Immersive Dining Service Lead Chef

Eastlands Venue Services Limited; Greater Manchester; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private Medical Insurance (Vitality)

Group Life Assurance

Birthday Day Off

Complimentary Meals on Shift

EAP & Wellbeing

Company Pension

Generous Holiday

Career Development

Job summary

Eastlands Venue Services Limited is seeking a Service Lead at Etihad Stadium to join the Culinary department. The role blends kitchen leadership with guest-facing service, pairing high culinary standards with an immersive dining experience.

You will guide a small brigade alongside the Chef Manager, prepare and present dishes, and engage guests to explain course inspirations while maintaining food safety and exceptional hospitality.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Senior Chef de Partie, Junior Sous Chef, Sous Chef or equivalent within a premium restaurant, luxury hotel, Michelin-starred or Rosette environment.
• Experience leading or supervising a team during service.
• Outstanding culinary skills with exceptional attention to detail and presentation.
• Genuine passion for hospitality and delivering unforgettable guest experiences.
• Confidence engaging directly with guests and presenting dishes professionally.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to remain calm under pressure.
• Sound knowledge of food safety, hygiene and allergen legislation.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends and event days.
• Experience within Michelin-starred or multi-Rosette kitchens.
• Experience in an open kitchen, chef's table or immersive dining concept.
• Experience supporting menu development and seasonal menu planning.
• Knowledge of stock management, ordering and GP control.
• Formal culinary qualification (NVQ Level 3 or equivalent).
• Level 3 Food Safety qualification.

Responsibilities

• Support the Chef Manager in leading, motivating and developing the brigade.
• Lead service in the Chef Manager's absence.
• Coach and mentor junior chefs, maintaining exceptional standards across the team.
• Promote a collaborative, positive and high-performance kitchen culture.
• Deliver exceptional dishes to Michelin-inspired standards.
• Ensure consistency, quality and attention to detail throughout every service.
• Support menu development, testing and seasonal menu changes.
• Maintain exceptional standards of food safety, cleanliness and organisation.
• Present dishes directly to guests with confidence and personality.
• Explain ingredients, cooking techniques and the story behind each course.
• Create memorable guest interactions that enhance the overall dining experience.
• Respond professionally to guest feedback and dietary requirements.
• Support stock control, ordering and waste management.
• Maintain excellent food safety and allergen compliance.
• Work closely with the Chef Manager to ensure smooth daily operations.
• Collaborate with colleagues across both kitchen and guest-facing service to deliver a seamless experience.

Skills

Senior Chef de Partie

Team leadership

Culinary skills

Guest interaction

Food safety knowledge

Communication skills

Organisational skills

Allergen compliance knowledge

Education

NVQ Level 3 or equivalent

Level 3 Food Safety

Job description

Eastlands Venue Services Limited is seeking a Service Lead at Etihad Stadium to join the Culinary department. The role blends kitchen leadership with guest-facing service, pairing high culinary standards with an immersive dining experience.

You will guide a small brigade alongside the Chef Manager, prepare and present dishes, and engage guests to explain course inspirations while maintaining food safety and exceptional hospitality.