Head Chef

Utilita Arena; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading event venue in the United Kingdom is seeking a skilled Head Chef to lead culinary operations at the International Convention Centre. This role involves overseeing kitchen activities for various events, designing innovative menus, and ensuring high standards of food quality and safety. The ideal candidate should possess strong leadership skills and experience in managing food production while adhering to health and safety regulations. Join us in delivering world-class food experiences across exciting events.

Qualifications

• Hold a basic food hygiene certificate.
• Experience leading a kitchen team and managing food operations.

Responsibilities

• Lead all culinary operations within the International Convention Centre.
• Design and execute menus for various events.
• Manage kitchen operations and ensure food safety compliance.
• Train and inspire kitchen team members.

Skills

Food hygiene and health safety regulations

Organizing hospitality and events

Customer care

Budget/cost management

Team leadership and development

IT experience

Job description

Description

Olympia Events is more than an exhibition venue, conference centre and live‑event space – it’s an inspiration. Against a backdrop of grand Victorian architecture, the seven connected spaces inspire engagement and enjoyment. Olympia Events is recognised in the industry for exceptional levels of customer service and support, and our numerous awards are testament to our clients’ satisfaction. Beyond the walls of our venue, Olympia is on the ground, working to invest in people, strengthen our communities and protect the environment.

Olympia Events is undergoing a period of change. In 2017 the venue was bought by a consortium led by Yoo Capital and Deutsche Finance International. Work is currently underway to transform the wider estate into a cultural hub of which Olympia Events will be the central part. Once complete, the estate will include a new theatre, music venue, two hotels, over 30 eateries, world‑class office space and over two acres of public realm. More information can be found at https://olympia.co.uk/

Job Purpose

The Head Chef is responsible for leading all culinary operations within the International Convention Centre, delivering world‑class food experiences across conferences, exhibitions, banquets, VIP events and live cooking stations. The role ensures exceptional quality, innovation, food safety compliance, cost control and seamless coordination with event and operations teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all kitchen operations for conventions, exhibitions, banquets and special events
• Plan and execute high‑volume, multi‑outlet food production with premium quality standards
• Design diverse, innovative menus suited to international clientele and event themes
• Ensure timely service during live events, gala dinners and VIP functions
• Create seasonal, international and customised menus
• Incorporate modern culinary trends, sustainability and local sourcing
• Maintain exceptional food presentation and plating standards
• Manage tasting sessions for clients, organisers and stakeholders
• Lead, train and inspire a large kitchen team
• Prepare duty rosters aligned with event schedules
• Ensure effective communication between kitchen, service and event teams
• Foster a culture of excellence, discipline and continuous improvement
• Ensure full compliance with health and safety requirements
• Implement sustainability and waste‑reduction initiatives
• Manage food costs, labour budgets and inventory control
• Monitor wastage, portion control and yield management
• Prepare culinary reports and forecasts for management
• Attend client meetings and provide culinary expertise for proposals
• Handle feedback and complaints professionally
• Represent the ICC’s culinary brand at high‑profile events and media engagements

Person Specification

Skills, experience and behaviours

• Experience in the management of statutory requirements
• Experience of organising hospitality, functions and events
• Have a thorough understanding of food hygiene and health and safety regulations and as a minimum hold a basic food hygiene certificate
• Experience of leading and developing a team
• Experience of providing excellent customer care
• Experience of budget/cost management
• Experience of working with colleagues at all levels throughout a company
• IT experience

Olympia Events is fully committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all children, young people and adults at risk (vulnerable groups) that attend our premises. As a consequence, Olympia Events may require any successful applicant to complete a DBS Check prior to working in our business.

Olympia Events is committed to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and expects all its people to have a positive commitment to EDI by treating others fairly and not committing any form of discrimination, victimisation or harassment and to promote positive working relationships amongst employees and stakeholders.

This Job Description is not intended to be exhaustive, the duties and responsibilities may therefore vary over and according to the changing needs of the business.