At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead culinary operations and create innovative menus for high-profile events.
- Company: Join Levy, a leader in hospitality and event catering.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 23 days leave, healthcare perks, and career development.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values creativity and inclusivity.
- Why this job: Make your mark in a prestigious venue and inspire a talented kitchen team.
- Qualifications: Culinary qualifications and extensive experience in kitchen management required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 33500 £ per year.
As Head Chef at the ICC & Vox, you will lead the culinary vision for one of the UK's most prestigious conference and events destinations, delivering exceptional food experiences across fine dining, high-end hospitality, banqueting, and large-scale events. This is a role for a passionate culinary leader who thrives on creating innovative, restaurant-quality menus while maintaining the precision and consistency required for world-class event catering.
You will oversee and manage all culinary operations across the venue, ensuring every dish reflects the highest standards of quality, creativity, and presentation. Alongside driving an outstanding dining experience, you will effectively manage food costs within budgetary constraints, source exceptional ingredients without compromising on value, and lead, inspire, and develop a high-performing kitchen team. You will champion a culture of excellence while ensuring full compliance with health and safety legislation, food hygiene standards, and dietary requirements.
Head Chef - The Role:
- Food Preparation and Cooking: Oversee and participate in the preparation and cooking of meals, ensuring they meet the highest standards of quality, taste, and presentation while adhering to food safety and hygiene regulations.
- Team Leadership and Management: Lead, mentor, and manage the kitchen team, including chefs and kitchen assistants, to maintain a cohesive, efficient, and productive work environment.
- Budget and Cost Control: Manage the kitchen budget, control food costs, and source ingredients economically without compromising on quality or nutritional value.
- Health and Safety Compliance: Ensure compliance with all health and safety regulations, food hygiene standards, and dietary requirements.
- Quality Assurance: Maintain consistency in food quality and presentation, implementing quality control measures and continuously seeking ways to improve the culinary offerings.
- Inventory Management: Oversee the ordering, storage, and management of kitchen supplies and ingredients, ensuring efficient stock control and minimising waste.
- Culinary Innovation: Stay updated with culinary trends and innovations, incorporating new techniques and ingredients into the menu to keep offerings fresh and exciting.
What we're looking for:
- Professional Culinary Qualifications: Possession of relevant culinary qualifications such as a degree or diploma in culinary arts, or equivalent certifications from recognized culinary institutions.
- Extensive Culinary Experience: Proven experience as a head chef or in a similar senior culinary role, demonstrating expertise in menu planning, food preparation, and kitchen management.
- Leadership and Management Skills: Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and manage a diverse kitchen team, fostering a positive and productive working environment.
- Budgeting and Cost Management: Experience in managing food costs, budget planning, and sourcing ingredients effectively without compromising on quality.
- Food Safety and Hygiene: In-depth knowledge of food safety regulations, hygiene standards, and compliance requirements.
- Creativity and Innovation: Ability to create innovative and varied menus that cater to different tastes and dietary requirements while maintaining nutritional balance.
- Excellent Communication Skills: Strong interpersonal and communication skills to collaborate effectively with Venue sales and event management teams.
- Flexibility and Adaptability: Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, to meet the needs of the venue and its schedules.
- Passion for Culinary Excellence: A genuine passion for food and a commitment to delivering high-quality culinary experiences.
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: Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption leave.
- Perks & discounts: Shopping, entertainment, and travel discounts.
- 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.
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.
Head Chef- The Vox Nec - Birmingham employer: Levy
Levy is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture at The Kia Oval in London where teamwork and innovation thrive. With a competitive salary of £31,000, comprehensive healthcare, wellbeing support, and generous annual leave, employees are encouraged to grow and develop their skills in a supportive environment that values their contributions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef- The Vox Nec - Birmingham
✨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 Levy. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Levy
Don't be shy about reaching out to Levy 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 Head Chef- The Vox Nec - Birmingham
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 Levy 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 Levy
✨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!
