Freelance Events Chef

We’re looking for a talented Events Chef to join the team at Leiths, delivering exceptional culinary experiences across courses, private hire, and corporate events while showcasing creativity, precision, and the highest standards of food quality and presentation.

Hours of work: As required by the business (available weekdays, evenings & weekends)

Location: Leiths Culinary School, London

Purpose of the Job: Events Chefs are responsible for delivering high quality corporate cooking experiences to up to 12 guests. You will either lead events as the workshop lead or support another Events Chef by preparing the kitchen, assisting throughout the session, and ensuring smooth service and clean‑up. This role combines culinary skills, confident communication, and an enthusiasm for excellent guest experience.

Key Working Relationships:

• Reporting to: Business Development & Events Executive
• Key working relationships: Commercial Director, Culinary School Director, Storeroom Assistant, Teaching Team, Head of Procurement & Facilities

Main Responsibilities:

• Deliver exceptional, engaging cooking experiences that ensure every client feels welcomed and has an enjoyable, memorable time.
• Represent and showcase the very best of Leiths’ expertise, standards, and hospitality through professional delivery and outstanding guest interaction.
• Create a positive, inclusive atmosphere that reflects the quality and reputation of the brand, encouraging repeat business and strong client partnerships.

Preparation & Setup:

• Review event menus, recipes, timings, and required skills.
• Prepare ingredients, equipment, and workstations to a high standard.
• Ensure all dietary requirements and guest needs are understood and planned for.
• Coordinate with the Business Development & Events Executive and Culinary School Director to confirm timings, guest numbers, and event format.

Event Facilitation:

• Lead or support hands‑on cooking sessions for corporate groups.
• Demonstrate techniques clearly and confidently where required.
• Guide guests through recipes, offering support and encouragement.
• Maintain a safe, enjoyable, and professional environment throughout the event.
• Assist the lead Events Chef with cooking tasks, checks, plating, and service flow.
• Keep the kitchen organised, clean, and free of clutter during the event.
• Manage washing up, equipment resets, and workstation turnover as needed.
• Ensure all areas are cleaned, restocked, and reset for the next event/class.
• Return equipment and ingredients to the correct storage areas.
• Report any issues with equipment, stock, or facilities.

General Responsibilities:

• Provide professional, customer‑focused communication in person, by phone, or by email.
• Act as a knowledgeable and welcoming point of contact for guests, clients, and colleagues.
• Comply with all School policies and procedures, including Health & Safety, Child Protection, and guidelines on personal online profiles.

Skills and Experience:

• Strong practical cooking skills, ideally with professional kitchen experience.
• Ability to demonstrate techniques clearly and confidently to non‑professionals.
• Understanding of kitchen safety, hygiene, and food handling standards.
• Ability to adapt recipes or processes for dietary requirements.
• Confident, engaging communication style suited to mixed‑ability groups.
• Experience teaching, training, mentoring or leading workshops.
• Background in hospitality, events, customer service, or front-facing roles.
• Confidence representing the organization to corporate clients.
• Experience in corporate events, team‑building, or experiential learning.
• Prior work in cookery schools, food education, or culinary demonstrations.
• First aid or food safety certifications.
• Experience working with diverse groups, including those with dietary needs.

Leiths is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. Applicants will be required to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post including online checks, checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service. This position requires a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, which will reveal any unspent convictions. A criminal record may not necessarily be a bar to employment, as any decision will be treated on its merits and individual circumstances subject to Leiths’ overriding obligation to protect the students in its charge and the safety of Leiths’ staff. All staff have a responsibility and duty of care to safeguard and promote the welfare of pupils. Staff must be aware of the systems within Leiths which support safeguarding and must act in accordance with the School’s Safeguarding & Child Protection policy and Code of Conduct. Staff will receive appropriate child protection training which is regularly updated.