Head Chef

Overview

Absolute Taste is seeking a dynamic and experienced Head Chef to lead our culinary experiences across a portfolio of high-profile events. From large-scale Formula One hospitality and prestigious golf championships to private and corporate events, you will be at the forefront of creating unforgettable dining experiences. This role is ideal for a passionate and skilled chef who thrives in a fast-paced, creative environment and relishes the opportunity to lead large teams in delivering extraordinary food and service.

Responsibilities

• Full culinary lead and accountable for a major event, along with smaller events at other times of the year, including writing and costing of all menus in accordance with food budgets, and recruiting staff.
• Key client contact from a culinary perspective.
• Perform an event leadership role across all culinary functions, providing direction and motivation to all teams.
• Ensure the overall delivery and management of kitchen operations for projects to the required standards.
• Communicate progress clearly, accurately and transparently to internal and external stakeholders.
• Contribute to the strategic team to achieve overarching project goals.
• Manage the on-site team and scale up/adapt management between pre-event and on-event requirements.
• Source, manage and control ingredients with support from procurement.
• Seek efficiencies in operational deliveries with regards to food COS, supplier networks and resource for hospitality and retail.
• Develop all kitchen operational aspects of the event and work to strict budgets while delivering great food and service.
• Maintain strict procurement management to meet targets and budgets.

• Budget & Finance
• Fully control and are accountable for the food and kitchen labour budgets of key events, alongside forecasting and reforecasting throughout the year, reporting financials to the project lead.
• Work with Finance and Project Lead for ongoing budget management, including forecasting and tracking spend.
• Track all spends including food, labour and kitchen equipment; collaborate with procurement to manage invoicing, orders and reconciliations.
• Follow company finance processes; raising POs, receipts, and submitting supplier invoices to finance.
• Maintain knowledge of seasonal ingredients and food costs, and regularly review cost pressures to mitigate increases.

• Strategy
• Work with the project lead to research and determine the overall F&B strategy, including local food trends, look and feel for each location, hospitality trends, and development of the team and offers at each location.
• Act as an ambassador for Absolute Taste towards clients and guests.
• Monitor and maintain morale of the culinary team, with attention to the well-being of each member.
• Collaborate with internal departments, external suppliers and 3rd parties to implement the department strategy.
• Develop innovative and creative yet sensible menus, considering local specialties and availability.

• Onsite
• Attend major events, smaller events and support the wider team on relevant projects.
• Be a key member of the event delivery team.
• Ensure all chefs provide best-in-class hospitality and team food.
• Provide kitchen packs and briefings to all chefs with essential information.
• Manage kitchen production across site in line with company guidelines; oversee procurement, stock and waste reporting.
• Remain calm and decisive in challenging, stressful situations.
• Manage suppliers and freight alongside the logistics team; lead kitchen setup and pack-down processes.
• Plan, organize, and manage daily kitchen operations to ensure efficiency.
• Identify and implement ways to enhance the food offer.
• Ensure records and reports are up-to-date and compliant with local and company food safety and health and safety policies; maintain allergen documentation at all times.

• Other
• Excellent team relationship-building and recruitment of chefs.
• Experience across a variety of operational and planning aspects for greenfield events.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with client stakeholders and internal teams.
• Produce and maintain packing lists for kitchen kit for each event alongside Logistics Managers.
• Design and continuously improve processes to ensure smooth event operation; enforce adherence to regulations, quality and safety standards.
• Develop and communicate standard operating procedures to all kitchen staff.
• Ensure supplies and equipment are adequate in quantity and quality with the operations manager.
• Attend post-event debriefs.
• International event and/or F1 experience preferred.
• Organised, punctual, motivational, and with varied communication skills (formal, informal, international).

Qualifications & Experience

• Senior Head Chef experience with proven leadership in events, catering or hospitality.
• Team leadership – ability to inspire, motivate and manage large, diverse kitchen teams.
• Menu development – exceptional menu writing, creativity and awareness of food trends, dietary needs and sustainability.
• Event planning – strong organisational and time-management skills, including greenfield event delivery.
• Cost & budget control – confident managing budgets, costings and food ordering systems.
• Food safety expertise – thorough understanding of hygiene, safety and allergen regulations.
• Procurement & stock control – experience managing suppliers, purchasing and inventory.
• Calm under pressure – decisive, solutions-focused and able to troubleshoot operational challenges quickly.
• Team building & recruitment – strong relationship-building and hiring capability.
• Flexibility – able to work evenings, weekends and travel internationally as required.
• Organised & communicative – punctual, structured and confident with adaptable communication.

• Desirable
• International event experience.
• Formula One or motorsport exposure.

Benefits

Why Join Absolute Taste? You will be part of a fast-growing, innovative company that redefines culinary and event experiences. You’ll join a supportive, resilient team that values creativity, development, and having fun at work. Benefits include:

• 25 days holiday + Bank Holidays
• Company Pension Scheme
• Life assurance
• Thorough training and ongoing development
• A positive, empowering culture where your growth matters

We are committed to being an equal opportunities employer.