At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead culinary operations and create exceptional food experiences at iconic events.
- Company: Join the Venue Olympia Events, a historic landmark transforming into a vibrant entertainment hub.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, health cover, pension contributions, and more.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with opportunities for growth and flexible working arrangements.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic kitchen team and make memorable experiences for guests.
- Qualifications: Strong culinary leadership experience and excellent cooking skills required.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
The Venue Olympia Events manages the iconic event venues at Olympia, a cultural and architectural landmark that has hosted extraordinary events since 1886. From internationally renowned consumer exhibitions and trade shows to sporting events, concerts and conferences, Olympia continues to bring world-class experiences to London. Its distinctive architecture and nearly 140-year heritage make it one of the UK's most recognisable and sought-after event destinations. Today, Olympia is entering an exciting new chapter. At the heart of a £1.3 billion transformation, the estate has been reimagined as London's newest fully integrated entertainment, culture and business destination.
The Senior Sous Chef supports the Head Chef in leading culinary operations within the Heritage Halls, delivering exceptional food experiences across conferences, exhibitions, banquets, VIP events and live entertainment. As second-in-command, the role is responsible for driving high standards of food quality, presentation and service, while leading and developing the culinary team, supporting menu innovation, and ensuring operational excellence across a busy and varied event programme. This role requires a highly organised, adaptable and inspiring leader who can respond seamlessly to changing service demands, event schedules and guest expectations, while helping to create memorable experiences and maintaining the highest standards of food safety, efficiency and guest satisfaction.
The Responsibilities
- Support the leadership of a dynamic kitchen operation, working alongside the Head Chef to deliver exceptional restaurant, event and show-night experiences in a fast-paced entertainment environment.
- Drive outstanding food quality and service standards, ensuring dishes are consistently prepared to recipe, presentation and performance expectations while adapting to changing event schedules and guest needs.
- Lead, coach and develop the kitchen team, overseeing daily workflows, staffing and training to build a motivated, high-performing brigade.
- Manage commercial and operational performance, supporting menu development, stock control, ordering, labour planning, budgeting and cost management to maximise efficiency and minimise waste.
- Champion compliance and operational excellence, maintaining the highest food safety, hygiene and HACCP standards while confidently overseeing kitchen operations in the Head Chef's absence.
What We're Looking For
- Bring strong culinary leadership experience, ideally as a Sous Chef, Senior Sous Chef or in a similar role within a high-volume hospitality, events or entertainment-led venue.
- Demonstrate excellent technical expertise, with a strong understanding of cooking techniques, kitchen equipment, food safety regulations and HACCP practices; relevant culinary qualifications are desirable.
- Thrive under pressure in a fast-paced environment, remaining calm, organised and decisive while managing complex services and changing operational demands.
- Be a confident people leader, with proven experience supervising, motivating and developing kitchen teams to deliver consistently high standards.
- Combine commercial awareness with strong communication skills, bringing experience in menu planning, stock management and cost control, alongside the ability to solve problems and deputise effectively for the Head Chef when required.
What can we offer?
- 25 Days Annual Leave – Work hard, rest well.
- Life Assurance – Peace of mind knowing your loved ones are protected.
- 5% Pension Contribution – Helping you prepare for a bright future.
- Healthshield Cover – Support with dental, physio, counselling and more for you and your children.
- Employee Assistance Programme – AXA Health support whenever you need it.
- Eye Care Support – Vouchers and contributions towards glasses.
- Cycle to Work Scheme – A greener, healthier commute.
- Employee Referral Scheme – Recommend great people and get rewarded.
Recruitment Process Outlined
- 1st Stage - Online Interview
- 2nd Stage - Face to Face Interview with the Venue Culinary Team
Any offer of employment will be subject to satisfactory pre‑employment checks. These may include verification of identity, proof of address, right to work, employment history, qualifications, and—where relevant to the role—a basic or enhanced DBS check. All checks will be carried out in line with data protection law and we will only request information that is necessary for the role.
Inclusive Workplace
At Legends Global, we are committed to leading the entertainment industry towards a greener, faster, and more innovative digital future. There’s never been a better time to join our team. We aim to be an inclusive organisation, trusted and admired by our colleagues, customers, and suppliers. Join us and make a significant impact from day one. We are committed to active inclusion, diversity, and equal opportunities. This commitment begins with our recruitment and selection process. We welcome discussions about flexible working arrangements. If you need reasonable adjustments at any stage of our recruitment process, please let us know in your application. We are dedicated to providing a fair and transparent assessment process and will do our utmost to accommodate your needs.
Senior Sous Chef employer: Legends Global (Europe)
Legends Global (Europe) is an exceptional employer located in the vibrant city of Manchester, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises inclusivity and diversity. Employees benefit from comprehensive perks and opportunities for professional growth, all while being part of a team dedicated to delivering outstanding event experiences and fostering strong client relationships.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Sous Chef
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Legends Global (Europe). It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Legends Global (Europe)
Don't be shy about reaching out to Legends Global (Europe) directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Sous Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Legends Global (Europe) and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Legends Global (Europe)
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
