Development Chef - Newcastle upon Tyne

Location: Newcastle FC, St James Park, Strawberry Place, Newcastle, NE1 4ST

This role offers an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact within a renowned venue celebrated for its vibrant atmosphere and prestige.

We are seeking a highly motivated and passion-driven Development Chef to join our dynamic culinary team at St James' Park. This is a unique opportunity for a creative chef to lead the development and execution of innovative food offerings that cater to the evolving tastes and preferences of our diverse clientele

Main Responsibilities:

• To work with the Executive Head Chef to lead the culinary delivery at St James Park, including match days, events, client tastings, chef management, food safety compliance and operational standards
• Develop food offer strategy in line with current and emerging consumer needs and market trends.
• Present each menu design at relevant client tastings and be able to speak passionately about each dish
• Own, define and maintain culinary development plans, as well as lead change management processes
• Specifically, to ensure that the venue remains ahead of the market in understanding and delivering creative and relevant innovation
• Maximise profitability within thearea of responsibility and deliver required financial and service level results
• Drive innovation and continuous improvement of people, systems, processes and food offer
• Ensure an accurate weekly accounting process with the commercial team that allows a review of budget, forecast and actuals in real time
• To take responsibility for running the culinary operation at NUFC in the absence of the Executive Head Chef and Head Chef
• Overseeing fine dining restaurants, menu implementation, ordering and services on matchdays,
• Ensure that all costs and expenditures are within the budgeted levels. Control all costs such as food, labour, expenses, cash purchases as agreed with your line manager.
• To ensure that all food is prepared with due care and attention, particularly in regard to customers’ special
• Control staff rota and division of staff based on the days menu production to ensure efficient utilisation of staff
• Monitor waste, ensuring that it is kept to a minimum and action plans are put in place as necessary.
• Ensure all staff are trained in the use of equipment as required.
• Compliance to company and statutory regulations relating to “ SEMS “ safe systems of work, health and safety, hygiene, cleanliness, fire, COSHH and purchasing
• Ensure that the Company’s standards of cleanliness are achieved and maintained in all areas in conjunction with the cleaning schedules and ensure they are signed-off to ensure compliance by department manager.
• Comply with all Company and local authority policies, procedures and statutory regulations including Human Resources, site rules, Health and Safety, safe working practices, hygiene, cleanliness, fire and COSHH. This will include your awareness of any specific hazards in your work place
• Participate in any necessary training and team meetings as required to complete job responsibilities
• Work as a team to promote harmonious working relationships within the Sodexo team
• Report immediately any Near Miss incidents or accidents, fire, theft, loss, damage, unfit food, or other irregularities and take such action as may be appropriate
• Carry out other reasonable tasks as directed by management

The Ideal candidate:

• Previous relevant experience
• IOSH Managing Safely
• CIEH Level 3
• Experienced in fine dining
• Good people management skills

What we offer

In return for your commitment and expertise you will be rewarded with an excellent highly competitive salary plus access to our extensive benefits package, which includes:

• 15% Performance-related bonus
• Contributory pension scheme
• Life assurance
• Volunteering days via our charity partner STOP HUNGER
• A flexible benefits fund of £1,300 to utilise a range of benefits, including Private Medical Insurance (PMI), dental, gym memberships, retail / hospitality discounts, etc.

By joining Sodexo Live! you will be part of something greater, working in an environment that fosters innovation and supports your professional growth.