At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team of chefs to create amazing food experiences for fans at Villa Park.
- Company: Join Levy UK, the official catering partner of Aston Villa FC.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, healthcare perks, and generous holiday allowance.
- Why this job: Be part of a legendary venue and make matchdays unforgettable with your culinary skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in high-pressure kitchens and a passion for food and leadership.
- Other info: Opportunities for career growth and a commitment to sustainability.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 56000 £ per year.
Bring the Heat to the Home of the Claret & Blue! Levy UK is the official catering partner to Aston Villa Football Club, delivering world-class hospitality and retail experiences across the iconic Villa Park stadium and the wider Aston Villa estate. Since 1874, Aston Villa has been at the heart of English football. Today, Villa Park welcomes hundreds of thousands of fans and guests every season - from buzzing concourses and vibrant fan zones to suites, boxes, and conferences. Every matchday, every event, every service is an opportunity to celebrate the passion, pride, and tradition of the Villans.
Why this role
At Levy UK, we don’t just cook food - we fuel football moments. Behind every roar of the Holte End, every chant of Villa, Villa, Villa, is a kitchen team serving big flavours, fast service, and quality at scale. Now, we’re looking for a Retail Head Chef to lead from the front in our stadium kitchens. This is more than a chef role - it’s a chance to bring bold, crowd-pleasing menus to one of the most historic football venues in the world. This isn’t your average kitchen. This is Villa Park - a ground where legends are made, memories are shared, and food is part of the experience.
What you’ll be responsible for
- Leading and motivating a brigade of chefs across multiple retail kitchens on matchdays and major events
- Driving food quality, speed, and consistency - feeding thousands of fans without missing a beat
- Designing and delivering menus with a street food edge and stadium atmosphere
- Training, mentoring, and energising teams to deliver Levy’s signature flair with every dish
- Partnering with operations and culinary leaders to achieve commercial goals while never compromising flavour
- Championing food safety, hygiene, and sustainability standards across all kitchens
What we’re looking for
- A passionate, people-focused Head Chef - or an ambitious Sous Chef ready to step up
- Proven success running high-volume, high-pressure kitchens (stadiums, arenas, or large-scale hospitality an advantage)
- Creativity with commercial know-how - you know what sells, and how to deliver it fast
- Strong leadership and resilience - calm under pressure, inspiring in the heat of service
- Hands-on leadership - you lead from the line, not just the office
- A strong commitment to sustainability: sourcing seasonal, local ingredients, reducing waste, promoting low-carbon menus.
What you’ll get in return
- Competitive salary of £40,000 per annum
- Pension scheme & life assurance
- 23 days holiday + Bank Holidays, plus your birthday off
- Healthcare benefits including dental, optical, therapy treatments & free annual checks
- Discounts including Vodafone, Nuffield Health, Pure Gym, shopping & travel perks
- Holiday purchase scheme
- Ongoing training & development through Levy career pathways
- Family-friendly benefits (2 days extra leave post-maternity return, day off for baby’s first birthday)
- Employee Assistance Programme & wellbeing support
About Levy
Levy is about elevating experiences. As the global leader in sports and entertainment hospitality, we design and deliver unforgettable guest experiences that celebrate people, planet, and passion. From Premier League clubs to world-class arenas, we combine culinary innovation, seamless operations, and sustainability leadership to make every event extraordinary. At Villa Park, our mission is simple: to fuel the pride of the claret and blue, one unforgettable matchday at a time.
Retail Head Chef- Aston Villa FC in Birmingham employer: Compass Group
Contact Detail:
Compass Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Retail Head Chef- Aston Villa FC in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the venue! Familiarise yourself with Villa Park and its unique atmosphere. Understanding the fans and their passion can help you tailor your approach and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of the team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former staff at Levy UK or Aston Villa FC. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might just land you a recommendation when it comes to the hiring process.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your creativity! Prepare a few bold menu ideas that reflect the stadium's vibe. Presenting your vision for crowd-pleasing dishes can really set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Levy UK team at Aston Villa FC!
We think you need these skills to ace Retail Head Chef- Aston Villa FC in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When you're writing your application, let your love for food and football shine through! We want to see how your passion aligns with our mission at Villa Park. Share your experiences that highlight your enthusiasm for creating memorable dining experiences.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Retail Head Chef role. Highlight your experience in high-volume kitchens and any creative menu designs you've done. We’re looking for someone who can bring bold flavours to life, so don’t hold back on showcasing your culinary skills!
Be Authentic: We appreciate authenticity, so be yourself in your application. Share your unique approach to leadership and how you motivate your team. We want to know how you handle pressure and keep the kitchen running smoothly during those busy matchdays.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application directly. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Levy UK and being part of the Aston Villa family.
How to prepare for a job interview at Compass Group
✨Know Your Venue
Familiarise yourself with Villa Park and its unique atmosphere. Understand the fan culture and what makes Aston Villa special. This will help you connect with the interviewers and show your passion for the role.
✨Showcase Your Creativity
Prepare to discuss your ideas for bold, crowd-pleasing menus that fit the stadium vibe. Bring examples of past menu designs or concepts you've created, especially those that highlight street food elements.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Be ready to share specific examples of how you've led a kitchen team under pressure. Highlight your hands-on approach and how you motivate your team during busy service times.
✨Emphasise Sustainability
Discuss your commitment to sustainability in the kitchen. Share your experience with sourcing local ingredients and reducing waste, as this aligns with Levy's values and the expectations for the Retail Head Chef role.