At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead culinary teams and create innovative menus for high-energy events at Old Trafford.
- Company: Join Levy UK & Ireland, part of Compass Group, a leader in hospitality.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 27 days' leave, healthcare, and family support.
- Other info: Flexible hours, career growth opportunities, and a supportive team culture.
- Why this job: Make an impact at a global landmark while inspiring culinary excellence.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in culinary roles and passion for guest experiences.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
Old Trafford, Manchester United | Full-Time / Permanent
Competitive salary + excellent benefits including healthcare, wellbeing support, 27 days' annual leave plus bank holidays, life assurance, and more.
We’re searching for a creative Executive Chef with exceptional leadership skills to deliver seamless culinary experiences across live events, match day hospitality, retail, conferences, and exhibitions. If you’re passionate about leading chefs, inspiring teams, and creating innovative menus for diverse, high-energy events, then we want to hear from you!
Old Trafford is more than a stadium; it’s a global landmark, and we are looking for a visionary leader to take the reins of our new world-class agreement, to redefine hospitality for the stadium’s 75,000 fans, curate the matchday magic and drive everyday excellence that defines the United brand.
At Levy, we bring experiences to life at some of the world’s most iconic stadiums and venues, and our multi-year agreement with Manchester United is no exception. At Manchester United, we believe that excellence on the pitch starts with excellence off the pitch. Our team thrives in a high-performance environment, united by a shared passion for success. We aim to elevate the standard of performance through collaboration and continuous growth, creating a space where everyone can contribute their best to our common goals. Together, we are excited to bring in passionate people who share our joint vision and drive for success.
Executive Chef – The role
- Design exceptional menus tailored to diverse large-scale fast-paced live events, with dietary needs, cultural preferences, and sustainability at the forefront of decision-making.
- Oversee day-to-day kitchen operations, ensuring a seamless workflow, and maintaining the highest standards of food safety, hygiene, and presentation.
- Effectively lead kitchen operations from the front with a focus on efficiency, food safety, and a consistent dedication to quality.
- Inspire and develop skilled culinary teams to deliver outstanding guest experiences in a collaborative environment.
- Collaborate with colleagues and stakeholders at all levels to ensure seamless, on-theme culinary experiences.
- Manage suppliers and costs to maximise quality, value, and profitability.
- Drive innovation and improvement by embracing trends and continuously enhancing culinary operations.
What we’re looking for
- Proven progressive experience within culinary roles, including solid senior leadership positions.
- Proven record of accomplishment in planning and executing culinary offerings for large-scale events, conferences, or exhibitions.
- Passion for culinary excellence and a commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences.
- Creativity and innovation in menu development and presentation.
- Professionalism and integrity in all interactions – first-rate communication skills.
- Resilience and the ability to thrive in a high-pressure environment.
- Positive and approachable demeanour, fostering a positive team culture.
- Availability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, in alignment with event schedules.
- Willingness to stay abreast of industry trends, culinary innovations, and emerging technologies.
- Additional certifications in food safety and hygiene are a bonus!
What you’ll get in return
- Competitive salary with bonus and full company benefits.
- 27 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 PureGym memberships.
- Financial wellbeing: Pension scheme, Life Assurance, preferred rates on salary finance products.
- Development opportunities: Professional subscriptions, ongoing training and structured career pathways.
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.
Executive Chef - Manchester United employer: Compass Group UK & Ireland
At Levy, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at the iconic Old Trafford stadium. Our commitment to employee wellbeing is reflected in our competitive salary, extensive benefits package, and opportunities for professional growth within a collaborative and innovative team culture. Join us to lead culinary excellence in a high-energy setting, where your creativity and leadership will inspire a passionate team dedicated to delivering unforgettable experiences for fans and guests alike.
Contact Details:
Compass Group UK & Ireland Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive Chef - Manchester United
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the culinary world, especially those who have experience with large-scale events. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your creativity! When you get the chance to meet potential employers, bring along a portfolio of your best menu designs and event experiences. This will help you stand out and showcase your innovative flair.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the latest culinary trends and sustainability practices. Being knowledgeable about what’s hot in the industry shows your passion and commitment to excellence, which is key for a role like Executive Chef.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and eager to join our team at Manchester United.
We think you need these skills to ace Executive Chef - Manchester United
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for culinary excellence shine through. Share specific examples of how you've created innovative menus or led successful teams in high-pressure environments. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Executive Chef position. Highlight your experience with large-scale events and your leadership skills. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Be creative and engaging, and don’t forget to mention how you can contribute to redefining hospitality at Old Trafford. We love a good story!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us that you’re serious about joining our team at Manchester United!
How to prepare for a job interview at Compass Group UK & Ireland
✨Know Your Culinary Trends
Stay updated on the latest culinary trends and innovations. Research popular dishes, dietary preferences, and sustainability practices that resonate with large-scale events. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also show your passion for creating exceptional menus.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to discuss your leadership approach and how you inspire and develop culinary teams. Share specific examples of how you've fostered a positive team culture and handled high-pressure situations. This will demonstrate your ability to lead effectively in a dynamic environment like Old Trafford.
✨Master the Art of Menu Design
Be ready to talk about your experience in designing innovative menus for diverse events. Bring examples of past menus you've created, highlighting how you catered to various dietary needs and cultural preferences. This will showcase your creativity and attention to detail.
✨Communicate with Confidence
First-rate communication skills are key for this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Prepare to engage with your interviewers by asking insightful questions about their vision for culinary experiences at Manchester United, showing your genuine interest in the position.
