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- Tasks: Lead a talented kitchen team to create exceptional dining experiences at iconic racecourses.
- Company: Join Levy UK & Ireland, part of the world's largest catering company.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, healthcare, 23 days' leave, and flexible shifts.
- Why this job: Elevate racecourse dining while enjoying a healthy work-life balance.
- Qualifications: Proven Head Chef experience in large-scale events and fine dining.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values creativity and innovation.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
£45,000 + 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 Newmarket 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.
As Head Chef at Newmarket 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. There are no split shifts, and weekend work is event-based only, with up to 20 weekends per year (not all including Sundays), allowing for a healthier work-life balance rarely found at this level.
Newmarket Racecourses is part of Jockey Club Catering, a partnership between The Jockey Club and Compass Group UK & Ireland. We are a visionary venue partner. We design and deliver bespoke guest experiences that prioritise people and the planet. Trusted by some of the world's most iconic stadiums, entertainment venues, and major events, we bring experiences to life with passion and precision.
Head Chef - The Role
- 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 Newmarket Racecourses values: excellence, teamwork, and professionalism.
What We're Looking For
- Proven experience in a Head Chef role within large-scale events, hospitality, banqueting and fine dining.
- Passion for food, creativity, and delivering a legendary dining experience.
- Fine Dining experience, this is essential for creating menus for VIP clients and restaurants, including building our own recipes.
- Strong leadership, communication, and organisational skills.
- Solid knowledge of food safety legislation and procedures.
- A proactive and solutions-driven mindset, with the ability to adapt in a fast-paced environment.
- Computer literacy, ideally with restaurant/bar software experience.
What You'll Get In Return
- Competitive salary with discretionary Christmas bonus 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.
- 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.
- Free on-site parking.
- Opportunity to work across major sporting and hospitality events nationwide.
- A fun and supportive team with flexible shift options.
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 - Newmarket Racecourses employer: Levy
Contact Detail:
Levy Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef - Newmarket Racecourses
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the culinary world, especially those who have experience in large-scale events. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, organise a tasting event or pop-up dinner to showcase your culinary creativity. This not only highlights your talent but also gives potential employers a taste of what you can bring to their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay active on social media! Share your culinary creations and engage with industry trends. Platforms like Instagram and LinkedIn are great for connecting with other chefs and showcasing your passion for food.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at Newmarket Racecourses and elevating the dining experience.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef - Newmarket Racecourses
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food: When writing your application, let your love for food shine through! Share your culinary journey and what inspires you to create exceptional dining experiences. We want to see that spark of creativity and passion that makes you the perfect fit for our Head Chef role.
Highlight Your Leadership Skills: As a Head Chef, you'll be leading a talented kitchen team, so make sure to showcase your leadership experience in your application. Talk about how you've inspired and developed your team in previous roles. We’re looking for someone who can foster a positive atmosphere and drive excellence!
Be Specific About Your Experience: Don’t just list your past jobs; dive into the details! Mention specific events or large-scale operations you've managed, especially in fine dining. We want to know how your experience aligns with the dynamic environment at Newmarket Racecourses.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of success! It’s the easiest way for us to review your application and get to know you better. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our amazing team at Levy and Newmarket Racecourses!
How to prepare for a job interview at Levy
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
As a Head Chef, you'll need to showcase your culinary creativity and knowledge during the interview. Familiarise yourself with the types of dishes you might create for race days and events at Newmarket Racecourses. Be ready to discuss your approach to menu innovation and how you can elevate the dining experience.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
This role requires strong leadership and communication skills. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a kitchen team in the past, focusing on training, development, and maintaining high morale. Show that you can inspire and motivate your team to deliver exceptional service.
✨Highlight Your Fine Dining Experience
Since fine dining experience is essential for this position, be sure to discuss your background in creating high-quality dishes and menus for VIP clients. Share specific examples of your work in fine dining settings and how you ensure food quality and presentation meet the highest standards.
✨Show Your Passion for Sustainability
With a focus on reducing environmental impact, it's important to express your commitment to sustainability in the kitchen. Discuss any initiatives you've implemented in previous roles to support local communities or reduce waste, and how you plan to bring that ethos to Newmarket Racecourses.
