Head Chef

Aramark Ltd; City Of London; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading culinary services provider is seeking a Head Chef to deliver an exceptional culinary experience at Wimbledon Stadium. This full-time role involves leading a team of 15, developing innovative menus, and ensuring top-notch food safety standards. Ideal candidates will have extensive restaurant experience and a passion for hospitality. Join us in creating unforgettable moments for fans and eventgoers!

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in restaurants or A la Carte environment preferred.
• A naturally confident leader, with senior management experience.
• Positive and passionate focus on food with a natural flair for hospitality.

Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, coordination, and delivery of premium food and service experiences.
• Develop SOPs and training manuals to support efficient kitchen operations.
• Collaborate with procurement to maintain product quality and manage stock levels.

Skills

Leadership

Culinary innovation

Food safety compliance

Menu development

Team building and training

Inventory control

P&L accountability

Job description

Reporting to the General Manager, the Head Chef will take full ownership of the co-ordination and delivery of an exceptional culinary experience within the Wimbledon Stadium. You will lead a talented team of 15 to success whilst developing innovative menus that delight our customer, and push the boundaries of excellence. This is a full time and permanent position which will be based on site and requires working 5 days over 7.

• Lead the planning, coordination, and delivery of premium food and service experiences, ensuring exceptional standards for all premium guest
• Develop and implement SOPs, health and safety protocols, cleaning schedules, and training manuals to support efficient and safe kitchen operations
• Build and train a high-performing team, foster a culture of feedback and growth, and ensure readiness for service through structured recruitment and onboarding
• Collaborate with procurement and logistics to maintain product quality, manage stock levels, and minimise waste through effective inventory control
• Ensure full compliance with UK food safety laws, including temperature checks, allergen management, and hygiene standards across all premium areas
• Manage labour and food costs, oversee procurement systems, and ensure profitability of premium operations on both match and non-match days
• Drive a guest-centric culture by consistently delivering high-quality food and service, while actively seeking feedback for continuous improvement
• Partner with culinary and marketing teams to introduce new food trends, support nutritional goals, and drive innovation across premium offerings
• A naturally confident leader, with senior management experience to inspire a large kitchen team to deliver results
• Extensive experience in restaurants or A la Carte environment preferred
• Positive and passionate focus on food – a natural flare for hospitality
• Previous P&L accountability and evidence of commercial nous
• Willing to work evenings and weekends as required
  The roar of the crowd, the thrill of events, and the taste of victory. AFC Wimbledon, a club reborn from passion, continues its incredible journey at the new Plough Lane.

But the excitement doesn't stop on the pitch! As Aramark, their official culinary partner, we're crafting unforgettable experiences for fans and eventgoers alike. Want to be part of this unique story? Aramark UK have an incredible opportunity for a highly motivated and talented Head Chef to join the team at Wimbledon Football Club.

AFC Wimbledon is a club with an interesting history, having been formed by supporters of the old Wimbledon FC in 2002 after their club was relocated 60 miles north to Milton Keynes, becoming MK Dons. The new Plough Lane is the most recent instalment of that story. Only opening in November 2020, it is one of the newest stadiums in the country, with it hosting 9125 fans per matchday, the mission is to set the standard for excellence and create exceptional experiences for the Dons and non-matchday visitors to the site.