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- Tasks: Lead culinary innovation and menu development at the iconic Ascot Racecourse.
- Company: Join Sodexo Live!, a global leader in hospitality services.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible benefits, mental health support, and career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team shaping premium dining experiences at high-profile events.
- Qualifications: Experience in fine dining and event operations, with a passion for culinary creativity.
- Other info: Enjoy perks like race day tickets and a supportive work environment.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location: Ascot Racecourse, Ascot High Street, Ascot, Berkshire, SL5 7JX
£Competitive Salary + Bonus and Flexible benefit funds
Work pattern: 40hrs / 5 days out of 7 days
Perks: 4 Tickets for racedays and a box for 1 raceday
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.
What You’ll Do:
- 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.
- Support the Retail and Hospitality head Chefs with menu design and be present at relevant client tastings and be able to speak passionately about each dish.
- Own, define and maintain culinary development plans, as well as leading change management processes.
- Specifically, to ensure that the venue remains ahead of the market in understanding and delivering creative and relevant innovation.
- Culinary lead in the AA box on racedays.
- Drive innovation and continuous improvement of people, systems, processes, and food offer.
- To take responsibility for running the culinary operation at Ascot Racecourse in the absence of the Executive Head Chef.
What You Bring:
- Previous experience in a senior chef role within a fine dining, premium events, stadium, racecourse, luxury hotel, or high-end restaurant environment.
- Strong background in menu development and culinary innovation.
- Experience working in fast-paced, large-scale event operations.
- Proven ability to maintain high standards while working under pressure.
- Experience supporting or leading premium hospitality and event delivery.
- Strong understanding of current food trends and the ability to translate them into relevant, high-quality food concepts.
- Experience working closely with senior culinary leadership.
- IOSH Managing Safely CIEH Level 3.
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.
- Access to a free health and wellbeing app that provides rewards for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
- The Sodexo Discounts Scheme, offering great deals 24/7.
- 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.
- 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.
- Competitive compensation.
- Full training and full protective uniform supplied.
Ready to be part of something greater? Apply today!
Sodexo reserves the right to close this advertisement early if we are in receipt of a high volume of applications.
About Sodexo Live! At Sodexo Live!, our purpose is to create a better every day for everyone to build a better life for all. We are committed to being an inclusive employer. We welcome and encourage applications from people with a diverse variety of experiences, backgrounds, and identities.
Development Chef in Reading employer: Sodexo Live!
Contact Detail:
Sodexo Live! Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Development Chef in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow chefs, industry contacts, and even friends who might know someone at Ascot Racecourse. A personal connection can make all the difference in landing that interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your culinary creativity! Prepare a few signature dishes that reflect your style and innovation. Bring them along to any tastings or interviews to wow the hiring team with your passion and skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay ahead of the trends! Keep an eye on the latest food trends and be ready to discuss how you can incorporate them into the menu at Ascot. This shows you're not just a chef, but a culinary visionary.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Ascot Racecourse and ready to take on this exciting role.
We think you need these skills to ace Development Chef in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Culinary Passion: When writing your application, let your love for food and cooking shine through! Share your experiences and what drives your creativity in the kitchen. We want to see your personality and passion for culinary innovation.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the Development Chef role. Mention specific examples from your past that demonstrate your ability to lead and innovate in a fast-paced environment.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see why you’re the perfect fit for the team!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Ascot Racecourse.
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 be ready to discuss how you can incorporate these trends into your menu development at Ascot Racecourse.
✨Showcase Your Passion
During the interview, express your passion for culinary arts and innovation. Bring examples of your previous work, such as menus you've developed or dishes you've created, and be prepared to talk about the inspiration behind them.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a Development Chef, you’ll need to lead from the front. Share experiences where you’ve successfully managed a team or driven change in a kitchen environment. Highlight your ability to maintain high standards under pressure, especially during busy events.
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
Expect practical questions that assess your problem-solving skills and creativity. Think about scenarios you might face at Ascot, like developing a new dish for a major event, and be ready to outline your thought process and approach to overcoming challenges.