Head Chef for Major Events — High-Volume Fine Dining

Sodexo; Greater London; Remote; GBP 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Online wellbeing platform

Employee Assistance Programme

Sodexo Discounts Scheme

Retirement plan

Death-in-Service

Job summary

Sodexo Live! is seeking a Head Chef for a 12-month fixed-term contract to lead culinary across high-profile UK events in South England. You will develop fine-dining menus, mobilise event kitchens, and manage teams up to 100 casual chefs, delivering exceptional guest experiences.

You will balance innovation with operational leadership, ensuring safety, quality, and sustainability across multiple concurrent offers. This role requires strong client engagement and cost control.

Qualifications

• Experience in high-volume, major events catering.
• Fine dining background in hotels/restaurants/contract catering.
• Strong communication with clients and teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver culinary vision across large-scale events.
• Develop menus with Executive Chef and Head of Events.
• Source produce with procurement and suppliers.
• Cost menus and maintain profitability.
• Lead and train culinary teams up to 100 staff.
• Ensure food quality, safety, and sustainability standards.
• Present at client tastings and manage event kitchens.

Skills

High-volume catering

Team leadership

Menu development

Food hygiene

Cost control

Client liaison

Event catering

Proficient with MS Office

Education

Food Hygiene Level 3

IOSH Managing Safely

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Email

Job description

Sodexo Live! is seeking a Head Chef for a 12-month fixed-term contract to lead culinary across high-profile UK events in South England. You will develop fine-dining menus, mobilise event kitchens, and manage teams up to 100 casual chefs, delivering exceptional guest experiences.

You will balance innovation with operational leadership, ensuring safety, quality, and sustainability across multiple concurrent offers. This role requires strong client engagement and cost control.