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-pressure kitchens and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: Opportunities for career growth and a commitment to sustainability.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 56000 ÂŁ per year.
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.
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
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: Levy UK
Contact Detail:
Levy UK 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 crowd and what they love can help you tailor your approach when you get in front of the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former staff at Levy UK or Aston Villa FC. They can provide insider tips and might even put in a good word for you, which can make all the difference.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your creativity! Prepare to discuss your ideas for bold, crowd-pleasing menus during interviews. Bring examples of your past work or even a mini portfolio to showcase your culinary flair.
✨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 team at Levy UK and being part of the Aston Villa experience.
We think you need these skills to ace Retail Head Chef- Aston Villa FC in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food and Football: When you're writing your application, let your love for food and football shine through! We want to see how you can bring that passion to the kitchen at Villa Park. Share any experiences that highlight your culinary creativity and connection to the game.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Make sure your CV and cover letter are tailored specifically for this role. Highlight your experience in high-pressure kitchens and any leadership roles you've had. We’re looking for someone who can lead a team and deliver quality under pressure, so make that clear!
Be Authentic and Personal: Don’t be afraid to let your personality come through in your application. We’re not just looking for skills; we want to know who you are! Share your journey in the culinary world and what makes you the perfect fit for our vibrant team at Aston Villa.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team and being part of the Levy family at Villa Park!
How to prepare for a job interview at Levy UK
✨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 create bold, crowd-pleasing menus that fit the stadium atmosphere. This shows your passion for the role and your understanding of what fans expect.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a Retail Head Chef, leading a team is crucial. Prepare examples of how you've motivated and trained kitchen staff in high-pressure environments. Highlight your hands-on approach and how you inspire your team during busy matchdays or events.
✨Emphasise Your Experience with High Volume
Discuss your experience in high-volume kitchens, especially in stadiums or large-scale hospitality settings. Share specific instances where you successfully managed food quality and speed while serving thousands of guests, as this is key for the role.
✨Commitment to Sustainability
Levy UK values sustainability, so be prepared to talk about how you source local ingredients, reduce waste, and promote low-carbon menus. Sharing your ideas on how to implement these practices in a busy kitchen will demonstrate your alignment with their values.