Head Chef - Harlequins 'The Stoop'

Levy UK; Twickenham; On-site; GBP 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Join an innovative and sustainable culinary team at a leading UK stadium, where you'll lead high-quality food experiences for diverse events. As Head Chef, you'll manage a passionate team, ensuring excellence in food production and customer satisfaction. This role offers a unique opportunity to influence food culture while championing sustainability and local sourcing. If you thrive in a dynamic environment and are committed to culinary excellence, this is the perfect role for you.

Benefits

Healthcare benefits

Exclusive discounts

Meals on duty

Pension scheme

Extra leave for family support

Ongoing training & development

Qualifications

• Proven experience managing large events with high-volume casual workforce.
• At least 2 years in a senior chef role, overseeing a brigade.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a high-performing culinary team.
• Oversee food production and delivery across events.
• Plan and cost menus aligned with budget targets.

Skills

Team Management

Menu Planning

Food Safety Standards

Budgeting

Customer Service

Education

City & Guilds 706/1 & 2 or NVQ equivalent

Level 3 Food Hygiene Certificate

Job description

Head Chef - Harlequins | The Stoop (Twickenham)

£52,000 per annum

Levy UK is seeking a Head Chef to lead culinary operations at Twickenham's Stoop Stadium, home of Harlequins Rugby Club. As the driving force behind matchday and event catering, you’ll oversee the delivery of premium food experiences—from fan-favorite kiosks to high-end hospitality and bespoke event menus. This role emphasizes fresh, seasonal British ingredients, with 80% of produce sourced locally and a strong focus on sustainability, including plant-forward dishes and zero-waste practices. Join a team committed to quality, innovation, and achieving Net Zero by 2027, backed by a 5-star hygiene rating.

Purpose

As Head Chef, you will work closely with your team and oversee a group of dedicated culinary professionals. You’ll be expected to champion high-volume, high-quality execution during major sporting events alongside sustainable, British-sourced seasonal menus.

Outside of match days, you will cater for a wide range of events hosted across the stadium’s versatile event spaces. These include large-scale conferences, exhibitions, gala dinners, weddings, board meetings, private parties, training sessions, sports clinics, and team-building events. Venues range from premium lounges and executive boxes with pitch views to outdoor areas ideal for summer events and fan zones. With capacities from intimate 10-person meetings to large-scale functions, you’ll deliver high-quality culinary experiences tailored to diverse corporate and private clients.

This is a rare opportunity to work at the forefront of UK stadium hospitality, driving food culture, creativity, and excellence at scale.

Responsibilities

1. Lead, inspire, and develop a high-performing culinary team, fostering innovation, collaboration, and a culture of continuous improvement.
2. Oversee all aspects of food production and delivery across match days, events, and hospitality, ensuring quality, consistency, and customer satisfaction.
3. Plan, develop, and cost menus strategically, aligned with budget targets and customer preferences.
4. Manage food costs, stock control, ordering systems, and payroll in line with financial targets and company policies.
5. Maintain the highest standards of food safety, hygiene, and health & safety across all kitchen operations.
6. Act as the central point of contact for culinary operations, ensuring clear communication, team coordination, and stakeholder engagement.
7. Drive recruitment, training, and performance management to build a strong pipeline of culinary talent and ensure succession planning.
8. Embrace and respond to client and guest feedback to enhance offerings and showcase the culinary team's creativity and excellence.

Requirements

1. Proven experience managing large events with a high-volume casual workforce.
2. Strong passion for hospitality, food, and exceptional customer service.
3. Ability to work under pressure while maintaining a positive attitude.
4. Excellent team management and leadership skills.
5. City & Guilds 706/1 & 2 or NVQ equivalent qualification.
6. At least 2 years of experience in a senior chef role, such as Sous Chef, overseeing a brigade.
7. Expertise in menu planning, budgeting, and achieving COS %.
8. Minimum Level 3 Food Hygiene Certificate and a commitment to high standards and quality.

Benefits

• Healthcare & Wellbeing - Medicash health benefits (including dental, mental health & optical for you and up to 4 children), free annual health check with Aviva Digicare, discounts at Nuffield Health & Pure Gym, and access to our Employee Assistance Programme.
• Exclusive Perks & Discounts - Save on entertainment (up to 55% off cinema tickets), shopping (up to 15% off), Vodafone plans, and travel with top providers such as TUI & Expedia.
• Workplace Benefits - Meals on duty, pension scheme, life assurance, and professional subscriptions paid.
• Leave & Family Support - 23 days + bank holidays, your birthday off, extra leave after maternity return, a day off for your baby’s 1st birthday, and a holiday purchase scheme.
• Career & Financial Support - Ongoing training & development, career pathways, financial wellbeing programme, and preferred rates on salary finance products.

Who are Levy?

Levy, part of Compass Group, is known for delivering exceptional food, drink, and hospitality experiences at venues such as Wimbledon, Twickenham, and Tottenham Hotspur. Focused on sustainability, diversity, and inclusion, Levy uses sustainably sourced ingredients and provides outstanding service. The company aims to achieve Net Zero by 2027, partners with the British Paralympic Association, and ensures all team members earn at least the Real or London Living Wage.

Why Join Us?

At Levy UK & Ireland, we celebrate diversity and foster inclusion, valuing every individual’s strengths. Our diverse team fuels creativity, innovation, and success. We promote fairness, ensure all voices are heard, and provide equal opportunities for all.

We welcome candidates from all backgrounds to join us in creating a supportive, equitable workplace where everyone can thrive and contribute. Together, we achieve greatness.