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- Tasks: Lead a dynamic kitchen team to deliver top-notch culinary experiences at events and race days.
- Company: Join Levy UK & Ireland, part of the world's largest catering company.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, healthcare, 23 days' leave, and more perks.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of culinary innovation in a vibrant hospitality environment.
- Qualifications: Passion for fresh ingredients, leadership skills, and experience in high-volume events.
- Other info: Join a diverse team dedicated to creating unforgettable guest experiences.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 54000 £ per year.
Head Chef – Kempton Park Racecourse, Sunbury-on-Thames, Surrey | Full time / Permanent
Up to £45,000 + excellent benefits including healthcare, wellbeing support, 23 days\’ annual leave plus bank holidays, life assurance, meals on duty, and more.
We seeking a motivated Head Chef at Kempton Park Racecourse as part of Jockey Club Catering, a partnership between the leading commercial group in British horse racing – The Jockey Club, and Compass Group UK & Ireland.
As Head Chef you will lead the day-to-day running of the kitchen for both Conference and Events and Race Days at Kempton Park Racecourse, with occasion travel to one of our other leading racecourses. You will be responsible for setting and maintaining high culinary standards, driving menu development and innovation, and managing your dedicated culinary team.
If you have the passion and motivation to inspire your kitchen to achieve top culinary standards, we want to hear from you!
We are Levy
Levy is about elevating experiences. We are a leading global hospitality partner, designing and delivering unforgettable guest moments that prioritise people and the planet.
Trusted by some of the world’s most iconic stadiums, entertainment venues, and major events – including Wimbledon, Twickenham, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Edgbaston, the SEC and ExCeL London – we bring experiences to life with passion and precision.
Our mission is to succeed the right way. From pioneering tech and seamless operations to show-stopping menus and exceptional service, we use insight and innovation to understand guests, improve the customer journey, reduce environmental impact, and support local communities.
We are a passionate, diverse team of venue specialists dedicated to making the planet better for future generations.
Head Chef – the role
- Leading the brigade to successfully deliver the highest possible culinary standards.
- Ensuring sufficient staff are allocated to all locations.
- Liaising with management and the culinary team, ensuring any event changes are reacted to in a timely manner.
- Planning orders of equipment and ingredients according to identified shortages.
- Building relationships with casual workforce and supporting recruitment.
- Acting as the point of contact on live event days.
- Managing all company and legislative paperwork surrounding Health and Safety and Food Safety.
- Directing food preparation processes and any other related activity.
- Using your passion for fresh local produce to develop culinary activity.
- Striving for continuous innovation and improvement of the work environment and unit performance.
- Managing food gross profit, food cost of sale, food stock takes, culinary department’s payroll costs.
- Managing the delivery, stock take and waste management of all culinary goods including order reporting
What we’re looking for
- A passion for fresh ingredients and menu innovation
- Flexible working subject to business requirements
- Computer literate
- The role will be working in a fast-paced environment so experience in large events with a high volume of casual workforce would be an advantage.
- A love of hospitality, food, and quality fresh ingredients.
- The ability to work under pressure, whilst maintaining a positive attitude.
- Great leadership skills – Kitchen and Team management
What you’ll get in return
- Competitive salary and full company benefits
- 23 days\’ annual leave plus bank holidays, your birthday off, and a holiday purchase scheme
- Healthcare & wellbeing: Aviva Digicare, Medicash (dental, optical, therapy treatments)
- Mental health support: 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
- Family benefits: 2 days’ additional leave after returning from maternity leave, day off for your baby’s first birthday, enhanced family leave
- Perks & discounts: Shopping, entertainment, and travel discounts, 20% off Nuffield Health and 10% off PureGym memberships
- Financial wellbeing: Pension scheme, Life Assurance, preferred rates on salary finance products
- Development opportunities: Professional subscriptions, ongoing training and structured career pathways
- Meals on duty included
Why Join Us?
Levy UK & Ireland is part of Compass Group, the world’s largest catering company, and a vibrant leader in hospitality.
We believe in celebrating individuality and building inclusive teams where everyone feels they belong. Our diverse team fuels creativity, innovation, and excellence.
We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and welcome candidates from all backgrounds to join us in creating a supportive, empowering workplace where everyone can thrive.
Together, we create unforgettable experiences – and shape the future of hospitality.
Head Chef - Kempton Park Racecourse employer: Levy UK
Contact Detail:
Levy UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef - Kempton Park Racecourse
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the hospitality industry, especially those who have worked at racecourses or large events. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your culinary skills! If you get the chance, bring samples of your best dishes to interviews or networking events. Nothing speaks louder than a taste test when it comes to landing that Head Chef role.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready for a practical assessment! Many places, especially in the culinary world, will want to see you in action. Brush up on your cooking techniques and be prepared to whip up a dish on the spot.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing passionate candidates who are eager to join our team. Make sure to highlight your experience with fresh ingredients and menu innovation in your application.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef - Kempton Park Racecourse
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your love for fresh ingredients and culinary innovation shine through. We want to see your enthusiasm for food and hospitality, so don’t hold back!
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience, especially in high-pressure environments or large events. We’re looking for someone who can manage a busy kitchen, so showcase your leadership skills and past successes.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your experiences and achievements, making it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit for the Head Chef role.
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 and shows us you’re serious about joining our team at Kempton Park Racecourse!
How to prepare for a job interview at Levy UK
✨Know Your Culinary Standards
Before the interview, brush up on the culinary standards expected at Kempton Park Racecourse. Be ready to discuss how you maintain high standards in your kitchen and share examples of menu innovations you've implemented in the past.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head Chef, strong leadership is key. Prepare to talk about your experience managing a team, especially in fast-paced environments. Think of specific instances where you successfully led a team through busy events or tackled challenges head-on.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Fresh Ingredients
The role requires a love for fresh, local produce. Be prepared to discuss your sourcing strategies and how you incorporate seasonal ingredients into your menus. Sharing your thoughts on sustainability in the kitchen can also impress your interviewers.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills. Think about how you would handle last-minute changes during an event or manage a large casual workforce. Practising these scenarios can help you respond confidently.