Head Chef – Luxury Event Catering
Baba Ganoush – Dining by Matthew Hyde Ltd location: York, North Yorkshire
Salary: £40,000–£45,000 per annum (depending on experience)Holiday:
28 days annual leave
About Baba Ganoush
Baba Ganoush is one of Yorkshire’s leading luxury event caterers, delivering exceptional food and service at weddings, private celebrations, corporate events and exclusive venues across the region.
We are passionate about creating memorable experiences through outstanding food, meticulous planning and flawless execution. Every event is different, and every detail matters.
As we continue to evolve, we are looking for an experienced and passionate Head Chef to lead our kitchen operation and help deliver exceptional events while maintaining the highest culinary and operational standards.
The Role
This is a hands-on leadership role focused on luxury off-site catering rather than restaurant service.
You will oversee every stage of food production, from menu planning and preparation through to transport, on-site execution and service. Working closely with our Directors and Events Team, you will ensure every event leaves the kitchen perfectly prepared and every client receives an exceptional dining experience.
This role requires someone who enjoys variety, thrives under pressure and takes pride in delivering consistently outstanding food in unique venues across Yorkshire.
Key Responsibilities
● Lead and inspire the kitchen team through positive leadership and coaching.
● Manage all kitchen operations for weddings, corporate events and private functions.
● Plan kitchen production schedules around multiple weekly events.
● Produce detailed prep plans and event packs.
● Ensure all food leaves the kitchen to the highest standard.
● Oversee on-site event kitchens and support chefs during service where required.
● Develop new seasonal menus alongside the Directors.
● Maintain exceptional presentation and consistency across every event.
● Manage food ordering, stock control and supplier relationships.
● Control food costs and kitchen GP.
● Ensure full compliance with Food Safety, HACCP and Health & Safety legislation.
● Recruit, train and develop chefs and kitchen assistants.
● Maintain high standards of cleanliness, organisation and professionalism.
● Continuously improve kitchen systems, efficiency and event delivery.
About You
We’re looking for someone who:
● Has experience leading a busy catering or events kitchen.
● Has a genuine passion for fresh, seasonal food.
● Is calm, organised and thrives under pressure.
● Can confidently manage multiple events simultaneously.
● Has excellent leadership and communication skills.
● Understands the logistics involved in off-site catering.
● Takes pride in mentoring and developing others.
● Has strong financial awareness and understands food GP and cost control.
● Holds a Level 3 Food Hygiene qualification (or equivalent).
● Holds a full UK driving licence.
What We Offer
● £40,000–£45,000 per annum.
● 28 days annual leave.
● Company pension.
● Staff meals whilst working.
● Ongoing professional development.
● The opportunity to help shape menus and influence the future direction of the business.
● A supportive family-run company that genuinely values its team.
● A healthier work-life balance through carefully managed event numbers and a focus on quality over quantity.
Working Pattern
The role includes weekdays, evenings and weekends in line with event schedules. Flexibility is essential, although our business focuses on delivering a smaller number of premium events rather than high-volume catering, allowing greater attention to detail and a more balanced working environment.
Our Values
At Baba Ganoush, we believe exceptional events begin with exceptional people. We are looking for a Head Chef who leads with integrity, values teamwork, embraces continuous improvement and takes pride in creating unforgettable experiences for every client.
If you’re passionate about luxury event catering and want to be part of a business that puts quality before quantity, we’d love to hear from you.
Pay: £40,000.00-£44,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company events
- Company pension
- Discounted or free food
- Employee discount
- Free parking
- On-site parking
- Store discount
Work Location: In person
