Retail Head Chef | AELTC Wimbledon

Chartwells Independent; Greater London; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare

25 days annual leave

Birthday off

Holiday purchase scheme

Meals on duty

Life Assurance

Job summary

Levy UK & Ireland is recruiting a Retail Head Chef for the Wimbledon Championships retail operation in London. You will shape innovative menus, oversee full culinary journeys from tastings to live delivery, and ensure high-quality, sustainable food experiences for a global audience.

You will lead area chefs, drive culinary projects, and maintain standards across multiple retail outlets, balancing time, space and cost while delivering exceptional guest experiences.

Qualifications

• Experience of high-volume event, premium hospitality, multi-outlet or large-scale catering operations.
• Strong influencing, coaching and people development skills.
• Independent self-starter with initiative.
• Genuine excitement for food and current trends.
• Proactive, collaborative partner capable of stakeholder management.

Responsibilities

• Lead the culinary vision for The Championships’ Retail operation, creating innovative dishes and concepts.
• Own the full culinary journey from menu development and tastings through mobilisation, live delivery and post-event review.
• Translate ideas into action, collect tasting feedback, and reflect in final specifications.
• Set culinary standards with detailed recipes, flavour profiles and presentation guidelines.
• Champion quality and sustainability with purchasing teams for seasonal, local products.
• Use data to optimise menu sales, stock levels and waste across outlets.
• Master production and logistics with efficient pre-production and night-production schedules.
• Ensure operational readiness with required equipment and resources.
• Raise quality by benchmarking trends and guest feedback with daily checks.
• Lead from the front, supporting area chefs and managers and driving projects.

Job description

Retail Head Chef - AELTC Wimbledon, London | Full-Time / Permanent

Up to £60,000 + excellent benefits including healthcare, wellbeing support, 25 days' annual leave plus bank holidays, life assurance, meals on duty, and more.

We're looking for a forward-thinking Retail Head Chef with their finger on the pulse of innovative and sustainable high-volume catering! This is a rare opportunity to join the talented culinary team at Wimbledon Food & Drink - the official caterer at The All-England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC), one of the world’s most prestigious sporting venues.

As Retail Head Chef, you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping and delivering creative, exciting menus across the retail operation for The Championships. From menu development and culinary innovation to meticulous planning and robust operational logistics, you’ll help bring outstanding food experiences to life on a truly global stage.

If you're a Head Chef who thrives in a fast-paced environment and has the ambition to raise the bar on food quality, creativity and guest experience we want to hear from you!

We are Levy

We are a visionary venue partner. We design and deliver bespoke guest experiences that prioritise people and the planet.

Trusted by some of the world's most iconic stadiums, entertainment venues, and major events, from Wimbledon and Twickenham to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Edgbaston, the SEC and Excel London, we bring experiences to life with passion and precision.

Our mission is to succeed the right way. From pioneering tech and seamless operations to show-stopping menus and exceptional service, we use insight and innovation to understand guests, improve the customer journey, reduce environmental impact, and support local communities.

We are a passionate, diverse team of venue specialists dedicated to making the planet better for future generations.

Retail Head Chef - The role

• Lead the culinary vision for The Championships’ Retail operation, creating innovative dishes and exciting new concepts.
• Own the full culinary journey from menu development and tastings through mobilisation, live delivery and post-event review.
• Turn ideas into action, ensuring tasting feedback is captured, implemented and reflected in final operational specifications.
• Set the culinary standard, creating detailed recipes, flavour profiles, dish descriptions and presentation guidelines.
• Champion quality and sustainability, working with purchasing teams to secure seasonal, locally sourced and sustainable products.
• Use data to drive decisions, optimising menu sales mix, stock levels and waste across retail outlets.
• Master production and logistics, developing efficient pre-production and night-production schedules that balance time, storage and cost.
• Ensure operational readiness, making sure every kitchen has the equipment, resources and support needed to deliver exceptional menus.
• Raise the bar on quality, benchmarking food trends and guest feedback while carrying out daily dish and service checks throughout The Championships.
• Lead from the front, supporting area chefs and managers on the ground while driving culinary projects and consistently exceptional standards.

What we're looking for

• Experience of high-volume event, premium hospitality, multi-outlet or large-scale catering operations
• Strong influencing, coaching and people development skills
• Highly motivated self-starter
• Independent person who demonstrates initiative
• A genuine excitement for food, someone who has their finger on the pulse of current trends
• Proactive, positive individual able to quickly build partnership relationships with key stakeholders and work as a team player
• Ability to drive through change
• Has a commercial approach and inquisitive nature
• Ability to influence and operate at all levels
• Able to problem solve and make balanced business decision

What you'll get in return

• Competitive salary and full company benefits
• 25 days' annual leave plus bank holidays, your birthday off, and a holiday purchase scheme
• Healthcare & wellbeing: Aviva Digicare, Medicash (dental, optical, therapy treatments)
• Mental health support: 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
• Family benefits: Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption leave. 2 days' additional leave after returning from maternity leave, day off for your baby's first birthday, enhanced family leave
• Perks & discounts: Shopping, entertainment, and travel discounts, 20% off Nuffield Health and 10% off PureGym memberships
• Financial wellbeing: Pension scheme, Life Assurance, preferred rates on salary finance products
• Development opportunities: Professional subscriptions, ongoing training and structured career pathways
• Meals on duty included

Why join us?

Levy UK & Ireland is part of Compass Group, the world's largest catering company, and a vibrant leader in hospitality.

We believe in celebrating individuality and building inclusive teams where everyone feels they belong. Our diverse team fuels creativity, innovation, and excellence.

We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and welcome candidates from all backgrounds to join us in creating a supportive, empowering workplace where everyone can thrive.

Together, we create unforgettable experiences, and shape the future of hospitality.