Job Title: Head Chef Events and ProductionSalary: Up to £52,000Hours: 40 Hours Per WeekLocation: Ascot Racecourse, Ascot, Berkshire, SL5 7JXA full clean driving license is required for this role due to multiple off-site eventsIn this role you will be required to work weekends and all key event dates for Royal AscotWelcome to Ascot where tradition meets innovation and excitement is the heartbeat of our business. Ascot Racecourse and Sodexo Live! have been joint venture partners for over 16 years, providing outstanding Food and Beverage propositions and exceptional Guest Experience through our Raceday and Events business.We work cross collaboratively with the Ascot Racecourse Ltd HR team and are actively involved in the Event staff reward and recognition working group meetings.We are a destination for over 500,000 guests each year where passion, elegance, and celebration converge, and it is our team of behind-the-scenes heroes that bring every intricate detail to life.We are seeking a Head Chef for Events and Production to join our fantastic team! This role requires strong leadership skills, exceptional organisational abilities, and a passion for providing exemplary customer service. You will play a key role in the culinary team and support the delivery of the food strategy.What You'll Do:Operational DeliveryUnderstand and demonstrate the vision of Sodexo Live and 1711 by Ascot EventsManage and deliver onsite production at Ascot racecourse, as agreed by the Executive Chef and in liaison with each department's Lead ChefEnsure that all production is achieved to a specified volume and standardAssist with creating SOPs, ensuring they are deliverable and achievableEnsure all menus are photographed and specified to deliver consistency in delivery for each event siteArticulate the service offers for each event, the food element, the equipment, the flow and the customer experienceOperationally deliver client tastings and be able to speak passionately and knowledgably about each dishBe highly organised, both in office work and kitchen managementProduction and Menu DesignEnsure Menu specifications are detailed and trained ensuring delivery of a consistent level of service, within the Company's standards, to the contract specification, agreed performance, qualitative and financial targetsCreate the menu design process for Events and provide innovation that drives positive PR, positive client feedback, increased revenues or wins new businessRegularly review feedback relating to food, to ensure client and customer feedback consistently scores the food as excellent. Take remedial action if standards perceive to dropFinanceEnsure that all costs and expenditure are within the budgeted levels, particularly food and labourCost each menu and clearly state the expected profit marginRespond to cost of goods price fluctuations or supply challenges and adapt menu to protect marginControl staff rotas and division of duties, based on the day’s menu, to ensure efficient utilisation of staff and careful control of labour costsEnsure that the Company's accountancy, documentation and administration procedures are adhered toCompliancePlan, execute and monitor exceptional Food Safety and Health and Safety standards at all operated major events and the day-to-day production at Ascot RacecourseEnsure full compliance with company and statutory regulations relating to safe systems of work, health and safety, hygiene, cleanliness, fire, COSHH, HRCarry out safety walks on events and work in conjunction with the health and safety lead to minimise risksEnsure that all food is prepared with due care and attention, particularly regarding customers’ special dietary requirements and in line with allergen legislationMonitor and reduce waste, ensuring that it is kept to a minimum and action plans are put in place to adhere to any client waste streaming and recycling policyProactively drive sustainability across the events, whilst ensuring Sodexo ethos and policies are maintainedLeadershipApply effective coaching, training, and development of the team, to drive performance, engagement, and retentionTo plan and manage all casual labour requirements for the kitchen operation, including direct hires and agency workforceLead a culinary team to ensure the prompt and efficient preparation and service of all meals, produced to the SOP and as laid down in the Service Level AgreementSupport the development of casual culinary staff through effective mentoringParticipate in any necessary training and team meetings as required to complete job responsibilitiesWork as part of an efficient team, promoting harmonious working relationships within the Sodexo Live and 1711 by Ascot teamsWhat You Bring:EssentialDemonstrable experience in a high-volume environment; major events or banqueting operations and food productionPrevious Head Chef role and Event experienceFine Dining background gained in hotels, restaurants or contract cateringA passionate interest in the catering industry and knowledge of current trends, well read, eats out in interesting restaurants on a regular basis, enthusiastic about foodA competent communicator with the ability to present to colleagues, peers, and clientsFinancial awareness and understanding of a food profit and loss account and articulate how to control food costs and generate a positive food marginEvidence of being organised and possessing excellent planning skillsSupervising Food Safely Level 3 qualificationA thorough understanding of Food Hygiene and Food Safety legislationAbility to competently use Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and EmailProven ability to manage and lead a team of chefsKnowledge of AllergensDesirableIOSH Managing Safely or similar qualificationPrevious Head Chef role or Lead Chef in a smaller operationExperience in the delivery of retail food operationsProduction kitchen knowledge and/or experienceExperience of working with clients in a contract catering environmentStaff training experience or qualificationUnderstanding of the PPDS legislationWe 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!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.
