Head ChefNewcastle United Football Club, St James Park NE1 4ST£41,000pa excellent bonus and benefits40hrs pw 5/7 with flexibility as business demandsexcellent family work life balance, mostly day workJob IntroductionAt Sodexo, we deliver exceptional culinary experiences in dynamic environments — and few venues are as exciting as Newcastle United Football Club.We're looking for an experienced and innovative Head Chef to lead our culinary operation across NUFC projects, supporting everything from high-end matchday service to unique hospitality experiences and large-scale events.You'll play a central role in driving culinary standards, supporting the Executive Head Chef, and delivering high-quality food with flair, efficiency, and creativity.Whether you're serving fine dining in the executive lounges or fuelling fans on matchday, you'll help us create memorable experiences that go far beyond the plate.What You'll Do:Lead kitchen operations, managing food production, service, and culinary teams on match days and non-match daysCreate, innovate, and evolve menus and food offers tailored to diverse client needs and eventsEnsure full compliance with health & safety, allergen protocols, and hygiene standards across all kitchen areasControl budgets, monitor food and labour costs, and drive efficiency without compromising qualityTrain, mentor, and retain kitchen staff to build a skilled and motivated teamSupport client tastings, drive food concept development, and contribute to kitchen design for new projectsCollaborate closely with front- and back-of-house teams to ensure seamless service deliveryPlease take the time to read the attached job descriptionWhat You Bring:Proven experience in a high-volume culinary leadership roleStrong knowledge of food safety, hygiene, and allergen complianceCreative flair for menu development and food presentationExcellent team leadership and people management skillsExperience working in fast-paced, client-focused environmentsSound understanding of cost control and budget managementCIEH Level 3 in Food SafetyIOSH Managing Safely qualification (or willingness to obtain)Ability to lead and train a kitchen team to high standardsA proactive and adaptable approach to kitchen operations and service deliveryWhat we offer:Working with Sodexo is more than a job; it's a chance to be part of something greater.You'll belong in a company and team that values you for you; you'll act with purpose and have an impact through your everyday actions; and you'll be able to thrive in your own way.In addition, we also offer a range of resources, rewards and benefits for our colleagues and their families:Unlimited access to an online platform offering mental health and wellbeing support.Employee Assistance Programme to help with everyday issues or larger problems where you may need additional support, including legal and financial advice, support with work related issues or personal issues such as bereavement.Access to a free health and wellbeing app that provides rewards for maintaining a healthy lifestyle and includes access to a 24hr virtual GP and various other services.The Sodexo Discounts Scheme, offering great deals 24/7 (also open to friends and family) and/or the prepayment cashback card.Money Insights and financial benefits via the Salary Finance Platform.Save for your future by becoming a member of the Sodexo Retirement PlanA Death-in-Service benefit for colleagues who pass away whilst employed by SodexoOpportunities to enable colleagues to grow and succeed throughout their career at Sodexo, including a variety of learning and development tools.Cycle to Work Scheme to help colleagues to do their bit for the environment whilst keeping fit.Volunteering Opportunities to enable all colleagues to help support worthwhile causes in our communities.Flexible and dynamic work environmentCompetitive compensationFull training and full protective uniform supplied.Ready to be part of something greater? Apply today!Career progression for the caring profession.Sodexo reserves the right to close this advertisement early if we are in receipt of a high volume of applications.About SodexoAt Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better every day for everyone to build a better life for all.As the global leader in services that improve the Quality of Life, we operate in 55 countries, serving over 100 million consumers each day through our unique combination of On-Site Food and FM Services, Benefits & Rewards Services and Personal & Home Services.We are committed to being an inclusive employer. We are a forces friendly employer.We welcome and encourage applications from people with a diverse variety of experiences, backgrounds, and identities.We encourage our employees to get involved with our Employee Networks such as Pride, Sodexo Parents & Carers, Sodexo Disability, Ability network, So Together, Generations and Origins.We're a Disability Confident Leader employer. We're committed to changing attitudes towards disability, and making sure disabled people have the chance to fulfil their aspirations. We run a Disability Confident interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria for the job.Click here to read more about what we do to promote an inclusive culture.Sodexo Disability, Ability network, So Together, Generations and Origins. Keywords Sodexo, Sodexo Jobs, Sodexo Jobs near me, disability confident, family friendly, inclusive, forces friendly,Head Chef, Culinary Leadership, Menu Development, High-Volume Catering, Food Safety Compliance, Team Management, Cost Control, Allergen Management, Event Catering, Hospitality Innovation