At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead culinary operations at Nottingham Forest FC, creating exciting food experiences for fans.
- Company: Join Sodexo Live!, a leader in hospitality and live events.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, bonuses, health support, and flexible work options.
- Other info: Opportunities for personal growth and community involvement in a supportive workplace.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team shaping memorable dining experiences in a vibrant sports environment.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in high-volume kitchens and a passion for innovative cuisine.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 40000 £ per year.
Nottingham Forest Football Club, The City Ground, Pavilion Rd, Nottingham, NG2 5FJ
£45,000pa - £50,000pa, excellent bonus and benefits package, 40hrs pw, 5/7
Job Introduction
Are you ready to take centre stage in one of the UK's most exciting hospitality and live event environments? Sodexo Live! is seeking a visionary Executive Head Chef to lead all culinary operations at The City Ground, home of Nottingham Forest FC. From premium hospitality and VIP suites to high-energy fan concessions and large-scale non-matchday events, you will shape and deliver food experiences that match the passion, pace, and prestige of top-flight football.
This is more than a kitchen leadership role; it's a high-impact culinary leadership position where innovation, commercial performance, and world-class delivery meet. As Executive Head Chef, you will be the creative and operational driving force behind all food delivery across the stadium. You'll lead, inspire, and develop a diverse culinary brigade while driving menu innovation, operational excellence, and financial performance across matchday and event operations. You'll bring food trends to life, elevate standards, and ensure every plate served reflects quality, consistency, and excitement.
Typical volumes include:
- Approx. 20 men's first team match days per year
- Approx. 10 women's first team match days per year
- Approx. 1,500 covers per match day (hospitality & premium areas)
- Additional non-matchday conferences, banquets, and events
What You'll Do:
- Lead all food production across hospitality, retail, concessions, and event catering, setting the overall culinary vision and standards
- Design and deliver trend-led, seasonal, and commercially successful menus, translating food trends into stadium-ready concepts
- Deliver premium tastings and support event planning to create standout guest and client dining experiences
- Drive operational excellence with consistent quality, presentation, and service standards across all outlets
- Ensure full compliance with food safety, allergen, and health & safety requirements, championing a Zero Harm culture
- Control food and labour costs, manage rotas, and use strong P&L insight to achieve budget and cost-of-sale targets
- Maximise profitability through efficient sourcing, waste control, and smart operational planning
- Lead, mentor, and inspire the culinary team while building strong cross-functional and client relationships to support continuous improvement
What You Bring:
You're a confident, resilient culinary leader who thrives in fast-paced, high-volume environments. You combine creativity with commercial discipline and lead from the front with energy and credibility. You bring both flair and control, equally comfortable designing premium menus and executing large-scale service with precision. You will bring:
- Proven senior chef leadership experience in stadia, large venues, hotels, or multi-outlet operations
- A strong track record in high-quality, high-volume food environments
- A trend-aware, guest-first food philosophy
- Demonstrable commercial and cost control success
- Hands-on leadership style and operational presence
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
Essential Qualifications & Experience
- NVQ Level 3 in Culinary Arts (or equivalent)
- Level 4 Food Safety & Hygiene (preferred)
- Multi-outlet, high-volume catering leadership experience
- P&L and cost control responsibility
- Strong organisational and team leadership capability
- Passion for innovation, sustainability, and memorable food experiences
What we offer:
Working with Sodexo Live! is more than a job; it's a chance to be part of something greater. You'll belong in a company and team that values you for you; you'll act with purpose and have an impact through your everyday actions; and you'll be able to thrive in your own way. In addition, we also offer a range of resources, rewards and benefits for our colleagues and their families:
- 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.
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
At Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better every day for everyone to build a better life for all. As the global leader in services that improve the Quality of Life, we operate in 55 countries, serving over 100 million consumers each day through our unique combination of On-Site Food and FM Services, Benefits & Rewards Services and Personal & Home Services. We are committed to being an inclusive employer. We are a forces friendly employer. We welcome and encourage applications from people with a diverse variety of experiences, backgrounds, and identities. We encourage our employees to get involved with our Employee Networks such as Pride, Sodexo Parents & Carers, Sodexo Disability, Ability network, So Together, Generations and Origins. We're a Disability Confident Leader employer. We're committed to changing attitudes towards disability, and making sure disabled people have the chance to fulfil their aspirations.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive Head Chef - Nottingham
✨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 Executive Head Chef - Nottingham
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!
