At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead culinary innovation and menu strategy at Newcastle United FC, creating exceptional dining experiences.
- Company: Join Sodexo Live! at one of the world's most iconic football clubs.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, free meals, onsite parking, and extensive wellbeing support.
- Other info: Dynamic work culture with opportunities for growth and community involvement.
- Why this job: Shape the future of food in a world-class stadium environment and inspire culinary teams.
- Qualifications: Experience as Head Chef or Development Chef in premium hospitality; strong culinary innovation skills.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 45000 £ per year.
At Sodexo Live!, we create exceptional moments, and at one of the most iconic football clubs in the world, food plays a huge part in that experience. We are now looking for a visionary, commercially minded and creatively driven Head of Culinary Experience & Innovation Chef to lead menu strategy and culinary development across Newcastle United Football Club. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced culinary leader to shape the future of food across premium hospitality, fan dining, retail and event catering operations within a world‑class stadium environment.
As Head of Culinary Experience & Innovation Chef, you'll lead all menu engineering, culinary development and food innovation for Sodexo Live! at Newcastle United FC. You'll design exceptional, commercially successful and operationally effective menus across every outlet, from fine dining hospitality and lounges to retail and grab‑and‑go concepts, for both matchday and non‑matchday experiences. We're looking for a passionate culinary innovator with proven experience in high‑volume premium environments and the creativity to push boundaries while delivering operational excellence. Most importantly, you'll be passionate about creating memorable culinary experiences that excite guests, support business growth and showcase the very best of Sodexo Live!
What You’ll Do
- Lead the development of trend‑led, seasonal and fully costed menus across all culinary areas
- Create structured menu cycles and innovative food concepts that keep guest experiences fresh and exciting
- Build detailed recipe specifications, SOPs and culinary playbooks to ensure consistency and operational excellence
- Ensure all dishes are fully compliant with allergen, nutritional and sustainability standards through Kafoodle
- Drive menu engineering strategies to maximise ingredient utilisation, reduce waste and improve profitability
- Collaborate closely with operations, procurement and finance teams to optimise supply chain efficiency and commercial performance
- Champion local sourcing and sustainable food practices aligned with Sodexo Live! and NUFC food philosophy
- Deliver tastings, presentations and menu showcases for clients and stakeholders
- Monitor food trends and translate them into innovative and engaging guest experiences
- Support and inspire culinary teams, helping develop capability, engagement and career progression
- Maintain exceptional standards in food safety, HACCP and health & safety compliance
- Contribute to the continued growth, reputation and success of Sodexo Live! within the stadia and events sector
What You Bring
- Proven experience at Head Chef or Development Chef level within stadia, hotels, large venues or premium hospitality environments
- A strong background in menu development, culinary innovation and food presentation
- Commercial awareness with experience managing food cost, margin and profitability
- The ability to engineer menus that balance creativity, quality and operational efficiency
- Strong understanding of allergens, nutrition, sustainability and food compliance standards
- Experience using culinary or recipe management systems such as Kafoodle
- A guest‑first mindset and passion for delivering exceptional food experiences
- Excellent organisational, communication and stakeholder management skills
- The confidence to influence, inspire and collaborate across multiple teams
- Resilience and adaptability within fast‑paced, high‑profile environments
- NVQ Level 3 in Culinary Arts or equivalent qualification
- Level 4 Food Safety & Hygiene qualification (preferred)
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
Head of Culinary Experience and Innovation employer: Sodexo
Sodexo Live! at Newcastle United Football Club offers an exceptional work environment where culinary innovation meets a passion for creating memorable guest experiences. With a strong focus on employee wellbeing, professional growth opportunities, and a commitment to sustainability, you will thrive in a dynamic team that values creativity and operational excellence. Enjoy benefits such as free meals on duty, onsite parking, and access to mental health support, all while working in one of the most iconic stadiums in the world.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Culinary Experience and Innovation
✨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. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Sodexo
Don't be shy about reaching out to Sodexo 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 of Culinary Experience and Innovation
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 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
✨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!
