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- Tasks: Lead a passionate kitchen team and manage high-volume culinary operations.
- Company: Join Levy, a leading global hospitality partner at NEC Birmingham.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, healthcare, 23 days' leave, and more perks.
- Why this job: Make an impact in a dynamic environment while creating unforgettable guest experiences.
- Qualifications: Experience in high-volume kitchens and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team dedicated to sustainability and excellence.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 42000 £ per year.
We are looking for a passionate Head Chef to join the innovative team at NEC Birmingham - the UK’s largest event space! As Head Chef, you will lead retail culinary operations; ensuring kitchens run safely and efficiently, leading a passionate kitchen team, and enabling us to exceed guest expectations for world-class events, conferences, and exhibitions.
Retail Head Chef – The role:
- Leading on building efficient and commercially viable labour plans and food and beverage orders for large-scale events using key sales insights.
- Managing budgets, labour, and stock control to ensure high-quality and cost-effective menu solutions.
- Supporting with continued business improvements and profitability.
- Maintaining SOP standards in the operational area.
- Leading on delivering all health & safety and food safety standards.
- Championing the Levy brand standards and delivering an outstanding guest experience.
- Monitoring guest feedback and implementing improvements to enhance overall service level.
- Acting as a role model for the team, supporting training and development.
- Acting as duty manager, allocating kitchen duties and responsibilities to all culinary team members and providing on-shift support to colleagues.
- Supporting with relevant event and kitchen roles in the business/venues including Support Chef, FPA or Kitchen Assistant.
What we’re looking for:
- Experience managing a high-volume kitchen in a retail environment.
- Previous experience adhering to safety policies and procedures.
- Ability to think on your feet and adapt to whatever challenges arise.
- Has an awareness of commercial drivers.
- A keen eye for detail and consistent desire to uphold high standards.
- Strong communication and teamwork skills.
- Passion for guest experience and service excellence.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
What you’ll get in return:
- Competitive salary and full company benefits.
- 23 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays, your birthday off, and a holiday purchase scheme.
- Healthcare & wellbeing: Aviva Digicare, Medicash (dental, optical, therapy treatments).
- Mental health support: 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme.
- Family benefits: 2 days’ additional leave after returning from maternity leave, day off for your baby’s first birthday, enhanced family leave.
- Perks & discounts: Shopping, entertainment, and travel discounts, 20% off Nuffield Health and 10% off Pure Gym memberships.
- Financial wellbeing: Pension scheme, Life Assurance, preferred rates on salary finance products.
- Development opportunities: Professional subscriptions, ongoing training and structured career pathways.
- Meals on duty included.
Why join us?
Levy UK & Ireland is part of Compass Group, the world’s largest catering company, and a vibrant leader in hospitality. We believe in celebrating individuality and building inclusive teams where everyone feels they belong. Our diverse team fuels creativity, innovation, and excellence. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and welcome candidates from all backgrounds to join us in creating a supportive, empowering workplace where everyone can thrive. Together, we create unforgettable experiences – and shape the future of hospitality.
Retail Head Chef - NEC Birmingham employer: Chartwells Independent
Contact Detail:
Chartwells Independent Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Retail Head Chef - NEC Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the hospitality industry, especially those who have experience in high-volume kitchens. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your culinary skills! If you can, bring samples of your dishes to interviews or events. Nothing speaks louder than a delicious plate of food that showcases your talent and passion for guest experience.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to talk numbers! Brush up on your budgeting and stock control knowledge. Employers love candidates who can demonstrate their understanding of commercial drivers and how to manage costs effectively in a busy kitchen.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate individuals who want to join our diverse team and help create unforgettable experiences.
We think you need these skills to ace Retail Head Chef - NEC Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for culinary arts and guest experience shine through. We want to see that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about creating unforgettable moments for our guests.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure to tailor your CV to highlight your experience in managing high-volume kitchens and adhering to safety standards. We love seeing how your skills align with what we’re looking for, so don’t hold back!
Be Specific: In your cover letter, be specific about your achievements and how they relate to the role. Share examples of how you’ve led teams or improved service levels in previous positions. We appreciate concrete evidence of your capabilities!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Chartwells Independent
✨Know Your Culinary Stuff
Brush up on your culinary techniques and menu knowledge. Be ready to discuss your experience managing high-volume kitchens and how you ensure food safety and quality. This is your chance to showcase your passion for cooking and guest satisfaction!
✨Show Off Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led a kitchen team in the past. Talk about how you allocate duties, support training, and maintain high standards. They want to see that you can inspire and manage a diverse team effectively.
✨Understand the Business Side
Familiarise yourself with budget management, stock control, and commercial drivers. Be ready to discuss how you've used sales insights to create cost-effective menu solutions. This shows you're not just a chef but also a savvy business leader.
✨Be Ready for a Fast-Paced Environment
Think of scenarios where you've had to adapt quickly in a busy kitchen. Share how you handle pressure and unexpected challenges while maintaining service excellence. They’ll appreciate your ability to thrive in dynamic situations!
