Executive Chef - Live Events & Banquet Kitchen Lead

Legends Global (Europe); Greater London; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 68,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discounted tickets

25 days annual leave

Life Assurance policy

5% Pension

Healthshield

Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

Eye care vouchers

Cycle to Work

Employee Referral Scheme

Job summary

Legends Global is seeking a Head Chef to lead all culinary operations within the Heritage Halls, delivering world-class food experiences for conferences, exhibitions, banquets and VIP events. You will drive quality, safety compliance and cost control while coordinating with events and operations teams.

We value innovation, sustainability and a team-focused culture, offering generous leave, health and welfare benefits, and opportunities for professional growth within a global events company.

Qualifications

• Hold a basic food hygiene certificate and manage statutory requirements.
• Experience leading a large kitchen team and guiding staff to deliver quality.
• Proven ability to manage budgets and cost controls in a busy operation.
• Demonstrated commitment to exceptional customer care and service.
• IT literacy and experience with kitchen/ops software.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all kitchen operations for the halls, exhibitions, banquets, and special events.
• Plan and execute high-volume, multi-outlet food production with premium quality standards.
• Design diverse, innovative menus suited to international clientele and event themes.
• Ensure timely service during live events, gala dinners, and VIP functions.
• Create seasonal, international, and customised menus.
• Incorporate modern culinary trends, sustainability, and local sourcing.
• Maintain exceptional food presentation and plating standards.
• Manage tasting sessions for clients, organisers, and stakeholders.
• Lead, train, and inspire a large kitchen team.
• Prepare duty rosters aligned with event schedules.
• Ensure effective communication between kitchen, service, and event teams.
• Ensure full compliance with health and safety requirements.
• Implement sustainability and waste-reduction initiatives.
• Manage food costs, labour budgets, and inventory control.
• Monitor wastage, portion control, and yield management.
• Prepare culinary reports and forecasts for management.
• Handle feedback and complaints professionally.

Skills

Food safety knowledge

Team leadership

Budget management

Customer service

IT skills

Statutory compliance

Education

Basic food hygiene certificate

Tools

Kitchen management software

Job description

Legends Global is seeking a Head Chef to lead all culinary operations within the Heritage Halls, delivering world-class food experiences for conferences, exhibitions, banquets and VIP events. You will drive quality, safety compliance and cost control while coordinating with events and operations teams.

We value innovation, sustainability and a team-focused culture, offering generous leave, health and welfare benefits, and opportunities for professional growth within a global events company.