Executive Chef- Aston Villa Football Club

Overview

Levy is the vibrant and exciting sector of Compass Group, the world's largest catering company. We work at some of the greatest venues in the world, delivering legendary experiences in food, drink, and hospitality.

In the UK, we are proud to have a wealth of long-standing partnerships with venues across sport, entertainment, and events. Our partnerships include venues such as Wimbledon, Twickenham, Edgbaston, Tottenham Hotspur, Scottish Event Campus (SEC) and ExCel London.

We are culinary champions - it's what we do and it's what we are passionate about. At the core of our work is the belief that sustainably sourced great food and drink, coupled with exceptional service is key to creating legendary experiences.

Focused on doing the right thing for our people and the planet. Sustainability, wellbeing, diversity, and inclusion are at the heart of what we do.

We are official partners of the British Paralympic Association, and are proud to pay all our team members at least the Real Living Wage or London Living Wage.

The role of an Executive Chef is multifaceted and pivotal in ensuring the success of live events, match day hospitality, retail, conferences, and exhibitions. Operating at the intersection of culinary artistry and event management, the Executive Chef is tasked with orchestrating a seamless culinary experience that enhances the overall ambiance and satisfaction of event attendees. Beyond mere meal preparation, the Executive Chef is responsible for conceptualizing and executing diverse and innovative menus tailored to the specific needs and preferences of each event.

This role involves meticulous planning to accommodate various dietary requirements and cultural considerations, ensuring a broad appeal to the diverse range of guests in line with Levy's Food vision. Collaboration with event planners and organisers is essential to synchronize the culinary offerings with the overall theme and atmosphere of the event. Moreover, the Executive Chef plays a crucial role in overseeing kitchen operations, managing a culinary team, and ensuring the highest standards of food safety and hygiene.

By integrating creativity, culinary expertise, and operational efficiency, the Executive Chef contributes significantly to the overall success and reputation as a premier venue for live events, conferences, and exhibitions.

Menu Development and Execution:

• Conceptualise, design, and execute diverse and creative menus tailored to the unique themes and requirements of each event hosted at Aston Villa FC.
• Ensure that all culinary offerings meet high standards of taste, presentation, and quality, taking into consideration dietary restrictions, cultural preferences, and in line with Levy's sustainability focus.

Kitchen Operations Management:

• Oversee day-to-day kitchen operations, ensuring a seamless workflow, and maintaining the highest standards of food safety, hygiene, and presentation.
• Implement efficient processes to optimise productivity while upholding quality standards and managing resources effectively.

Team Leadership and Development:

• Lead, inspire, and mentor a skilled culinary team, fostering a positive and collaborative work environment.
• Provide ongoing training and professional development opportunities to enhance the skills and capabilities of kitchen staff.

Collaboration with Stakeholders:

• Collaborate closely with event planners, organisers, and other stakeholders to align culinary offerings with the overall theme, ambiance, and logistical requirements of each event.
• Maintain open lines of communication to ensure a coordinated approach to event planning and execution.

Supplier Management:

• Source and manage relationships with suppliers to ensure the availability of high-quality and cost-effective ingredients.
• Negotiate contracts, monitor supplier performance, and explore opportunities for cost savings without compromising on quality.

Financial Management:

• Implement and maintain effective cost control measures to achieve financial targets while maintaining exceptional food quality.
• Contribute to budgeting, forecasting, and profitability analysis for the culinary operations, demonstrating financial acumen.

Innovation and Trends Monitoring:

• Stay abreast of industry trends, culinary innovations, and emerging technologies to continually enhance the dining experience offered at Aston Villa Football Club
• Introduce new and creative culinary concepts to keep offerings fresh and appealing to a diverse audience.

Quality Assurance:

• Conduct regular quality assessments of culinary offerings, ensuring consistency, and taking corrective actions as needed.
• Uphold the highest standards of cleanliness, sanitation, and food safety in compliance with industry regulations.

Event Coordination:

• Work closely with event planners and organisers to plan and execute culinary aspects of events, including staffing levels, menu adjustments, and last-minute changes.
• Ensure the seamless integration of culinary services with the broader…