Head Chef - Events | National Theatre London£50,000 per annum NT Food & Drink is a unique and dynamic partnership driven by Levy and KERB, embedded within the National Theatre on the South Bank. Our ambition to create a world-class hospitality destination at the heart of the world\'s most iconic theatre is powered by our progressive people-first approach, centred on environmental and social sustainability. We celebrate inclusivity with purpose, putting the development and progression of our future leader’s centre stage. Our shared goal is to ensure all food and drink spaces support the NT\'s overall values, vision, and culture.Purpose We’re looking for a talented Events Head Chef to lead our kitchen operations and deliver exceptional event dining experiences. Reporting to the Executive Chef, you’ll oversee daily kitchen operations, ensuring top-quality food preparation, seamless event execution, and strict adherence to food safety standards. You’ll manage inventory, train and inspire your team, and collaborate with front-of-house staff to maintain excellence in service. Creativity and precision are key, as you drive menu innovation while ensuring consistency. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment and have a passion for delivering outstanding cuisine, we’d love to hear from you.Responsibilities Event Execution: Plan menus, manage the culinary team, and ensure high standards for all events.Team Coordination: Organize and lead the culinary team, covering senior responsibilities when needed.Quality Control: Work with the Head Chef to maintain consistency, presentation, and attention to detail.Stock & Inventory: Manage stock levels, place orders, and conduct regular stock counts.Health & Safety: Ensure compliance with food safety regulations, conduct audits, and brief dietary requirements.Training & Development: Lead training, oversee inductions, and provide necessary information for staff.Equipment & Logistics: Maintain kitchen equipment, liaise with logistics teams, and oversee stock transfers.Communication & Documentation: Work closely with FOH teams, attend meetings, and provide necessary HSE documentation.RequirementsStrong Leadership– You’re a confident and mature leader with a strong presence, excelling in stakeholder management and interpersonal skills to build strong relationships at all levels.Adaptability & Agility – Thrives in a fast-paced environment, effortlessly juggling multiple events with 200+ guests. You’re open to adjusting working patterns when needed to meet business demands.People-First Mentality – You inspire, coach, and mentor your team, aligning them with the company’s vision, values, and strategy to foster growth and development.Change Champion – You don’t just embrace change—you lead it. You’re an innovator, working with key stakeholders to drive improvements and empower your team.Meticulous & Organised – Your attention to detail ensures smooth operations. You plan ahead, follow processes, and make sure every team member has what they need to deliver a flawless experience.Safety-First Mindset – You lead by example, prioritizing health, safety, and best practices across the department to create a secure and compliant workplace.Business-Savvy – You manage stock, minimize waste, and optimize staffing levels to align with business needs, keeping operations efficient and cost-effective.BenefitsHealthcare & Wellbeing – Medicash health benefits (including dental, mental health & optical for you and up to 4 children), free annual health check with Aviva Digicare, discounts at Nuffield Health & Pure Gym, and access to our Employee Assistance Programme.Exclusive Perks & Discounts – Save on entertainment (up to 55% off cinema tickets), shopping (up to 15% off), Vodafone plans, and travel with top providers such as TUI & Expedia.Workplace Benefits – Meals on duty, pension scheme, life assurance, and professional subscriptions paid.Leave & Family Support – 23 days + bank holidays, your birthday off, extra leave after maternity return, a day off for your baby’s 1st birthday, and a holiday purchase scheme.Career & Financial Support – Ongoing training & development, career pathways, financial wellbeing programme, and preferred rates on salary finance products.Exclusive National Theatre discounts (15% off outlets, 25% off Bookshop, complimentary show tickets)Food & drink discounts (Kerb Card: 20% off drinks, 50% off food at Seven Dials Market)VIP last-minute O2 show tickets (subject to availability)Discounted onsite parking (£4/day)About UsLevy UK & Ireland, a vibrant and exciting division of Compass Group, specializes in creating legendary food, drink, and hospitality experiences at world-class venues. In the UK, Levy partners with renowned locations such as Wimbledon, Twickenham, Tottenham Hotspur, and ExCel London, focusing on sustainability, wellbeing, and diversity. Known for its culinary excellence, Levy champions sustainably sourced ingredients and exceptional service, aligning with its mission to "do the right thing" for people and the planet. As proud partners of the British Paralympic Association, we ensure all team members are paid at least the Real Living Wage or London Living Wage and collaborate with innovative brands to deliver best-in-class experiences.At Levy UK & Ireland, we take pride in fostering a workplace culture that celebrates diversity and promotes inclusion. We believe that our differences are our greatest strengths, and we are committed to creating an environment where every individual is valued, respected, and empowered.Our team is a vibrant tapestry of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, which enriches our creativity, innovation, and overall success. We are dedicated to providing equal opportunities, promoting fairness, and ensuring that all voices are heard.We firmly believe that a diverse team leads to innovation and creativity. We welcome candidates from all walks of life and backgrounds to join us in our mission to create a supportive and equitable work environment where everyone has the chance to excel and collaborate.Join us in our journey towards a more diverse and inclusive world, where every person has the chance to thrive and contribute their unique talents. Together, we can achieve greatness.
