Senior Event Chef

Stafffinders' Client; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading catering company in Edinburgh is seeking a Senior Event Chef to lead their events team. The role involves managing high-quality dining experiences, innovating menus, and ensuring client satisfaction in a fast-paced environment. The ideal candidate has significant experience in event catering, exhibits strong leadership skills, and is knowledgeable in food hygiene regulations. The position offers a competitive salary and opportunities for professional growth, all while fostering a dynamic kitchen atmosphere.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Bonus opportunities

Mental Health & Wellbeing programme

Professional qualifications

Qualifications

• Experience as Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef in event or high-end restaurant settings.
• Ability to lead a team and build strong client relationships.
• Expertise in innovative menu design and food hygiene regulations.
• Proficient in HACCP and allergen management.

Responsibilities

• Oversee event catering and ensure high-quality dish execution.
• Manage the kitchen team and mentoring junior colleagues.
• Collaborate with management to enhance event offerings.
• Maintain strict food hygiene standards and manage kitchen finances.

Skills

Leadership

Menu Design

Communication

Cost Control

Event Catering

HACCP Knowledge

Job description

Cooking for events with fresh, seasonal ingredients, whilst having a better work-life balance? This does exist...

We are searching for an exceptional Senior Event Chef, to lead our renowned client's dedicated events team in Edinburgh city centre. If you thrive in a fast-paced event environment, possess an unwavering commitment to excellence, and are ready to elevate our client's already fantastic operation to new heights, then this could be your dream role!

What you will get in your new role

• A competitive annual salary ranging from £35,000 to £37,500, dependant on experience, with salary review in April 2026.
• Regular bonus opportunities, tips/gratuities and potential overtime, combined with salary giving OTE £50,000 per annum.
• Shifts normally 5/7 days, designed around event bookings and business needs, with evening work in general being limited and a greater need for early/day shifts.
• Regular opportunities for professional qualifications and scholarships.
• Access to dedicated Mental Health & Wellbeing programme.

Responsibilities in your new role as Senior Event Chef

Step into the pivotal role of Event Head Chef, where you'll orchestrate exceptional dining experiences across diverse venues. You'll be the driving force behind our client's event catering, ensuring every dish is flawlessly executed and client satisfaction is absolute. From managing the prep kitchen and nurturing a dedicated team to conceptualising, costing, and delivering innovative menus that consistently meet GP targets, your leadership will be key.

As a direct liaison for customers, you'll conduct inspiring tastings and guarantee seamless event delivery from start to finish. This role also involves strategic collaboration with senior management to continually enhance our event offerings, upholding stringent 5-star Food Hygiene standards (HACCP, allergen, safety protocols), and expertly managing all stock, supplier relationships, and kitchen budgets. Your creative flair will be instrumental in developing dynamic seasonal menus, all while fostering a professional, safe, and audit-ready kitchen environment.

Your personality, experience and qualifications

We are seeking a highly skilled and passionate Senior Chef to join this dynamic team. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment and meet the following criteria, we encourage you to apply:

• Tremendous experience in either Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef roles, bringing a strong background in event, banqueting, or high-volume prep, as well as high-end restaurant service.
• Demonstrate inspiring leadership and articulate communication, confidently guiding a small team and building strong client relationships.
• Exhibit a deep understanding of innovative menu design, consistently delivering high-quality dishes while astutely controlling costs to surpass GP targets.
• A proven ability to mentor and develop junior colleagues, empowering them to grow and excel.
• Maintain composure and organisation during high-pressure events, demonstrating unwavering reliability and a flexible approach to the varied hours (early starts, late finishes, weekends) typical of elite event catering.
• Possess a full UK driving licence and meet the eligibility requirements for company vehicle insurance (currently age 25+).
• Command expert knowledge of HACCP, allergen management, and all current food hygiene legislation, including Natasha’s Law.