Overview
Head Chef – NEC Pub, Birmingham | Full-Time / Permanent
Salary: £40k + excellent benefits including healthcare, wellbeing support, 23 days' annual leave plus bank holidays, life assurance, meals on duty, and more.
Join Levy to lead the culinary team in delivering exceptional dining experiences at the Bar / Restaurant at the NEC. The Head Chef will oversee all kitchen operations, maintain high standards of food quality, safety and hygiene, and drive menu planning, ingredient selection, and the creation of innovative dishes for a diverse client base. Foster a collaborative and efficient kitchen to ensure meals meet and exceed guest expectations and contribute to the venue’s prestige and success.
About Levy
Levy is a leading global hospitality partner focused on elevating experiences, partnering with iconic stadiums and venues. Our mission is to succeed the right way through technology, seamless operations, outstanding menus and service, while reducing environmental impact and supporting local communities.
Head Chef – The Role
Responsibilities
* Lead, motivate, and manage the kitchen team to ensure high performance and staff retention.
* Conduct regular training sessions and workshops to enhance culinary skills.
* Schedule and oversee kitchen staff to ensure adequate coverage for all shifts.
* Design and develop innovative, seasonal menus for a diverse clientele.
* Ensure all dishes are prepared to the highest standards of quality, taste, and presentation.
* Regularly review and update menus to reflect current culinary trends and customer preferences.
* Oversee daily food preparation and cooking to ensure consistency and excellence in every dish.
* Maintain high standards of hygiene and food safety across all kitchen operations.
* Ensure food is prepared according to standardized recipes and specifications.
* Conduct regular quality checks and address issues related to food quality, presentation, or customer satisfaction promptly.
* Manage kitchen inventory, ordering, purchasing, and equipment; monitor stock levels and control costs to maximise profitability.
* Negotiate with suppliers for best prices on quality ingredients.
* Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations; maintain a clean, organized, and safe kitchen; keep accurate records of food safety procedures and audits.
* Collaborate with front-of-house and other departments (events, marketing) to coordinate special functions and promotions.
* Provide regular reports to senior management on kitchen performance, menu success, and operational issues.
* Engage with customers to gather feedback and address any concerns regarding food quality or service.
* Plan and execute catering for events, collaborating with the events team on customised menus for special occasions and VIP guests.
Experience & Qualifications
* Leadership: Demonstrated experience in managing and leading a diverse culinary team.
* Menu Development: Extensive experience in menu planning, recipe creation, and adapting menus to current trends and customer preferences.
Skills
* Culinary Expertise: Strong understanding of cuisines and cooking techniques.
* Creativity: Ability to create innovative dishes with high presentation and flavour standards.
* Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication with kitchen teams and suppliers.
* Organisational Skills: Strong time-management and organisational abilities.
* Budget Management: Proficiency in managing budgets and controlling costs.
Attributes
* Leadership: Inspiring and positive kitchen leadership.
* Attention to Detail: Consistent high quality and presentation.
* Customer Focused: Commitment to exceptional guest experiences.
* Adaptability: Calm and effective in a fast-paced environment.
* Passion: Genuine enthusiasm for food and industry trends.
Other Requirements
* Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays.
* Physical stamina to stand for long periods in a busy kitchen.
* Team Player: Collaborative approach to work.
What You’ll Get In Return
* Competitive salary with bonus and full company benefits.
* 23 days' annual leave plus bank holidays, birthday off, and holiday purchase scheme.
* Healthcare & wellbeing: Aviva Digicare, Medicash (dental, optical, therapy).
* Mental health support: 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme.
* Family benefits: additional leave after maternity return, birthday leave for your child, enhanced family leave.
* Perks: Shopping, entertainment and travel discounts; 20% off Nuffield Health and 10% off PureGym memberships.
* Financial wellbeing: Pension, Life Assurance, salary finance discounts.
* Development opportunities: Professional subscriptions, ongoing training, and career pathways.
* Meals on duty included.
Why Join Us?
Levy UK & Ireland is part of Compass Group, a global leader in hospitality. We celebrate individuality, build inclusive teams, and are proud to be an equal opportunities employer.
Together, we create unforgettable experiences and shape the future of hospitality.
Job Reference: com/0109/43420001/52760177/SU #Levy UK
Job Details
* Seniority level: Director
* Employment type: Full-time
* Job function: Management and Manufacturing
* Industries: Hospitality
Location notes and additional postings are not required in the description.
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