At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead culinary operations and create innovative menus for world-class events.
- Company: Join the iconic Olympia Events, a cultural landmark in London.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, health cover, and a pension contribution.
- Other info: Be part of a transformative £1.3 billion project and foster a culture of collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment with exciting culinary challenges.
- Qualifications: Experience in high-volume catering and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 37800 - 46200 £ per year.
The Venue Olympia Events manages the iconic event venues at Olympia, a cultural and architectural landmark that has hosted extraordinary events since 1886. From internationally renowned consumer exhibitions and trade shows to sporting events, concerts and conferences, Olympia continues to bring world-class experiences to London. Its distinctive architecture and nearly 140-year heritage make it one of the UK’s most recognisable and sought-after event destinations. Today, Olympia is entering an exciting new chapter. At the heart of a £1.3 billion transformation, the estate has been reimagined as London’s newest fully integrated entertainment, culture and business destination.
The Role
The Head Chef is responsible for leading all culinary operations within the Heritage Halls, delivering world-class food experiences across conferences, exhibitions, banquets, VIP events, and live cooking stations. The role ensures exceptional quality, innovation, food safety compliance, cost control, and seamless coordination with event and operations teams.
The Responsibilities
- Lead all kitchen operations across exhibitions, banquets, VIP functions and special events, ensuring exceptional standards and flawless delivery.
- Create innovative menus featuring seasonal, international and bespoke dishes that embrace culinary trends, sustainability and local sourcing.
- Deliver outstanding event catering, managing high-volume, multi-outlet food production, service excellence and premium presentation standards.
- Inspire and develop your team, leading, training and scheduling kitchen colleagues while fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.
- Drive operational excellence, managing budgets, stock, wastage, compliance, reporting, client tastings and stakeholder relationships while representing the ICC brand.
What we’re looking for
- Proven experience managing hospitality, events and function catering within a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
- Strong leadership skills, with a track record of motivating, developing and managing successful teams.
- Excellent knowledge of food hygiene, health & safety and statutory requirements, supported by a food hygiene qualification as a minimum.
- Commercially minded, with experience managing budgets, controlling costs and delivering operational efficiencies.
- A confident communicator, providing exceptional customer service, building relationships across all levels and using IT systems effectively.
What can we offer?
- 25 Days Annual Leave - Work hard, rest well.
- Life Assurance - Peace of mind knowing your loved ones are protected.
- 5% Pension Contribution - Helping you prepare for a bright future.
- Healthshield Cover - Support with dental, physio, counselling and more for you and your children.
- Employee Assistance Programme - AXA Health support whenever you need it.
- Eye Care Support - Vouchers and contributions towards glasses.
- Cycle to Work Scheme - A greener, healthier commute.
- Employee Referral Scheme - Recommend great people and get rewarded.
Recruitment Process Outlined
- 1st Stage - Online Interview
- 2nd Stage - Face to Face Interview with the Venue Culinary Team
Any offer of employment will be subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks. These may include verification of identity, proof of address, right to work, employment history, qualifications, and where relevant to the role, a basic or enhanced DBS check. All checks will be carried out in line with data protection law and we will only request information that is necessary for the role.
Inclusive Workplace
At Legends Global, we are committed to leading the entertainment industry towards a greener, faster, and more innovative digital future. There's never been a better time to join our team. We aim to be an inclusive organisation, trusted and admired by our colleagues, customers, and suppliers. Join us and make a significant impact from day one. We are committed to active inclusion, diversity, and equal opportunities. This commitment begins with our recruitment and selection process. We welcome discussions about flexible working arrangements. If you need reasonable adjustments at any stage of our recruitment process, please let us know in your application. We are dedicated to providing a fair and transparent assessment process and will do our utmost to accommodate your needs.
Head Chef - Retail in London employer: Utilita Arena
Utilita Arena in Manchester is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment where creativity and collaboration thrive. With a focus on employee growth, the venue provides opportunities for professional development and training, ensuring that team members can enhance their skills while contributing to memorable events. The vibrant culture and commitment to exceptional customer experiences make it a rewarding place to work for those passionate about hospitality and events.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef - Retail in London
✨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 Utilita Arena. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Utilita Arena
Don't be shy about reaching out to Utilita Arena 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 Chef - Retail in London
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 Utilita Arena 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 Utilita Arena
✨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!
