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- Tasks: Create innovative menus and lead culinary operations at a prestigious venue.
- Company: Join the dynamic team at Ascot Racecourse, a leader in hospitality.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible benefits, mental health support, and career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a creative culinary team shaping food trends and premium events.
- Qualifications: Experience in fine dining and strong menu development skills required.
- Other info: Enjoy a flexible work environment with opportunities for community involvement.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
We are looking for an exceptional Development Chef to join the team at Ascot Racecourse, working closely with the Executive Head Chef to help shape and deliver a market-leading food offer across one of the most iconic venues in hospitality.
This is a unique opportunity for a highly creative and operationally strong chef to play a key role in menu development, culinary innovation, premium event delivery, and food strategy, while supporting a fast-paced and high-profile business. You will be involved in everything from developing new concepts and keeping ahead of industry trends, to supporting major event operations, leading on race days, and contributing to the development of the Ascot Academy culinary division.
We are looking for someone with real culinary pedigree, strong fine dining foundations, and experience working in premium, high-volume environments.
- To work with the Executive Chef to lead the culinary delivery at Ascot Racecourse, including racedays, external events, client tastings, chef management, food safety compliance and operational standards.
- Develop food offer strategy in line with current and emerging consumer needs and market trends.
- Own, define and maintain culinary development plans, as well as leading change management processes.
- Ensure that the venue remains ahead of the market in understanding and delivering creative and relevant innovation.
- Drive innovation and continuous improvement of people, systems, processes, and food offer.
Previous experience in a senior chef role within a fine dining, premium events, stadium, racecourse, luxury hotel, or high-end restaurant environment is essential.
Strong background in menu development and culinary innovation, with a strong understanding of current food trends and the ability to translate them into relevant, high-quality food concepts.
CIEH Level 3 is required.
We offer unlimited access to an online platform offering mental health and wellbeing support, an Employee Assistance Programme, access to a free health and wellbeing app, the Sodexo Discounts Scheme, Money Insights and financial benefits via the Salary Finance Platform, and opportunities for career progression.
We encourage our employees to get involved with our Employee Networks and we’re committed to changing attitudes towards disability, ensuring disabled people have the chance to fulfil their aspirations.
Development Kitchen Chef in Ascot employer: Sodexo Live!
Contact Detail:
Sodexo Live! Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Development Kitchen Chef in Ascot
✨Tip Number 1
Get your culinary creativity flowing! When you’re networking or chatting with potential employers, don’t just talk about your experience—share your innovative ideas for menu development. Show them how you can bring fresh concepts to the table!
✨Tip Number 2
Don’t underestimate the power of social media! Follow industry leaders and engage with their content. This not only keeps you updated on trends but also puts you on their radar. Who knows? A simple comment could lead to a conversation about job opportunities!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Whether it’s at a networking event or an informal meet-up, be ready to explain why you’re the perfect fit for a Development Chef role. Highlight your fine dining experience and your knack for culinary innovation in a way that’s memorable.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll have access to all the latest opportunities and resources we offer to help you land that dream job at Ascot Racecourse!
We think you need these skills to ace Development Kitchen Chef in Ascot
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Culinary Creativity: When you're writing your application, let your creativity shine! Share examples of your innovative dishes and how you've kept up with food trends. We want to see your unique flair and passion for culinary arts.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your experience in fine dining and high-volume environments. We’re looking for someone with a strong background in menu development, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant skills and achievements!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the good stuff!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Ascot Racecourse. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sodexo Live!
✨Know Your Culinary Trends
Make sure you’re up to speed with the latest food trends and innovations. Research what’s currently popular in fine dining and premium events, and think about how you can incorporate these into your menu ideas. This will show that you’re not just a chef, but a forward-thinking culinary innovator.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous roles in high-end environments. Be ready to share specific examples of how you’ve contributed to menu development or led successful events. Highlighting your culinary pedigree will help you stand out as a strong candidate for this role.
✨Demonstrate Your Leadership Skills
As a Development Chef, you’ll need to lead a team effectively. Think of examples where you’ve successfully managed a kitchen or mentored junior chefs. Showing that you can inspire and guide others will be key to impressing the interviewers.
✨Engage with the Executive Head Chef's Vision
Familiarise yourself with the Executive Head Chef’s style and vision for the venue. During the interview, express how your culinary philosophy aligns with theirs and how you can contribute to their goals. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but are genuinely interested in being part of their team.