Executive Head Chef

Sodexo; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading catering firm in the UK is looking for an Executive Head Chef to lead culinary operations at Ewood Park. This role involves designing innovative menus, mentoring a high-performing team, and driving commercial success across multiple outlets. Candidates should possess strong culinary leadership skills, NVQ Level 2 or equivalent qualifications, and experience in high-volume environments. The position offers a dynamic work atmosphere and great benefits.

Benefits

Mental health and wellbeing support

Employee Assistance Programme

Health and wellbeing app

Sodexo Discounts Scheme

Learning and development tools

Flexible work environment

Qualifications

• Ambition, confidence, and resilience in high-energy environments.
• Proven track record in multi-outlet or premium settings.
• Strong leadership capability impacting team performance.

Responsibilities

• Oversee culinary operations across various outlets.
• Design and implement innovative seasonal menus.
• Drive commercial success through effective management.

Skills

Culinary leadership

Menu innovation

High-volume operations

Coaching and mentoring

Commercial acumen

Guest experience focus

Education

NVQ Level 2 or equivalent

Level 3 food hygiene

Job description

Executive head chefBlackburn Rovers Ewood Park, Nuttall Street BB24JF£45,000pa + excellent benefits 40hrs pw 5/7 NVQ Level 2 or equivalent, level 3 food hygiene essential. At Sodexo Live!, we create the experiences that bring stadiums to life, and now we’re looking for a culinary leader who can help us shape the next chapter at the iconic Ewood Park. As an Executive Head Chef, you won’t just run a kitchen. You’ll set the standard for culinary excellence across VIP hospitality, buzzing fan concourses, private events, and every matchday moment in between. This is your opportunity to design menus that excite, lead a passionate team, and deliver unforgettable food that amplifies the roar of the crowd. If you’re driven by creativity, thrive in high-energy environments, and love the challenge of delivering brilliance at scale, this is the role for you. This will suit an experienced Chef who can deliver exceptional culinary experiences across match days and events, driving revenue and profitability through smart planning and strong cost control. You’ll lead a motivated, high-performing team with passion and purpose, while upholding outstanding standards in quality, safety, and operational excellence. You’ll enjoy the freedom to unleash your creativity with exciting menu innovation, all while experiencing the electric atmosphere of 20 thrilling match days each year. With access to incredible career opportunities across Sodexo Live!’s world-class venues, you’ll be supported by a vibrant, collaborative team and have the unique chance to shape the culinary identity of Ewood Park.

What You’ll Do:

• Take full ownership of culinary operations across multiple outlets, from fine dining hospitality and lounges to fast‑paced concessions and non‑matchday events.
• Design innovative, on‑trend, seasonal menus that showcase your culinary identity while speaking to the diverse needs of fans, guests, and clients.
• Coach, mentor, and grow a high‑performing brigade, building a culture of passion, precision, and pride.
• Deliver excellence every time, with uncompromising standards on flavour, quality, consistency, and presentation.
• Drive commercial success, managing food costs, labour, supplier relationships, and P&L performance.
• Lead tastings and collaborate with clients, helping shape matchday and event experiences.
• Champion safety and compliance, setting the bar for Zero Harm, allergen management, and operational best practice.
• Oversee kitchen rotas, staffing and logistics, keeping a busy stadium site efficient, energised, and ready for anything.

What You Bring:

• Brings ambition, confidence, and resilience to every service.
• Has a track record of excellence in high‑volume, multi‑outlet or premium environments (stadia, hotels, resorts, large venues).
• Thrives on creativity and constant innovation, keeping pace with food trends and translating them into crowd‑pleasing dishes.
• Displays strong commercial acumen, understanding how to balance flair with financial responsibility.
• Takes a hands‑on leadership approach, inspiring those around you and leading by example.
• Adapts effortlessly between premium hospitality and fast‑paced matchday catering.
• Always puts the guest experience first, no matter the occasion.

What We Offer:

• Unlimited access to an online platform offering mental health and wellbeing support.
• Employee Assistance Programme for everyday and larger issues, including legal and financial advice.
• Access to a free health and wellbeing app that provides rewards for maintaining a healthy lifestyle and includes 24hr virtual GP services.
• Sodexo Discounts Scheme offering great deals 24/7 (also for friends and family) and prepayment cashback card.
• Money Insights and financial benefits via the Salary Finance Platform.
• So‑called Retirement Plan and Death‑in‑Service benefit.
• Opportunities for learning and development tools across career stages.
• Cycle to Work Scheme and volunteering opportunities to support community causes.
• Flexible and dynamic work environment.

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. Click here to read more about what we do to promote an inclusive culture.