Head Chef

Legends Global (Europe); York and North Yorkshire; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discounted tickets

25 days annual leave

Life Assurance

5% Pension

Healthshield

Employee Assistance Programme

Eye care vouchers

Cycle to Work

Employee Referral Scheme

Job summary

Legends Global is seeking a Head Chef to lead two venues: York LNER Stadium and York Barbican. You’ll run two lively kitchens, drive menu innovation, maintain high standards, and ensure consistent service across live events and premium hospitality.

You will manage budgets, stock, and supplier relationships, mentor chefs, and collaborate with the Head of Food and Beverage to deliver exceptional guest experiences while growing the retail food offering.

Qualifications

• Head Chef experience in hospitality and events.
• Ability to lead fast‑paced, high‑pressure kitchens.
• Knowledge of food hygiene and safety regulations (Level 2+).

Responsibilities

• Lead kitchen operations at York LNER Stadium and York Barbican.
• Support menu planning and execution to client expectations.
• Ensure SOPs, COSH and Health & Hygiene standards are followed.
• Coordinate placement of other Chefs across both venues.
• Maintain relationships with Stadium team and key clients on site.
• Work with Head of Food & Beverage to deliver top‑quality service at events.
• Manage budgets, stock control and supplier relationships.

Skills

Head Chef experience

Hospitality events

Budget management

Staff leadership

Food hygiene know-how

Job description

Legends Global is redefining excellence in sport, entertainment and live events. With unrivalled expertise and international reach, we provide end-to-end solutions – from venue development and event programming to revenue strategy and hospitality.

We take a 360‑degree, data‑driven approach across Partnerships, Hospitality, Merchandise and Attractions, working with leading clients to deliver outstanding experiences that resonate worldwide.

Our organisation is committed to fostering an inclusive and forward‑thinking environment where diversity drives innovation and collaboration. Guided by our values of Align, Scale, Connect, Team and Win... we create a culture where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

The Venue

The LNER Community Stadium is York's premier sports and entertainment destination. Opened in 2021, this state of the art 8,500 seat venue. Home to the York Knights, who are currently competing in the Betfred Super League, and home to York City FC, newly promoted to the EFL League, LNER brings some of the biggest names and matches in Football and Rugby to York! At the Stadium, the Legends team offer a diverse and incredible catering offering on match days including the loungers, private boxes, and premium seating areas. When not on a match day, the Stadium is a prime conferencing and events location, so truly no two days are the same!

Working in partnership with York Barbican — one of York’s leading live entertainment venues, welcoming thousands of guests throughout the year for an exciting programme of concerts, comedy, theatre, exhibitions and special events. Located in the heart of York, the venue is also home to the prestigious UK Championship Snooker, one of the sport’s biggest tournaments, attracting the world’s top players and passionate fans for several days of world‑class competition. It’s a fast‑paced and lively venue where no two events are quite the same.

About the Role

Combining York Stadium and York Barbican, this is an excellent dual‑role opportunity to lead culinary operations across two of York’s standout venues. As Head Chef across both sites, you’ll lead two dynamic kitchens, driving innovation, consistency and excellence at scale. From high‑energy live events to atmospheric event days and premium hospitality, you’ll shape menus, elevate food quality and oversee seamless kitchen operations across diverse service styles.

With a focus on creativity, efficiency and exceptional standards, you’ll deliver outstanding guest experiences that reflect our commitment to Legends Global excellence at both iconic venues. You’ll also play a key role in developing and enhancing the retail food offering, identifying new opportunities, introducing fresh ideas and helping to drive the commercial performance of the business forward.

What we can offer

• Hosting events is what we do best, and we want our People to experience that too- enjoy access to discounted tickets to unleash your superfan for all your favourites.
• You will work hard at Legends Global , but you will be rewarded with lots of time to relax and rest with 25 days annual leave
• We understand that you have a life outside of work and want to ensure that your loved ones will always be taken care of whilst you’re contributing to our success with our Life Assurance policy.
• A healthy contribution of 5% Pension so that your golden years are spent ticking off the items on your bucket list.
• Got a dental bill? Need to book a counselling session? Or even help with Physio costs? With the support of Healthshield; Legends Global will support with these unexpected costs. For you and any children.
• We understand that from time to time you might need a bit of support to get you back to feeling your best, so we have teamed up with AXA Health to provide our people with an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support mental health in the workplace.
• We are visionaries: both physically and metaphorically! When you join Legends Global you will be entitled to eye care vouchers and a contribution towards any glasses you require.
• Pedal your way to a greener, healthier commute—join our Cycle to Work scheme and turn every ride into a win for you and the planet
• Great people know great people! Refer a friend through our Employee Referral Scheme and get rewarded for helping us build an amazing team

Key Responsibilities

• Lead kitchen operations at the York LNER Stadium and York Barbican, ensuring the highest standards of food quality, presentation, and service.
• Support menu planning, preparation, and execution in line with client expectations and company standards.
• Ensuring all SOPs and guidelines are followed, including COSH and Health and Hygiene standards.
• Work with our Executive Head Chef and Chef Coordinator on the placement of other Chefs across both venues.
• Maintain and continue to strengthen relationships with the Stadium team themselves, and other key clients on site.
• Work with the Head of Food and Beverage to ensure the highest level of service is delivered for all events, match days, show days and conferences.
• Manage kitchen budgets, stock control, and supplier relationships to maximise quality and profitability.
• Support operations across other venues and events when required.

We are looking for someone with:

• Previous Head Chef experience, ideally within hospitality, events, banqueting or retail.
• Comfortable with commuting to and from venues and events.
• A passion and appetite to develop themselves and those around them
• Strong organisational and time management skills.
• The ability to work in a fast paced and high-pressure environment
• Knowledge of food hygiene and safety regulations (Level 2 or above certification preferred).

Recruitment Process Outlined:

• 1st Stage- Intro Call with Talent Team & Executive Head Chef- North West Region
• 2nd Stage- Interview and Cook-Off on site with Hiring 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.