Head Chef

Head Chef

Sunderland Full-Time 36000 - 60000 Β£ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead kitchen operations at Sunderland & Newcastle Greyhound Stadium, ensuring high food quality and compliance.
  • Company: Join Sunderland Greyhound Stadia, a premier venue for thrilling greyhound racing and top-tier hospitality.
  • Benefits: Enjoy hotel discounts, complimentary golf, and annual leave starting at 22 days, increasing with service.
  • Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team in a vibrant atmosphere, delivering exceptional service and entertainment.
  • Qualifications: Level 3 Food Safety and HACCP preferred; experience as a Head Chef or senior Sous Chef required.
  • Other info: Travel to Newcastle Greyhound Stadium once a week; embrace diversity and inclusivity in our workplace.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 Β£ per year.

This is a multi-site role, managing the back of house food-led catering operation of Sunderland & Newcastle Greyhound Stadium. You will be responsible directly for your sites, you will organise and supervise all kitchen and snack bar and catering operations across your sites, maintaining high food quality and complying with hygiene regulations. Controlling costs in general and maintaining good staff relations as well as maintaining all legal and company health, safety & HACCP standards.

You will be responsible for managing Chefs, Trainees, and Kitchen Porters, both full time, causal & agency. The remit will encompass all food preparation across your sites for both for race days and non-race days.

Responsibilities for the successful Head Chef include (but not limited to):

Budget & Procurement: Manage purchasing within agreed parameters to achieve food GP, nominated spend targets, and revenue budgets; oversee cost control, stock levels, and supplier spend.

Food Safety & Compliance: Implement and monitor the Company Food Safety Management System, ensuring HACCP, allergens, EHO, and all legal standards are consistently met and documented.

Operations & Catering Delivery: Oversee day-to-day and event catering across multiple sites, including food preparation, cooking, service, stock takes, and kitchen cleanliness.

Menu & Quality Control: Ensure menus and specifications set by head office are followed, maintaining portion control, minimizing waste, and guaranteeing quality from raw ingredients to final plating.

Leadership & Training: Manage rotas, allocate workloads, and lead a team of chefs and catering staff; deliver training in food safety, health & safety, and operational standards while conducting regular performance reviews.

Collaboration & Communication: Work closely with Catering and Operations Manager, Group Purchasing, Food Safety, and Nutrition teams; liaise with inspectors, clients, and other departments to ensure smooth operations and compliance with evolving nutrition and allergen regulations.

Qualifications: Level 3 Food Safety (minimum, Level 4 preferred), Level 3 HACCP (preferred), Allergen qualification, First Aid (desirable).

Experience: Proven track record as a Head Chef or senior Sous Chef in a high-quality, fast-paced environment.

Knowledge: Strong understanding of HACCP, nutrition, allergens, purchasing systems, and kitchen IT/technical platforms.

Leadership: Confident leader with excellent communication skills, able to motivate and manage diverse teams.

Personal Qualities: Passionate about food and kitchen operations, highly organised, process-driven, and resilient under pressure.

At ARC we embrace diversity, we develop our people, we care for our visitors, we think about our impact and we are proud of our sport.

Who is Sunderland Greyhound Stadia?

Sunderland Greyhound Stadia is a premier racing venue, hosting thrilling greyhound action five days a week-Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday.

We offer a top-tier hospitality experience, featuring private boxes and restaurants, making us a popular destination for racegoers, celebrations, and corporate events.

With an exciting atmosphere, a packed race schedule, and a strong community following, we\’re a dynamic venue that thrives on delivering great entertainment and exceptional service.

Please Note- This role will involved travel to Newcastle Greyhound Stadium 1 day per week, Work Perks of being a Head Chef with us at ARC…

2 Annual Members passes, giving access to over 1500 racedays
Hotel Discounts and Complimentary Golf
Annual leave starting at 22 days increasing up to 28 in line with length of service
Pension & Group life assurance schemes
Healthshield – including 24hr GP & EAP
…and so much more!

We are on a thrilling journey. So, to join us at our next destination, be part of a winning team and to learn more about our company and this exciting opportunity apply today!

At ARC, we believe a diverse and inclusive workplace makes us stronger, more competitive, and adaptable. We welcome people from all backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. As an equal opportunity employer, we do not discriminate based on gender, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, gender reassignment, race, nationality, religion, disability, age, or criminal history (where legally applicable).

If you have a disability and need adjustments, please let us know. We\’ll ensure you have what you need to participate in the application or interview process and to perform the job.

We value diversity and are committed to creating an environment that is safe, inclusive, and ensures everyone\’s contributions are heard and respected. We strive to lead by example in promoting diversity, inclusion, and belonging.

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Head Chef employer: Arena Racing Company

At ARC, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that values diversity and inclusivity. As the Head Chef at Sunderland Greyhound Stadium, you will enjoy competitive benefits such as hotel discounts, complimentary golf, and generous annual leave, all while leading a passionate team in a dynamic environment that celebrates thrilling greyhound racing and top-tier hospitality. With ample opportunities for professional growth and a commitment to employee well-being, joining us means being part of a winning team dedicated to delivering outstanding service and unforgettable experiences.
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Contact Detail:

Arena Racing Company Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🀫

We think this is how you could land Head Chef

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the specific food safety and HACCP regulations that apply to multi-site operations. Understanding these standards will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to maintaining high-quality food safety practices.

✨Tip Number 2

Showcase your leadership skills by preparing examples of how you've successfully managed diverse kitchen teams in the past. Highlighting your ability to motivate staff and maintain good relations will set you apart as a candidate who can thrive in a fast-paced environment.

✨Tip Number 3

Research Sunderland and Newcastle Greyhound Stadiums to understand their unique catering needs and clientele. Tailoring your approach to align with their hospitality experience will demonstrate your genuine interest in the role and the organisation.

✨Tip Number 4

Network with professionals in the catering and hospitality industry, especially those with experience in multi-site operations. Building connections can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals, increasing your chances of landing the job.

We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef

Leadership Skills
Budget Management
Food Safety Compliance
HACCP Knowledge
Menu Development
Cost Control
Team Management
Training and Development
Communication Skills
Organisational Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Attention to Detail
Knowledge of Allergen Regulations
Time Management
Customer Service Orientation

Some tips for your application 🫑

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience as a Head Chef or senior Sous Chef. Focus on your achievements in managing kitchen operations, food safety compliance, and team leadership.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for food and kitchen operations. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to manage multiple sites and maintain high standards of quality and compliance.

Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly list your qualifications such as Level 3 Food Safety, HACCP certifications, and any other relevant training. This will show the employer you meet their requirements and are serious about food safety.

Showcase Leadership Skills: In your application, emphasise your leadership abilities. Provide examples of how you've successfully managed teams, conducted training, and improved kitchen operations in previous roles.

How to prepare for a job interview at Arena Racing Company

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As a Head Chef, you'll be managing a diverse team. Be prepared to discuss your leadership style and provide examples of how you've successfully motivated and trained staff in previous roles.

✨Demonstrate Your Knowledge of Food Safety

With a strong emphasis on food safety and compliance, ensure you can articulate your understanding of HACCP, allergens, and food safety management systems. Highlight any relevant qualifications you hold.

✨Prepare for Budget Discussions

Since budget management is key in this role, be ready to discuss your experience with cost control, procurement, and achieving food GP targets. Bring examples of how you've successfully managed budgets in the past.

✨Familiarise Yourself with the Venue

Research Sunderland Greyhound Stadium and its catering operations. Understanding their unique environment and customer expectations will help you tailor your responses and show genuine interest in the role.

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