At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a high-performing kitchen team and create exceptional food experiences.
- Company: Join Sodexo Live! at the iconic Hamilton Park Racecourse.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonuses, free meals, and mental health support.
- Other info: Flexible work environment with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape premium culinary experiences in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in senior culinary roles and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 41000 - 41000 £ per year.
At Sodexo Live!, we create exceptional moments and unforgettable experiences. From prestigious sporting venues to world‑class hospitality environments, our teams deliver extraordinary service, innovation, and food experiences that keep guests coming back. We are now seeking an inspiring and commercially driven Head Chef to lead the culinary operation at the iconic Hamilton Park Racecourse. This is an exciting opportunity for a passionate hospitality professional to shape premium food experiences across racedays, conferences, events, and hospitality suites in a fast‑paced and dynamic venue.
As Head Chef, you’ll lead the day‑to‑day culinary operation, ensuring the highest standards of food quality, innovation, consistency, and service delivery across the racecourse operation. We’re looking for a confident culinary leader with creativity, resilience, and a passion for delivering exceptional hospitality experiences. If you thrive in high‑volume hospitality, love leading talented teams, and have a passion for delivering exceptional culinary standards, we’d love to hear from you.
What You'll Do
- Leading and inspiring a high‑performing kitchen team across racedays and non‑raceday events
- Delivering exceptional food experiences across hospitality suites, conferencing, events, and catering outlets
- Driving menu innovation and developing exciting seasonal food concepts
- Ensuring all food is prepared and presented to the highest standards, consistently and efficiently
- Managing kitchen operations across multiple outlets and simultaneous events
- Supporting tastings, client meetings, and hospitality planning
- Managing labour, food cost, stock control, and ordering processes to achieve financial targets
- Monitoring waste reduction initiatives and operational efficiencies
- Building strong relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders
- Maintaining the highest standards of food safety, allergen management, hygiene, and compliance
- Coaching, developing, and motivating your team to achieve excellence in every service
What You Bring
- Proven experience in a senior culinary leadership role within high‑volume hospitality, events, sports venues, or premium catering environments
- A strong background in fine dining and high‑quality food production
- Experience managing large and diverse kitchen teams
- Excellent leadership and people management skills with the ability to inspire and develop others
- Strong commercial awareness with experience managing food and labour costs effectively
- Exceptional organisational and planning skills within a fast‑paced environment
- A strong understanding of: Food Safety, HACCP, COSHH, Allergen Management, Health & Safety compliance
- The ability to remain calm under pressure during peak service periods
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
- CIEH Level 3 Food Safety certification (or equivalent)
- IOSH Managing Safely qualification
- Professional Cookery qualifications (desirable)
What We Offer
- Unlimited access to an online platform offering mental health and wellbeing support.
- Employee Assistance Programme to help with everyday issues or larger problems where you may need additional support, including legal and financial advice, support with work related issues or personal issues such as bereavement.
- Access to a free health and wellbeing app that provides rewards for maintaining a healthy lifestyle and includes access to a 24hr virtual GP and various other services.
- The Sodexo Discounts Scheme, offering great deals 24/7 (also open to friends and family) and/or the prepayment cashback card.
- Money Insights and financial benefits via the Salary Finance Platform.
- Save for your future by becoming a member of the Sodexo Retirement Plan.
- A Death-in-Service benefit for colleagues who pass away whilst employed by Sodexo.
- Opportunities to enable colleagues to grow and succeed throughout their career at Sodexo, including a variety of learning and development tools.
- Cycle to Work Scheme to help colleagues to do their bit for the environment whilst keeping fit.
- Volunteering Opportunities to enable all colleagues to help support worthwhile causes in our communities.
- Flexible and dynamic work environment.
Sodexo reserves the right to close this advertisement early if we are in receipt of a high volume of applications.
Head Chef in Hamilton employer: Sodexo Group
Sodexo Live! is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and growth of its employees, offering a dynamic work environment at the iconic Hamilton Park Racecourse. With a competitive salary, excellent bonus structure, and a comprehensive benefits package including mental health support and career development opportunities, we foster a culture of innovation and excellence in hospitality. Join us to lead a talented kitchen team and create unforgettable culinary experiences while enjoying the perks of free parking and meals on shift.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef in Hamilton
✨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 Sodexo Group. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Sodexo Group
Don't be shy about reaching out to Sodexo Group 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 in Hamilton
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 Sodexo Group 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 Sodexo Group
✨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!
