At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team of chefs to create exciting menus for matchdays and events.
- Company: Join Levy UK, the official catering partner of Aston Villa FC.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, healthcare benefits, and generous holiday allowance.
- Why this job: Be part of a legendary venue and fuel unforgettable football moments.
- Qualifications: Experience in high-volume kitchens and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: Opportunities for ongoing training and career development in a vibrant environment.
The predicted salary is between 34000 - 46000 ÂŁ per year.
Retail Head Chef – Aston Villa Football Club
Bring the Heat to the Home of the Claret & Blue!
Role in a nutshell
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 ÂŁ40,000 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
We are 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.
Head Chef- Retail Aston Villa FC employer: Compass Group
Contact Detail:
Compass Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef- Retail Aston Villa FC
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the venue! Familiarise yourself with Villa Park and its unique atmosphere. Understanding the crowd and what they love can help you tailor your approach when you meet the team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current and former staff at Levy UK or Aston Villa FC. They can provide insider tips and might even put in a good word for you. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the role!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your creativity! Prepare a few bold menu ideas that fit the stadium vibe. When you get the chance to chat with the hiring team, share your vision for crowd-pleasing dishes that will elevate the matchday experience.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Levy family and making an impact at Villa Park.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef- Retail Aston Villa FC
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 the vibrant atmosphere at Villa Park. Share your culinary journey and what fuels your creativity in the kitchen.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Retail Head Chef. 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 achievements!
Be Authentic: We appreciate authenticity, so be yourself in your application. Share your leadership style and how you motivate your team under pressure. We want to know how you handle the heat in the kitchen and keep the energy up during matchdays!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get to know you better. 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 Menu Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with the types of food and service Levy UK offers at Villa Park. Be ready to discuss how you would design a menu that resonates with fans while keeping it practical for high-volume service.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a Head Chef, your leadership will be key. Prepare examples of how you've motivated teams in high-pressure environments. Think about specific situations where you’ve inspired your brigade during busy matchdays or events.
✨Emphasise Sustainability Practices
Given the focus on sustainability, come prepared to discuss how you source local ingredients and reduce waste in your kitchen. Share any innovative ideas you have for promoting low-carbon menus that still deliver on flavour.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Football
This role is all about the love of the game! Show your enthusiasm for Aston Villa and football in general. Talk about your experiences as a fan or how you see food enhancing the matchday experience for supporters.