Job Title: Greenfield Chef for Events and ProductionJob Title: Greenfield Chef Events and ProductionSalary: Up to £52,000Hours: 40 Hours Per WeekLocation: Ascot Racecourse, Ascot, Berkshire, SL5 7JXStep into the Heart of Luxury at Ascot!Where tradition meets innovation, and every moment is infused with thrill and elegance, Ascot Racecourse is more than just a venue—it’s an icon of British sporting and social excellence.For over 16 years,Ascot Racecourse andSodexo Live!have partnered to deliver world-class hospitality, unforgettable dining experiences, and unparalleled guest service. Together, we create magical moments for over 500,000 guests each year, from the electrifying energy of Royal Ascot to exclusive private events.We are seeking a talented Greenfield Head Chef for Events and Production to join our fantastic team!to lead high-end culinary production at Ascot Racecourse and external events, serving both 1711 by Ascot and Sodexo Live! In this dynamic role, you will manage a brigade of casual chefs, ensuring operational standards are upheld with full compliance to food safety and legislation.Your expertise will be essential in planning and delivering client tastings, adapting menus based on budget, cost of goods, and client feedback. You will oversee the timely and efficient preparation and service of all food offers, ensuring they meet the satisfaction of Sodexo, 1711 by Ascot, and our clients, while adhering to agreed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).A core part of your responsibility will be maximising profitability by controlling costs and minimising waste. Your ability to stay ahead of current food trends and infuse innovation into our menus will be crucial for both events and our core business. You will also work closely with all departments to share best practices across the site.Success in this role means consistently delivering on client Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and Service Level Agreements (SLAs), achieving business deadlines and targets, and completing projects within the allotted time limits.As a key member of the Culinary Team, you will play an integral role in supporting the delivery of our overall food strategy, ensuring exceptional standards at one of the most prestigious venues in the world.If you have a passion for culinary excellence and thrive in a fast-paced, high-profile environment, we would love to hear from you!What You'll Do:Culinary Leadership: Manage high-end culinary production for Ascot Racecourse and external events, leading all major events and ensuring compliance with food safety and company standards.Team Management: Oversee a brigade of casual chefs, including training, coaching, and managing labour requirements effectively during peak seasons.Menu Development: Design and adapt menus based on client feedback, budgets, and cost fluctuations, ensuring consistency and profitability.Client and Stakeholder Relations: Build strong relationships with clients and stakeholders, delivering exceptional service and innovative food concepts.Operational Efficiency: Coordinate logistics for onsite and offsite events, manage kitchen operations daily, and ensure timely and efficient food service.Compliance and Safety: Ensure full compliance with health, safety, hygiene, and allergen regulations, conducting safety audits and minimising risks.Financial Management: Control costs related to food, labour, and waste to stay within budget while maximising profit margins.Standardisation and Consistency: Create and implement SOPs, ensure menu specifications are documented, and maintain high standards across all events.Sustainability: Drive sustainability practices, manage waste, and align with client recycling policies and Sodexo's ethos.Project and Time Management: Plan and deliver projects within agreed timelines, effectively managing workloads during peak business periods.What You Bring:EssentialCulinary Leadership: Manage high-end culinary production for Ascot Racecourse and external events, leading a team of casual chefs to deliver exceptional food quality and service.Menu and Innovation: Design and adapt menus based on client feedback and budgets, ensuring consistency, profitability, and alignment with current food trends.Operational and Financial Management: Oversee planning, control costs, and manage kitchen operations efficiently, ensuring compliance with health, safety, and budget requirements.Client Relations: Build strong relationships with clients and stakeholders, delivering innovative concepts and exceeding service expectations.Sustainability and Compliance: Promote sustainable practices, manage waste effectively, and ensure full compliance with health, safety, and company regulations.DesirableQualifications: IOSH Managing Safely or a similar certification.Leadership Experience: Proven experience as a Head Chef or Lead Chef in smaller operations.Operational Expertise: Knowledge of production kitchens and retail food operations.Client Relations: Experience collaborating with clients in a contract catering environment.Training and Compliance: Staff training experience and understanding of PPDS legislation.We offer Sodexo Discounts site promoting discounted mobile phone tariffs, savings across restaurant chains and days out, where you and your family can save money on everything from your weekly food shop to the latest cinema blockbuster and much more!For more information on all the great benefits Sodexo offer to support you and your loved ones, check out the attached Benefits Guide at the bottom of this advert!Ready to be part of something greater? Apply today!
