Head Chef – Hospitality & Events at Manchester City FC

JOB DETAILS

• £50,000 – £65,000 pa
• Etihad Stadium, Manchester, UK
• Fabulous Fan Fayre – Hospitality & Events Department
• Permanent, 42.2 Hrs per week across 5 out of 7 days
• 33 Holidays a year (including bank holidays)

A LITTLE BIT ABOUT US

You may not have heard of us yet, but since 2013 we have been working alongside one of the Premier League’s most successful football clubs, serving up a truly unique food and drink experience to their loyal and passionate fanbase. In that time, the success on the pitch has been mirrored of it, and our ‘trophy cabinet’ proves it! Our time and efforts have always been focused on our people and our product, rather than our brand, and we believe this sets us apart from most. We are about to enter an incredibly exciting period as over the next three years we will see the Etihad Campus evolve into one of the leading sports and entertainment venues in the world; recently the Club have unveiled concepts for a best-in-class fan experience and year-round entertainment and leisure destination at the Etihad Stadium. We are searching for several exceptionally talented and driven individuals, with the ambition and desire, to grow with us and create a 365 guest experience that will be the envy of venues around the world.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

This is a leadership role, critical to the continued success of our business. It will require a seasoned Head Chef with the expertise and tenacity to match the size of the venue and our ambition. The successful candidate will need to be confident and experienced enough to deliver culinary operation that serves over 4000 covers per match day, ranging from fine to casual dining. Our ideal candidate for the ‘Head Chef – Hospitality & Events’ role is someone who has similar experience within a large venue, or multi-site organisation, where they have grown and lead a blended workforce of permanent and temporary employees. We are seeking a creative and talented individual who…
− Is an inspirational leader, with a successful track record of building and coaching high performing, well engaged, multiskilled teams within a top-end, high volume kitchen environment. Gained through experience within similar sized venues, or through the co-ordination of multiple sites, the right person will have a clear and complete understanding of the complex demands and operational challenges faced by a large venue, and will therefore quickly gel into the existing operation.
− Thinks strategically in order to plan and coordinate multiple, back to back events, by being able to seamlessly bring multiple teams together at the right time, whilst simultaneously reacting to environmental changes or client demands. In times of pressure, the ‘Head Chef – Hospitality & Events’ will offer the calm and clear guidance needed for the department to successfully deliver under tight deadlines and high expectations.
− Can meaningfully engage with employees and stakeholders at all levels; whether direct reports, peers, internal clients, keys suppliers or VIP guests, with the ability to speak coherently and articulate their thoughts and opinions to instil confidence and reassurance with every interaction.
− Purposefully works in synergy with their peers, collaborating well on cross departmental projects and initiatives whilst offering valuable support and insightful advice when needed. We want the successful candidate to take a genuine interest in the training and development of all employees allowing them to identify future leaders across all departments.
− Has an analytical mindset and the commercial awareness, and is able to utilise these skills to identify opportunities for improvement as well as creative solutions to the varying challenges faced by the department.

A FLAVOUR OF THE DAY TO DAY

Reporting to our Executive Head Chef, Leon Adnams-Downes, the Head Chef – Hospitality & Events will…
− Plan and implement a catering operation that delivers a premium experience on match days and events alongside ensuring operational quality and excellence is maintained, to the set service level agreements and profitability.
− Lead, coach and develop a large team of direct reports, setting leadership expectations and behaviours which can be cascaded down to the x120 permanent and temporary chefs and porters on match days and events.
− Oversee all aspects of food production, ensuring the highest standards of quality, consistency, and presentation.
− Manage multiple third-party relationships and partnerships, as well as working hand in hand with the client teams at Manchester City FC.
− Implement robust procedures and controls that increase commercial performance and drive efficiency.
− Maintain departmental food control procedures and ensure wastage is kept to a minimum and recorded where appropriate. To achieve budgeted cost of sales
− Work with the Head of Commercial Accounts to maintain strong control over department’s expenditure, ensuring all costs are accurately forecasted and recorded within the business’ weekly returns sheet.
− Liaise with the Head of Safety & Compliance to regularly assess that team members are educated in, and fully understand, the safe working practices in line with all health, safety and food safety legislation.

TECHNICAL SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

− Computer literate with particular proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel , PowerPoint)
− Confident utilising intuitive cloud based software for procurement and staff scheduling (E.g Procure Wizard, HumanForce)

AND A FEW ADDITIONAL PERKS

− Private Health Insurance
− Company Bonus Scheme
− Access to vouchers and discounts from high street retailers and services (Cinema tickets, 50% gym membership etc).
− Free onsite parking.
− Meals whilst in shift.
− Certified professional training development opportunities.

SOUND INTERESTING?

If you are interested in applying for the Head Chef – Hospitality & Events role, or would like to learn more about the position, please email Leon Adnams-Downes, LADownes@fthree.co.uk, or Ed Fallon from the People Team, efallon@fthree.co.uk