Job Description
Are you an experienced Head Chef ready for your next challenge? This is an exciting opportunity to lead the culinary operation at one of the South Coast's most vibrant sporting and events venues. You'll oversee all food preparation and kitchen activity across racedays, hospitality, fine dining, retail catering, and a growing schedule of non-raceday events.
This role is perfect for a Head Chef who thrives in a fast-paced environment, enjoys leading a team, and takes pride in delivering high-quality, consistent food at scale.
The Role
Reporting to the Catering General Manager, you will oversee all kitchen operations, ensuring exceptional food quality, cost control, and compliance across a multi-outlet venue. You'll manage a team of Chefs, Trainees, and Kitchen Porters while ensuring all hygiene, safety, and legal standards are met.
Key Responsibilities
* Work closely with the Catering GM to meet revenue budgets and cost targets
* Purchase within agreed parameters to achieve targeted food GP
* Implement and maintain the Food Safety Management System
* Ensure all menus are costed accurately and consistently meet GP% targets
* Coordinate stock takes and manage stock levels effectively
* Support future purchasing decisions and kitchen redevelopment plans
* Maintain all EHO food safety standards and ensure full compliance
* Uphold quality control throughout the entire production process
* Control portioning and minimise waste to protect margins
* Develop menus reflecting customer needs and current food trends
* Maintain a safe, efficient, and well-organised kitchen environment
* Collaborate closely with other departments for seamless event delivery
* Arrange staff training and development in partnership with the Catering GM
* Manage rotas, allocate daily workloads, and record absence/sickness
* Conduct performance reviews and drive high standards across the team
Key Performance Indicators
* Achieving labour budgets and explaining variances
* Driving recruitment and retention of kitchen staff
* Reducing reliance on agency labour
* Managing site spend and controlling food margins
* Improving food spend per head across racedays and events
* Maintaining excellent service standards
* Enhancing the Owners' and Trainers' culinary experience
About You
We're looking for a Head Chef who brings:
* Proven experience in a senior kitchen role
* Strong understanding of HACCP, allergen management and food safety legislation
* Confidence managing budgets, purchasing, and stock control
* Excellent leadership skills and the ability to inspire and develop a team
* A creative, trend-aware approach to menu development
* Strong organisational and communication skills
* The ability to work under pressure with a calm, structured approach
* A genuine passion for delivering exceptional food and guest experiences
Why Apply?
This is a rare chance to take ownership of an entire venue's culinary offer, influence menu direction, build a strong kitchen team, and make a visible impact at a major hospitality and events site.
If you're a driven, innovative Head Chef looking for a role with variety, responsibility, and room to shine - we'd love to hear from you.
Blue Arrow is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to helping find great work opportunities for great people.
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