We are Levy
We are a visionary venue partner. We design and deliver bespoke guest experiences that prioritize people and the planet.
Trusted by some of the world’s most iconic stadiums, entertainment venues, and major events – including Wimbledon, Twickenham, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Edgbaston, the SEC and Excel London – we bring experiences to life with passion and precision.
Our mission is to succeed the right way. From pioneering tech and seamless operations to show-stopping menus and exceptional service, we use insight and innovation to understand guests, improve the customer journey, reduce environmental impact, and support local communities.
We are a passionate, diverse team of venue specialists dedicated to making the planet better for future generations.
Role Overview
The Executive Chef is responsible for leading culinary excellence in one of our Levy-operated NEC Group venues. This senior leadership role will shape food strategy, drive innovation, support major event delivery, and develop high-performing culinary teams.
The role spans large-scale exhibitions, arena catering, corporate hospitality, conference & banqueting, and premium guest experiences, ensuring Levy continues to deliver outstanding food quality and memorable guest experiences in the allocated NEC site.
Key Responsibilities
Culinary Leadership & Strategy
- Deliver the culinary vision in your allocated NEC Group venue in alignment with Levy UK strategy and guidance from the Culinary Director UK.
- Develop innovative, seasonal, and commercially effective menus for exhibitions, conferences, arena events, and VIP hospitality.
- Lead sustainability-focused culinary initiatives including plant-forward menus, responsible sourcing, and waste reduction.
Operational Excellence
- Oversee culinary operations across the allocated NEC venue.
- Support high-volume event delivery, daily multi-outlet operations, and premium hospitality services.
- Ensure consistency in quality, flavour, presentation, and recipe adherence across the venue.
- Lead culinary delivery for major live events, conferences, exhibitions, and VIP lounges.
Financial & Commercial Performance
- Partner with venue leadership teams to achieve strong financial results.
- Manage menu engineering, food costing, supplier relationships, and purchasing alignment.
- Maintain operational efficiency while protecting Levy’s high culinary standards.
Team Development & Leadership
- Coach, support, and develop Sous Chefs and culinary team.
- Build a strong talent pipeline for high-volume events, hospitality, and conference operations.
- Lead training programmes and skills development workshops.
Client & Stakeholder Engagement
- Maintain strong relationships with NEC Group stakeholders and partner organisations.
- Deliver tastings, culinary showcases, and menu presentations for clients, VIPs, and senior leadership.
- Collaborate across hospitality, commercial, marketing, and operations teams to enhance the guest experience.
Quality, Safety & Sustainability
- Ensure full compliance with UK food safety legislation, HACCP, allergen management, and Compass audit standards.
- Drive sustainability initiatives in line with Levy UK environmental commitments and NEC Group priorities.
Qualifications & Experience
- Senior-level experience as an Executive Chef within UK hospitality, arenas, exhibitions, conferences, or large-scale events.
- Proven success managing high-volume culinary operations and premium hospitality environments.
- Strong commercial acumen in food costing, menu engineering, and financial planning.
- Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and organisational skills.
- Culinary qualification or equivalent extensive experience preferred.
What you’ll get in return
- Competitive salary with bonus and full company benefits
- 23 days' annual leave plus bank holidays, your birthday off, and a holiday purchase scheme
- Healthcare & wellbeing: Aviva Digicare, Medicash (dental, optical, therapy treatments)
- Mental health support: 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
- Family benefits: Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption leave. 2 days’ additional leave after returning from maternity leave, day off for your baby’s first birthday, enhanced family leave
- Perks & discounts: Shopping, entertainment, and travel discounts, 20% off Nuffield Health and 10% off PureGym memberships
- Financial wellbeing: Pension scheme, Life Assurance, preferred rates on salary finance products
- Development opportunities: Professional subscriptions, ongoing training and structured career pathways
- Meals on duty included
Why Join Us?
Levy UK & Ireland is part of Compass Group, the world’s largest catering company, and a vibrant leader in hospitality.
We believe in celebrating individuality and building inclusive teams where everyone feels they belong. Our diverse team fuels creativity, innovation, and excellence.
We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and welcome candidates from all backgrounds to join us in creating a supportive, empowering workplace where everyone can thrive.
Together, we create unforgettable experiences – and shape the future of hospitality.