Head Chef- Retail NEC

Compass Group UK & Ireland; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading catering service provider in Birmingham is seeking a Kitchen Manager to oversee daily operations of a high-volume kitchen. You will manage budgets and labor while ensuring safety and quality standards are exceeded. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in kitchen management, a passion for guest experiences, and the ability to perform under pressure in a retail environment. This role promises a dynamic work atmosphere with a focus on excellence.

Qualifications

• Experience managing a high-volume kitchen in a retail environment.
• Passionate about delivering amazing experiences for guests.
• Proven ability to work / excel under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Operate the retail culinary business daily, ensuring efficiency and safety.
• Manage budgets, labour, and stock control without compromising quality.
• Deliver agreed KPIs to support improved business performance.

Skills

High-volume kitchen management

Adherence to safety policies

Guest experience delivery

Ability to adapt under pressure

Attention to detail

Good communication skills

Job description

Overview

Levy is the vibrant and exciting sector of Compass Group, the world’s largest catering company. We work at some of the greatest venues in the world, delivering legendary experiences in food, drink, and hospitality.

In the UK, we are proud to have a wealth of long-standing partnerships with venues across sport, entertainment, and events. Our partnerships include venues such as Wimbledon, Twickenham, Edgbaston, Tottenham Hotspur, Principality Stadium, Scottish Event Campus (SEC) and ExCel London.

We are culinary champions – it’s what we do and it’s what we are passionate about. At the core of our work is the belief that sustainably sourced great food and drink, coupled with exceptional service is key to creating legendary experiences.

Focused on ‘doing the right thing’ for our people and the planet. sustainability, wellbeing, diversity, and inclusion are at the heart of what we do.

We have a commitment to being Net Zero by 2027, are official partners of the British Paralympic Association, and are proud to pay all our team members at least the Real Living Wage or London Living Wage.

Role purpose

Operate the retail culinary business on a day-to-day basis, ensuring designated operational areas runs safely, efficiently, within budgetary guidelines and exceeding guest expectations.

Key Responsibilities

• Build labour plan and F&B orders for show/ event using sales forecasts provided from Key Accounts team.
• Manage budgets, labour, and stock control. Ensure efficient, cost-effective solutions without compromising quality or guest experience.
• Deliver agreed KPIs to support improved business performance and profitability.
• Maintain SOP standards in the operational area.
• Ensure operational areas meet health & safety and food safety standards.
• Be a champion of brand standards and always deliver an outstanding guest experience.
• Monitor guest feedback and implement improvements to enhance overall service level.
• Act as a role model for the team, supporting training and development.
• Act as duty manager and allocate duties and responsibilities to all team members and provide on shift support to colleagues.
• During quiet periods support other Kitchen Managers and the business, by covering other roles in the business / venues including Support Chef, FPA or Kitchen Assistant.

When required, support the Live Events team delivering events.

Person specification

• Experience managing a high-volume kitchen in a retail environment.
• Previous experience adhering to safety policies and procedures.
• Passionate about delivering amazing experiences for guests.
• Ability to think on your feet and adapt to whatever challenges arise.
• Has an awareness of commercial drivers.
• A keen eye for detail and consistent desire to uphold high standards.
• Proven ability to work / excel under pressure.
• Good verbal & written communication skills.