Head Chef - Exeter Racecourse Head Chef - Exeter And Wincanton Racecourses - The Jockey Club Experiences | Full-Time / Permanent Competitive Salary + excellent benefits including healthcare, wellbeing support, 23 days' annual leave plus bank holidays, life assurance, meals on duty, and more. We are seeking an experienced and passionate Head Chef to lead our culinary team at Exeter and Wincanton Racecourses. This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated individual who thrives in a dynamic, high-volume environment and is ready to elevate racecourse dining to the next level. Role Overview This is not your everyday Head Chef role. As Head Chef at Exeter and Wincanton Racecourses, you will lead and inspire a large, talented kitchen brigade, delivering exceptional food quality, creativity, and presentation across one of the most iconic sporting venues in the UK. Working closely with the Executive Chef and senior leadership team, you'll take ownership of kitchen operations across both the Exeter and Wincanton Racecourses, collaborating with multiple chef teams and units across two vibrant sites. This is a varied, fast-paced, and highly rewarding role that offers genuine breadth and challenge beyond traditional hospitality. You'll be supported by a strong culinary network of 15 local chefs including 2 full-time, creating a collaborative environment where ideas, skills, and standards are shared. There are no split shifts, and weekend work is event-based only, with up to 8 weekends per year (not all including Sundays), allowing for a healthier work-life balance rarely found at this level. Exeter and Wincanton operate a National hunt racing season from October to April, with banqueting and events delivered year-round. You'll play a key role in shaping a professional, safe, and positive kitchen culture where leadership, consistency, and creativity are at the heart of everything we do. Key Responsibilities Lead the culinary team in delivering exceptional food quality and presentation for race days, events, and functions. Oversee daily kitchen operations including planning, preparation, production, and service. Ensure compliance with all food hygiene, health and safety, and allergen management protocols. Champion training and development within the kitchen team - supporting junior chefs and creating a culture of growth and accountability. Collaborate with front-of-house and planning teams to ensure seamless service and guest satisfaction. Drive menu innovation and support in cost control, ordering, and stock management. Maintain high morale and a positive working atmosphere within the team. Always Represent Levy and Exeter/Wincanton Racecourses values: excellence, teamwork, and professionalism. What We're Looking For Proven experience in a Head Chef role within large-scale events, hospitality, banqueting
