and at SQ to build strong, positive business relationships.
- Ensure strict adherence to all company and client policies, including health & safety, hygiene, HR, and statutory regulations, and report incidents promptly.
- Participate in training, team meetings, and additional duties as assigned by senior craft team members.
What You Bring:
Essential
- 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—knowledge of current trends, well-read, eats out in interesting restaurants regularly, talks about and gets excited about food.
- A competent communicator with the ability to present to colleagues, peers, and clients.
- Financial awareness and understanding of a food profit and loss account, with the ability to control food costs and generate a positive food margin.
- Evidence of being organised and possessing excellent planning skills.
- An intermediate level Food Hygiene qualification.
- Ability to competently use Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
- Proven ability to manage and lead a team of chefs.
Desirable
- Supervising Food Safely Level 3 qualification.
- IOSH Managing Safely or similar qualification.
- Previous Sous chef or Head chef role in a smaller operation.
- Experience in retail food operations.
- Production kitchen knowledge and/or experience.
- Experience working with clients in contract catering.
- Experience in staff upskilling.
What we offer:
Working with Sodexo is more than a job; it’s a chance to be part of something greater. You’ll belong to 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. We 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 for support with issues including legal, financial, work-related, or personal matters.
- A free health and wellbeing app with rewards, a 24hr virtual GP, and other services.
- The Sodexo Discounts Scheme, offering great deals and cashback options.
- Money Insights and financial benefits via the Salary Finance Platform.
- Sodexo Retirement Plan for future savings.
- Death-in-Service benefit.
- Opportunities for career growth and development, including various learning tools.
- Cycle to Work Scheme.
- Volunteering Opportunities.
- Flexible, dynamic work environment.
- Competitive compensation.
- Full training and protective uniform supplied.
Ready to be part of something greater? Apply today!
Lead Events Chef employer: Sodexo
Contact Detail:
Sodexo Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Events Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the catering and events industry. Attend culinary events, workshops, or food festivals to meet potential colleagues and employers. Building relationships can often lead to job opportunities that aren't advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your culinary creativity by sharing your work on social media platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn. Post photos of your dishes, share recipes, or write about your experiences in high-volume environments to attract attention from recruiters.
✨Tip Number 3
Research Heritage Portfolio and Sodexo Live thoroughly. Understand their values, mission, and the types of events they cater to. This knowledge will help you tailor your approach and demonstrate your genuine interest during any interactions.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and team management experiences. Think of specific examples where you've successfully led a kitchen team or managed high-pressure situations, as this will be crucial for the Lead Events Chef role.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Events Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in high-volume environments and fine dining. Emphasise any leadership roles you've held, particularly in kitchen operations or events.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for the catering industry and your excitement about leading a dynamic kitchen team. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to manage a team and deliver exceptional culinary experiences.
Showcase Your Skills: Clearly outline your skills related to food safety, menu design, and financial awareness in your application. Use examples from your past roles to illustrate how you have successfully managed costs and ensured compliance with health and safety regulations.
Highlight Your Communication Abilities: Since this role involves collaboration with event managers and clients, emphasise your communication skills. Provide examples of how you've effectively presented ideas or worked with teams to achieve successful outcomes in previous positions.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sodexo
✨Showcase Your Culinary Passion
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for the culinary arts during the interview. Share your experiences with high-end dining and any innovative dishes you've created. This will demonstrate your genuine interest in the role and the industry.
✨Highlight Leadership Experience
Since this position involves managing a team of chefs, be prepared to discuss your leadership style and past experiences. Provide examples of how you've successfully led a kitchen team, handled challenges, and maintained high standards in food safety and service.
✨Demonstrate Financial Acumen
Understanding food costs and profit margins is crucial for this role. Be ready to talk about your experience with budgeting and cost control in previous positions. Mention any specific strategies you've used to optimise food profitability.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle high-pressure situations. Think of examples from your past where you had to make quick decisions or adapt to unexpected changes during events.
