Retail Sous Chef - The O2 Arena

The Retail Sous Chef supports the planning and development of recipe specifications across Levy UK Retail within the O2 Arena, while assisting the Retail Head Chef in managing the culinary team and ensuring the consistent delivery of high-quality food and service. The role is responsible for maintaining Levy standards, complying with food safety and statutory regulations, and promoting efficient, economical and sustainable kitchen operations. It sits within a retail culinary team operating in a large, high-profile entertainment venue.

• Supervise food preparation, cooking and service, ensuring consistent quality, presentation, portion control and customer choice.
• Maintain high food hygiene standards and ensure all food is prepared, stored and served safely and correctly.
• Manage food costs, purchasing, gross profit and stock levels, ensuring budgets are achieved and wastage is minimised.
• Support menu planning and food development, focusing on seasonal, sustainable and cost-effective ingredients.
• Manage labour costs and schedules, minimising agency and overtime spend while ensuring staffing meets business demands.
• Implement company promotions, maintain well-stocked retail areas and identify opportunities to drive sales.
• Deliver excellent customer service, responding to requests, providing allergen information and acting on customer feedback.
• Ensure full compliance with Health, Safety and Environmental (HSE) policies, completing training, risk assessments and relevant records.
• Support, train, coach and develop kitchen teams, monitoring recruitment, retention and succession planning.
• Maintain Levy UK standards, SOPs and sustainability goals, ensuring all cleaning schedules, stock takes and operational paperwork are completed accurately.

• Proven experience leading, managing and developing successful teams, with the ability to coach others and hold them accountable.
• Strong knowledge of food production, preparation methods, purchasing and general kitchen operations.
• Excellent financial and commercial awareness, with the ability to manage costs, drive profitability and achieve business results.
• Strong communication and customer service skills, with the ability to build effective client relationships and deliver exceptional customer experiences.
• Adaptable, self-motivated and innovative, able to lead change, respond to business needs and encourage others to embrace new ideas.
• Strong leadership and decision-making skills, with the confidence to address challenges, identify talent and maintain high standards under pressure.

• Desired catering qualifications (NVQ Level 1 & 2 or City & Guilds 706/1 & 2).
• Basic Food Hygiene Certificate.
• Minimum 5 years' catering experience, ideally within a similar role or fast-paced food service environment.

• Competitive salary with bonus and full company benefits.

• 23 days' annual leave plus bank holidays, your birthday off, and a holiday purchase scheme.
• Healthcare and wellbeing cover including Aviva Digicare and Medicash (dental, optical and therapy treatments).
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme for mental health support.
• Family benefits including enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave, two days' additional leave after returning from maternity leave, a day off for your baby's first birthday, and enhanced family leave.
• Perks and discounts on shopping, entertainment and travel, 20% off Nuffield Health and 10% off PureGym memberships.
• Financial wellbeing support including a pension scheme, life assurance and preferred rates on salary finance products.
• Development opportunities including professional subscriptions, ongoing training and structured career pathways.
• Meals on duty included.