At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic events team, creating exceptional dining experiences with fresh, seasonal ingredients.
- Company: Renowned catering company in the heart of Edinburgh, focused on excellence and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £50,000 OTE, bonuses, tips, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Elevate your culinary career while enjoying a better work-life balance in a vibrant environment.
- Qualifications: Experience as Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef, with strong leadership and menu design skills.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with a focus on mental health and well-being.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 37500 £ per year.
Cooking for events with fresh, seasonal ingredients, whilst having a better work-life balance? This does exist. We are searching for an exceptional Senior Event Chef to lead our renowned client's dedicated events team in Edinburgh city centre. If you thrive in a fast-paced event environment, possess an unwavering commitment to excellence, and are ready to elevate our client's already fantastic operation to new heights, then this could be your dream role!
What you will get in your new role:
- A competitive annual salary ranging from £35,000 to £37,500, dependant on experience, with salary review in April 2026.
- Regular bonus opportunities, tips/gratuities and potential overtime, combined with salary giving OTE £50,000 per annum.
- Shifts normally 5/7 days, designed around event bookings and business needs, with evening work in general being limited and a greater need for early/day shifts.
- Regular opportunities for professional qualifications and scholarships.
- Access to dedicated Mental Health & Wellbeing programme.
Responsibilities in your new role as Senior Event Chef:
Step into the pivotal role of Event Head Chef, where you'll orchestrate exceptional dining experiences across diverse venues. You'll be the driving force behind our client's event catering, ensuring every dish is flawlessly executed and client satisfaction is absolute. From managing the prep kitchen and nurturing a dedicated team to conceptualising, costing, and delivering innovative menus that consistently meet GP targets, your leadership will be key. As a direct liaison for customers, you'll conduct inspiring tastings and guarantee seamless event delivery from start to finish. This role also involves strategic collaboration with senior management to continually enhance our event offerings, upholding stringent 5-star Food Hygiene standards (HACCP, allergen, safety protocols), and expertly managing all stock, supplier relationships, and kitchen budgets. Your creative flair will be instrumental in developing dynamic seasonal menus, all while fostering a professional, safe, and audit-ready kitchen environment.
Your personality, experience and qualifications:
We are seeking a highly skilled and passionate Senior Chef to join this dynamic team. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment and meet the following criteria, we encourage you to apply:
- Tremendous experience in either Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef roles, bringing a strong background in event, banqueting, or high-volume prep, as well as high-end restaurant service.
- Demonstrate inspiring leadership and articulate communication, confidently guiding a small team and building strong client relationships.
- Exhibit a deep understanding of innovative menu design, consistently delivering high-quality dishes while astutely controlling costs to surpass GP targets.
- A proven ability to mentor and develop junior colleagues, empowering them to grow and excel.
- Maintain composure and organisation during high-pressure events, demonstrating unwavering reliability and a flexible approach to the varied hours (early starts, late finishes, weekends) typical of elite event catering.
- Possess a full UK driving licence and meet the eligibility requirements for company vehicle insurance (currently age 25+).
- Command expert knowledge of HACCP, allergen management, and all current food hygiene legislation, including Natasha’s Law.
Senior Event Chef employer: Stafffinders' Client
Contact Detail:
Stafffinders' Client Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Event Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend industry events, connect with fellow chefs and event planners, and don’t be shy about sharing your passion for cooking. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, organise a tasting session or a pop-up event to showcase your culinary creations. This hands-on approach can really impress potential employers and give them a taste of what you can bring to their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings; reach out directly to companies you admire. Express your interest in working with them and share how you can elevate their event catering. You never know what opportunities might arise!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of exciting opportunities waiting for talented chefs like you. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Let’s get you cooking up a storm in your new role!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Event Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Culinary Skills: When writing your application, make sure to highlight your experience in high-end event catering and menu design. We want to see how your creative flair can elevate our client's dining experiences!
Be a Team Player: Emphasise your leadership skills and ability to mentor junior chefs. We’re looking for someone who can inspire a team and build strong client relationships, so let us know how you’ve done this in the past.
Keep It Professional: Make sure your application is polished and professional. This includes checking for typos and ensuring your format is easy to read. A well-presented application shows us you care about the details!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Stafffinders' Client
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with seasonal ingredients and how they can elevate your menu. Be ready to discuss your favourite dishes and how you source fresh produce, as this shows your passion for quality cooking.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a team in high-pressure situations. Highlight your mentoring experiences and how you've helped junior chefs grow, as this will demonstrate your ability to inspire and manage a team effectively.
✨Master the Menu Design
Be prepared to talk about innovative menu concepts you've created in the past. Discuss how you balance creativity with cost control, and be ready to suggest ideas for seasonal menus that could impress the client.
✨Understand Food Hygiene Standards
Brush up on HACCP and current food hygiene legislation, including Natasha’s Law. Be ready to explain how you ensure compliance in the kitchen and maintain a safe environment, as this is crucial for any Senior Event Chef role.