Head Chef- The Vox NEC

This job is with Compass Group UK & Ireland, an inclusive employer and a member of myGwork – the largest global platform for the LGBTQ+ business community.

ROLE PURPOSE:

As Head Chef at the ICC & Vox, you will lead the culinary vision for one of the UK's most prestigious conference and events destinations, delivering exceptional food experiences across fine dining, high-end hospitality, banqueting, and large-scale events. This is a role for a passionate culinary leader who thrives on creating innovative, restaurant-quality menus while maintaining the precision and consistency required for world-class event catering.

You will oversee and manage all culinary operations across the venue, ensuring every dish reflects the highest standards of quality, creativity, and presentation. Alongside driving an outstanding dining experience, you will effectively manage food costs within budgetary constraints, source exceptional ingredients without compromising on value, and lead, inspire, and develop a high-performing kitchen team. You will champion a culture of excellence while ensuring full compliance with health and safety legislation, food hygiene standards, and dietary requirements, helping to cement the ICC & Vox's reputation as a destination for exceptional hospitality.

We are Levy. We are a visionary venue partner. We design and deliver bespoke guest experiences that prioritise people and the planet. Trusted by some of the world's most iconic stadiums, entertainment venues, and major events - including Wimbledon, Twickenham, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Edgbaston, the SEC and Excel London - we bring experiences to life with passion and precision. Our mission is to succeed the right way. From pioneering tech and seamless operations to show-stopping menus and exceptional service, we use insight and innovation to understand guests, improve the customer journey, reduce environmental impact, and support local communities. We are a passionate, diverse team of venue specialists dedicated to making the planet better for future generations.

Head Chef- The Role:

• Food Preparation and Cooking: Oversee and participate in the preparation and cooking of meals, ensuring they meet the highest standards of quality, taste, and presentation while adhering to food safety and hygiene regulations.
• Team Leadership and Management: Lead, mentor, and manage the kitchen team, including chefs and kitchen assistants, to maintain a cohesive, efficient, and productive work environment. Provide training and support to staff in culinary techniques relevant to large scale event catering.
• Budget and Cost Control: Manage the kitchen budget, control food costs, and source ingredients economically without compromising on quality or nutritional value. Maintain accurate records of expenditures and inventory.
• Health and Safety Compliance: Ensure compliance with all health and safety regulations, food hygiene standards, and dietary requirements. Conduct regular inspections and audits to maintain high standards of cleanliness and safety in the kitchen.
• Quality Assurance: Maintain consistency in food quality and presentation, implementing quality control measures and continuously seeking ways to improve the culinary offerings. Plan and execute catering for events, meetings, and functions, ensuring the provision of high-quality food and service that meets the expectations of all stakeholders.
• Inventory Management: Oversee the ordering, storage, and management of kitchen supplies and ingredients, ensuring efficient stock control and minimising waste.
• Culinary Innovation: Stay updated with culinary trends and innovations, incorporating new techniques and ingredients into the menu to keep offerings fresh and exciting.

What we're looking for:

• Professional Culinary Qualifications: Possession of relevant culinary qualifications such as a degree or diploma in culinary arts, or equivalent certifications from recognized culinary institutions.
• Extensive Culinary Experience: Proven experience as a head chef or in a similar senior culinary role, demonstrating expertise in menu planning, food preparation, and kitchen management.
• Leadership and Management Skills: Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and manage a diverse kitchen team, fostering a positive and productive working environment.
• Budgeting and Cost Management: Experience in managing food costs, budget planning, and sourcing ingredients effectively without compromising on quality.
• Food Safety and Hygiene: In-depth knowledge of food safety regulations, hygiene standards, and compliance requirements, with a proven track record of maintaining high standards in these areas.
• Creativity and Innovation: Ability to create innovative and varied menus that cater to different tastes and dietary requirements while maintaining nutritional balance.
• Excellent Communication Skills: Strong interpersonal and communication skills to collaborate effectively with Venue sales and event management teams.
• Flexibility and Adaptability: Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, to meet the needs of the venue and its schedules.
• Passion for Culinary Excellence: A genuine passion for food and a commitment to delivering high-quality culinary experiences.

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: Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption leave. 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. As part of Compass you'll help to feed people, fuel progress and forge connections in around 6,000 venues. Join us to grow your career with the industry leader, and get competitive pay, great perks and unrivalled opportunities for learning and development, at one of the UK's biggest businesses.

Job Reference: com/2307/43425001/52822014/SU