Head Chef - Exeter And Wincanton Racecourses - The Jockey Club Experiences | Full-Time / Permanent

Competitive Salary + excellent benefits including healthcare, wellbeing support, 23 days' annual leave plus bank holidays, life assurance, meals on duty, and more.

We are seeking an experienced and passionate Head Chef to lead our culinary team at Exeter and Wincanton Racecourses. This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated individual who thrives in a dynamic, high-volume environment and is ready to elevate racecourse dining to the next level.

Role Overview

This is not your everyday Head Chef role.

As Head Chef at Exeter and Wincanton Racecourses, you will lead and inspire a large, talented kitchen brigade, delivering exceptional food quality, creativity, and presentation across one of the most iconic sporting venues in the UK. 

Working closely with the Executive Chef and senior leadership team, you’ll take ownership of kitchen operations across both the Exeter and Wincanton Racecourses, collaborating with multiple chef teams and units across two vibrant sites.

This is a varied, fast-paced, and highly rewarding role that offers genuine breadth and challenge beyond traditional hospitality. You’ll be supported by a strong culinary network of 15 local chefs including 2 full-time, creating a collaborative environment where ideas, skills, and standards are shared. 

There are no split shifts, and weekend work is event-based only, with up to 8 weekends per year (not all including Sundays), allowing for a healthier work-life balance rarely found at this level.

Exeter and Wincanton operate a National hunt racing season from October to April, with banqueting and events delivered year-round. 

You’ll play a key role in shaping a professional, safe, and positive kitchen culture where leadership, consistency, and creativity are at the heart of everything we do.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the culinary team in delivering exceptional food quality and presentation for race days, events, and functions.
• Oversee daily kitchen operations including planning, preparation, production, and service.
• Ensure compliance with all food hygiene, health and safety, and allergen management protocols.
• Champion training and development within the kitchen team – supporting junior chefs and creating a culture of growth and accountability.
• Collaborate with front-of-house and planning teams to ensure seamless service and guest satisfaction.
• Drive menu innovation and support in cost control, ordering, and stock management.
• Maintain high morale and a positive working atmosphere within the team.
• Always Represent Levy and Exeter/Wincanton Racecourses values: excellence, teamwork, and professionalism.

What We’re Looking For

• Proven experience in a Head Chef role within large-scale events, hospitality, banqueting & fine dining.
• Passion for food, creativity, and delivering a legendary dining experience.
• Fine Dining experience, this is essential for creating menus for VIP clients and restaurants, including building our own recipes.
• Strong leadership, communication, and organisational skills.
• Solid knowledge of food safety legislation and procedures.
• A proactive and solutions-driven mindset, with the ability to adapt in a fast-paced environment.

What’s In It For You?

• Being part of a large team across the south west region team
• This role is contracted at 40 hours per week. Any overtime worked is calculated hourly and compensated as time off in lieu during peak periods.
• Free staff meals on duty
• Free on-site parking
• Opportunity to work across major sporting and hospitality events nationwide
• A fun and supportive team with flexible shift options

Benefits:

• Healthcare & Wellbeing
   Medicash cover (including dental, optical & mental health), Aviva Digicare annual health check, discounted gym memberships, and our Employee Assistance Programme.
• Exclusive Discounts
   Up to 55% off cinema tickets, retail savings, Vodafone plans, and offers with top travel brands like TUI and Expedia.
• Workplace Benefits
   Meals on duty, pension scheme, life assurance, and paid professional subscriptions.
• Time Off & Family Support
   23 days + bank holidays, your birthday off, enhanced family leave, a day off for your baby’s first birthday, and holiday purchase options.
• Career & Financial Growth
   Training and development pathways, financial wellbeing support, and competitive rates on salary finance products.

Who Are Levy?

Levy UK & Ireland, part of Compass Group, is the powerhouse behind hospitality at world-famous venues including Wimbledon, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and Twickenham. We’re passionate about seasonal, sustainably sourced ingredients and unforgettable experiences. 

Why Join Us?

At Levy, we’re proud to create a culture where everyone belongs. We champion diversity, celebrate individuality, and ensure every team member has the opportunity to grow, excel, and be heard. When you join us, you become part of a supportive, inclusive community that strives for greatness together.

Job Reference: com/1506/74906003/52814135/SU #Levy UK

Compass Group UK&I is committed to fostering an environment where every individual can truly be themselves at work and has equal opportunities to advance in their careers. We strive to build a culture that respects and celebrates the unique talents, beliefs, backgrounds, and abilities of all our team members. We want our colleagues to feel valued, empowered to reach their full potential, and to thrive - because diversity is our strength!