Head Chef- Retail NEC

Levy UK; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading catering company in Birmingham is seeking a Kitchen Manager to operate the culinary business. You will manage the day-to-day operations, adhere to safety standards, and ensure guest satisfaction through high-quality service. The ideal candidate has experience in a high-volume kitchen and a passion for delivering memorable experiences. This role offers the opportunity to lead a team in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• 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 challenges.

Responsibilities

• Operate the retail culinary business on a day-to-day basis.
• Manage budgets, labour, and stock control efficiently.
• Deliver agreed KPIs to support improved business performance.
• Maintain health & safety and food safety standards.
• Monitor guest feedback and implement service improvements.
• Support team training and development.

Skills

High-volume kitchen management

Safety policy adherence

Guest experience delivery

Adaptability

Commercial awareness

Detail-oriented

Pressure management

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

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.