Head Chef - AELTC Wimbledon, London

Head Chef (Meetings and Events) - AELTC Wimbledon, London | Full-Time / Permanent

Up to £55,500 + excellent benefits including healthcare, wellbeing support, 23 days' annual leave plus bank holidays, life assurance, meals on duty, and more.

We're looking for a Head Chef to lead across Meeting and Events catering as part of the talented culinary team at Wimbledon Food & Drink - the official caterer at The All-England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC), one of the world’s most prestigious sporting venues.  

This is a rare opportunity to join the culinary team who cater for guests of AELTC. Best known for The Championships, Wimbledon, the AELTC also hosts a wide variety of meetings and events throughout the year across site, from buffet-style lunches and dinners to formal banquets for 200+ guests.

As Head Chef, you will work closely with the Meetings & Events planning team and Year Round General manager as well as the Culinary Team to prepare, cook, and present food to the highest standards, ensuring a clean, safe, and welcoming kitchen environment. You will run the day-to-day of the business and support the wider Culinary team, supervising Back of House areas and overseeing Agency Chefs and Kitchen Porters.

During The Championships, you will also play a vital role in supporting operations across one of the catering units, contributing to a diverse range of food offerings during the two-week tournament.

We are Levy

We are a visionary venue partner. We design and deliver bespoke guest experiences that prioritise people and the planet.

Trusted by some of the world's most iconic stadiums, entertainment venues, and major events, from Wimbledon and Twickenham to 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.

Meetings & Events Head Chef - The role

• Lead and inspire the kitchen team to deliver exceptional food quality, consistency, and service standards.
• Prepare and oversee high-quality dishes, ensuring excellent presentation, flavour, and full compliance with food safety and allergen regulations.
• Drive seasonal menu development and create innovative recipes that enhance the guest experience.
• Manage stock, ordering, portion control, and waste reduction to maximise efficiency and profitability.
• Take ownership of kitchen operations, stepping up to lead the brigade in the Head Chef's absence.
• Oversee staffing, rotas, and casual workforce management, ensuring smooth kitchen operations and accurate labour control.
• Manage event food costs, budgets, and profit margins while delivering outstanding value and quality.
• Collaborate with senior management to improve culinary operations through innovation and continuous improvement.
• Maintain the highest standards of cleanliness, health & safety, and legal compliance across all kitchen areas.
• Build a positive, high-performing kitchen culture focused on teamwork, development, sustainability, and continuous improvement.

What we're looking for

• Proven experience as a Head Chef or Head of Hospitality within fine dining, luxury hotels, or private members' clubs.
• Strong leadership skills with experience managing and motivating kitchen teams.
• Experience managing budgets, GP, purchasing and stock control.
• Passion for innovation, seasonality, sustainability and reducing food waste.
• Food Hygiene Level 2 minimum (Level 3 desirable).
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to remain calm under pressure.
• Commercial awareness and commitment to exceptional guest experiences.
• Aware of sustainability and reducing food waste. 
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, in alignment with the M&E event schedule. 

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.