At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic kitchen team and create exceptional culinary experiences across multiple outlets.
- Company: Join Oak View Group, a leader in revolutionising live events and hospitality.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, private healthcare, gym discounts, and ongoing career development.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to innovation and excellence in hospitality.
- Why this job: Make your mark in Nottingham's iconic venue and inspire the next generation of chefs.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in leading large kitchen operations and a passion for food and people.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Oak View Group is reinventing the way the world comes together. Driven by a passion to revolutionise the live events industry with dynamic thinking and an unshakeable dedication to those we serve, OVG turns up the volume on what makes life extraordinary. From inspired development to curated hospitality, from brand innovation to premium for all, OVG is setting new standards and redefining expectations for everyone.
About the Venue: The Island Quarter has already become an iconic canal-side destination for Nottingham, boasting three storeys of restaurants, bars, and events space. From casual all-day dining, drinks and entertainment at Binks Yard with its expansive outdoor terrace, stage and screen built for live performances and sports screening, to refined dining at the Cleaver & Wake restaurant and bar using the very best ingredients from across the British Isles, this multi-purpose venue is truly one of a kind.
We're looking for an Executive Head Chef to take full culinary ownership of a complex, multi-outlet operation and lead a brigade of over 30 kitchen professionals. You'll lead the Head Chefs across each outlet through empowerment, coaching, and genuine day-to-day presence - not from an office, but from the pass. You'll set the tone, the standards, and the culture of the kitchen across every part of the site, while staying commercially sharp and strategically engaged. That means you'll need to be adaptable, entrepreneurial, and comfortable building things as you go - working through complexity rather than waiting for it to resolve itself.
- Taking full culinary leadership of the site - setting menus, standards and direction across all four outlets in line with the venue's commercial and brand objectives
- Leading and inspiring a brigade of 30+ kitchen professionals, with Head Chefs reporting into you across the operation
- Coaching and developing Head Chefs through empowerment, regular feedback, and genuine investment in their growth
- Mentoring junior and emerging talent - nurturing the next generation of chefs within the team
- Owning food cost management, GP performance, supplier relationships, procurement, and kitchen efficiency across all outlets
- Aligning with OVG's central culinary and operational support teams, contributing to wider group initiatives and sharing best practice
- Driving community engagement - building relationships with local suppliers, culinary colleges, apprenticeship programmes, and industry bodies
- Maintaining full compliance across food safety, allergen management, HACCP, and health & safety in all kitchen environments
What we're looking for: You'll be an experienced senior chef who has led large, complex kitchen operations - ideally across multiple outlets or in a high-volume venue, hotel, or stadium environment. What matters as much as your CV is your character: the best candidate for this role is hungry, present, and genuinely passionate about food, people, and building something great.
- Proven experience as an Executive Head Chef, Executive Chef or Senior Head Chef across a multi-outlet or large-scale operation
- Demonstrable experience managing brigades of 20+ and developing kitchen leadership teams
- Strong commercial acumen - you understand GP, food cost, labour, and how culinary decisions drive business performance
- A coaching and empowerment style of leadership - you build people up rather than just directing them
- Experience across varied formats - fine dining, events catering, and high-volume covers - is a distinct advantage
- Confident engaging with multiple stakeholders, senior leadership, and support functions across a complex organisation
- Strong community and industry instincts - keen to engage with local suppliers, colleges, and the broader culinary ecosystem
- Full working knowledge of food safety legislation, allergen compliance, and HACCP
Nottingham's best mixed-use venue, operated by one of the most forward-thinking companies in live entertainment and hospitality, looking for someone to define what its culinary offering can be. Salary, benefits and package are competitive and will be discussed at interview. Excellent benefits including private healthcare, corporate gym discount, F&B discount, multiple training and development programmes, cross exposure to our growing portfolio of venues, restaurants and events in the UK and beyond, ongoing career progression and more!
Our Inclusion Commitments: OVG is for everyone. Diversity drives innovation, strengthens our people, improves our service, and raises our excellence. If you need any additional support or adjustments with your application, let us know and we will work with you to ensure you have everything you need.
Executive Head Chef - Hospitality in Nottingham employer: leisurejobs
Oak View Group is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises innovation and community engagement. As the Executive Head Chef at The Island Quarter in Nottingham, you will lead a talented brigade of over 30 kitchen professionals, with ample opportunities for personal and professional growth through coaching and mentorship. With competitive benefits including private healthcare, gym discounts, and ongoing career progression, OVG is dedicated to creating a rewarding environment where your culinary vision can truly flourish.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive Head Chef - Hospitality in Nottingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry folks, attend culinary events, and join local chef groups. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Executive Head Chef role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, organise a tasting event or pop-up dinner to showcase your culinary flair. This not only highlights your talent but also gives potential employers a taste of what you can bring to their kitchen.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings; reach out directly to venues you admire. Express your passion for their culinary vision and how you can contribute to their success. You never know what opportunities might arise!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’re always on the lookout for passionate chefs who want to make a difference. By applying directly, you’ll stand out and show us you’re serious about joining our team at OVG.
We think you need these skills to ace Executive Head Chef - Hospitality in Nottingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food:When writing your application, let your love for food and culinary creativity shine through. We want to see your personality and what drives you in the kitchen, so don’t hold back!
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that align with the Executive Head Chef role. Highlight your leadership experience and any multi-outlet operations you've managed, as this is key for us.
Be Authentic:We value character just as much as experience. Share your journey in the culinary world and what makes you unique. Authenticity can really set you apart from other candidates!
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure to apply directly through our website. This helps us keep track of your application and ensures it gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at leisurejobs
✨Know Your Culinary Vision
Before the interview, think about your culinary philosophy and how it aligns with the venue's brand. Be ready to discuss how you would set menus and standards that reflect both your style and the expectations of Oak View Group.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare examples of how you've empowered and developed kitchen teams in the past. Highlight your coaching techniques and how you foster a positive kitchen culture, as this role requires strong leadership across multiple outlets.
✨Understand the Business Side
Brush up on your knowledge of food cost management and GP performance. Be prepared to discuss how your culinary decisions can drive business performance, as this is crucial for the Executive Head Chef position.
✨Engage with the Community
Think about ways you've built relationships with local suppliers or culinary colleges. Be ready to share your ideas on community engagement and how you can contribute to the broader culinary ecosystem in Nottingham.
