Head Chef: Lead High-Volume Event Kitchen

Equipment Sales & Service Limited.; Park Central; On-site; GBP 52,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare

Wellbeing

Annual leave

Life assurance

Meals on duty

Pension

Discounts

Birthday off

Meal allowance

Career development

Job summary

Levy UK & Ireland at NEC Birmingham is hiring a Head Chef to lead a high-volume kitchen delivering premium experiences across exhibitions, conferences, banqueting and live events. You will coach a diverse kitchen team, develop menus with the Executive Chef and ensure exceptional food quality, safety and service.

Join a passionate, sustainability-focused venue partner offering comprehensive benefits and a clear career path within a world-class events environment.

Qualifications

• Proven Head Chef experience in high-volume events.
• Ability to lead and develop a diverse kitchen team.
• Strong food safety and HACCP knowledge.
• Experience delivering food for exhibitions, conferences, banqueting, and large events.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day running of kitchen operations and maintain high food quality and service.
• Lead, motivate and develop a talented kitchen brigade.
• Deliver exceptional food across exhibitions, conferences, banqueting, hospitality and live events.
• Collaborate with Executive Chef to implement Levy menus and concepts.
• Plan food production to meet high-volume event demands.
• Ensure kitchen is prepared and resourced for each event.
• Work with Operations, Events and Front of House for seamless service.
• Maintain food safety, hygiene, cleanliness and HACCP compliance.
• Own food cost, waste management, stock control and labour.
• Support menu development and introduce new ideas.
• Adapt to changing event requirements and last-minute requests.
• Coach and develop chefs at all levels and support their progression.
• Assist recruitment, onboarding and training of new kitchen staff.
• Identify opportunities to improve quality, efficiency and guest experience.
• Lead by example during busy services and stay calm under pressure.
• Champions Levy's sustainability and responsible sourcing.

Skills

Leadership

Culinary excellence

Food safety

Cost control

Staff development

Organisation

Education

Level 3 Food Safety qualification

Job description

Levy UK & Ireland at NEC Birmingham is hiring a Head Chef to lead a high-volume kitchen delivering premium experiences across exhibitions, conferences, banqueting and live events. You will coach a diverse kitchen team, develop menus with the Executive Chef and ensure exceptional food quality, safety and service.

Join a passionate, sustainability-focused venue partner offering comprehensive benefits and a clear career path within a world-class events environment.