Head Chef - Harlequins 'The Stoop'

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

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a passionate Head Chef to lead culinary operations at a prestigious stadium. This role is pivotal in delivering high-quality food experiences during major events while emphasizing sustainability and local sourcing. You will inspire a talented team, manage diverse culinary offerings, and ensure exceptional service across various events. With a commitment to innovation and quality, this position offers a unique opportunity to shape food culture in a dynamic environment. If you're ready to elevate culinary excellence and drive sustainability, this role is for you.

Benefits

Medicash health benefits

Discounts on entertainment and shopping

Meals on duty

Pension scheme

Life assurance

23 days + bank holidays

Ongoing training & development

Holiday purchase scheme

Qualifications

• Proven experience managing large events with high-volume 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 during events.
• Plan and cost menus aligned with budget targets.

Skills

Team Management

Menu Planning

Customer Service

Budgeting

Food Safety

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 team 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

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

Requirements

• Proven experience managing large events with a high-volume casual workforce.
• Strong passion for hospitality, food, and exceptional customer service.
• Ability to work under pressure while maintaining a positive attitude.
• Excellent team management and leadership skills.
• City & Guilds 706/1 & 2 or NVQ equivalent qualification.
• At least 2 years of experience in a senior chef role, such as Sous Chef, overseeing a brigade.
• Expertise in menu planning, budgeting, and achieving COS %.
• 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 like Wimbledon, Twickenham, and Tottenham Hotspur. Focused on sustainability, diversity, and inclusion, Levy uses sustainably sourced ingredients and provides outstanding service. The company is committed to achieving Net Zero by 2027, partnering with the British Paralympic Association, and ensuring all team members earn at least the Real Living Wage or London Living Wage.

Why Join Us?

At Levy UK & Ireland, we celebrate diversity and foster inclusion, valuing every individual's unique 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.