Head Chef – Exeter And Wincanton Racecourses – The Jockey Club Experiences (Full-Time / Permanent)
Competitive Salary and excellent benefits, including healthcare, wellbeing support, 23 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays, life assurance, meals on duty, and more.
Role Overview
As Head Chef at Exeter and Wincanton Racecourses, you will lead and inspire a large, talented kitchen brigade, delivering exceptional food quality, creativity, and presentation across one of the most iconic sporting venues in the UK. Working closely with the Executive Chef and senior leadership team, you’ll take ownership of kitchen operations across both sites, collaborating with multiple chef teams. This fast‑paced role offers a genuine breadth and challenge beyond traditional hospitality, with the support of a strong culinary network of 15 local chefs.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the culinary team in delivering exceptional food quality and presentation for race days, events, and functions.
- Oversee daily kitchen operations including planning, preparation, production, and service.
- Ensure compliance with all food hygiene, health and safety, and allergen management protocols.
- Champion training and development within the kitchen team – supporting junior chefs and creating a culture of growth and accountability.
- Collaborate with front‑of‑house and planning teams to ensure seamless service and guest satisfaction.
- Drive menu innovation and support cost control, ordering, and stock management.
- Maintain high morale and a positive working atmosphere within the team.
- Represent Levy and Exeter/Wincanton Racecourses values: excellence, teamwork, and professionalism.
What We’re Looking For
- Proven experience in a Head Chef role within large‑scale events, hospitality, banqueting & fine dining.
- Passion for food, creativity, and delivering a legendary dining experience.
- Fine Dining experience, essential for creating menus for VIP clients and restaurants, including building our own recipes.
- Strong leadership, communication, and organisational skills.
- Solid knowledge of food safety legislation and procedures.
- A proactive and solutions‑driven mindset, with the ability to adapt in a fast‑paced environment.
- Computer literacy, ideally with restaurant/bar software experience.
What’s In It For You
- Part of a large team across the south west region.
- Contracted at 40 hours per week. Any overtime is calculated hourly and compensated as time off in lieu during peak periods.
- Free staff meals on duty and on‑site parking.
- Opportunity to work across major sporting and hospitality events nationwide.
- A fun and supportive team with flexible shift options.
Benefits
- Healthcare & Wellbeing – Medicash cover (including dental, optical & mental health), Aviva Digicare annual health check, discounted gym memberships, and Employee Assistance Programme.
- Exclusive discounts up to 55% off cinema tickets, retail savings, Vodafone plans, and offers with top travel brands.
- Workplace benefits: meals on duty, pension scheme, life assurance, and paid professional subscriptions.
- Time Off & Family Support: 23 days + bank holidays, birthday off, enhanced family leave, a day off for your baby’s first birthday, and holiday purchase options.
- Career & Financial Growth: training and development pathways, financial wellbeing support, and competitive rates on salary finance products.
Compass Group UK&I is committed to fostering an environment where every individual can truly be themselves at work and has equal opportunities to advance in their careers. We strive to build a culture that respects and celebrates the unique talents, beliefs, backgrounds, and abilities of all our team members. We want our colleagues to feel valued, empowered to reach their full potential, and to thrive – because diversity is our strength!
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