Lead Chef Retail

Compass; Glasgow; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading catering company seeks a Lead Chef for its retail outlets at the Scottish Event Campus in Glasgow. This role involves overseeing daily culinary operations, ensuring food quality, and compliance with safety standards in a fast-paced environment. Ideal candidates will have experience in high-volume settings, strong leadership skills, and knowledge of food safety practices. Join a dynamic team at one of the UK's iconic event venues for exciting career development opportunities.

Benefits

Clear pathways for development

Working in an iconic venue

Dynamic and inclusive environment

Qualifications

• Experience working in high-volume retail, stadia, events, or fast-paced hospitality.
• Strong knowledge of food safety, hygiene, and kitchen compliance.
• Confident people leader with excellent communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead culinary delivery across retail outlets at the SEC.
• Ensure compliance with food safety and health standards.
• Drive performance and standards across kitchen teams.

Skills

Experience in high-volume retail

Knowledge of food safety

Excellent communication skills

Ability to thrive in fast-paced environments

Experience in large-scale venues

Exposure to branded retail concepts

Food Safety qualification (Level 3)

Job description

Location: Scottish Event Campus (SEC), Glasgow
Company: Levy
Reports to: Head Chef

Role Purpose

The Lead Chef – Retail is responsible for leading the day-to-day culinary delivery across Levy’s retail food outlets at the SEC. This role ensures consistent food quality, efficient kitchen operations, strong team leadership and full compliance with food safety and health & safety standards in a high-volume, event-led environment.

Working closely with the Head Chef and wider operations teams, the Lead Chef will drive performance, standards and engagement across retail kitchens, supporting the delivery of exceptional food experiences at scale.

Key Responsibilities

Culinary & Operational Leadership

• Lead the preparation and delivery of high-quality food across all retail outlets
• Ensure food is produced consistently to Levy brand standards and specifications
• Manage kitchen operations during live events and peak trading periods
• Drive speed, efficiency and consistency across high-volume retail service
• Lead, motivate and develop retail kitchen teams, setting clear expectations
• Support recruitment, onboarding and training of kitchen team members
• Act as a role model, leading by example during service and preparation
• Foster a positive, inclusive and high-performing kitchen culture

Food Safety, Quality & Compliance

• Ensure full compliance with food safety, hygiene, allergen and health & safety standards
• Maintain accurate records in line with HACCP, COSHH and company procedures
• Conduct checks and audits, addressing issues promptly and effectively
• Support ordering, stock rotation and inventory management
• Monitor food waste and portion control, driving cost efficiency
• Assist with forecasting volumes in line with event schedules and footfall
• Work closely with front of house, operations and supply chain teams
• Support menu implementation, innovation and seasonal changes
• Identify opportunities to improve processes, quality and guest experience

Skills & Experience

• Experience working in high-volume retail, stadia, events or fast-paced hospitality
• Strong knowledge of food safety, hygiene and kitchen compliance
• Confident people leader with excellent communication skills
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment
• Experience in large-scale venues or multi-outlet operations
• Exposure to branded retail food concepts
• Level 3 Food Safety qualification (or willingness to obtain)

Working Hours

• Flexible, event-driven rota including evenings, weekends and peak event days

Why Join Levy at SEC Glasgow?

• Work in one of the UK’s most iconic live event venues
• Be part of Levy, a global leader in premium hospitality and event catering
• Clear pathways for development and progression within Compass Group
• A dynamic, inclusive and high-energy working environment