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From casual workers to our senior leadership team, we are passionate about our people and culture. We proudly support the Greater Manchester Good Employment Charter as a Real Living Wage employer.
The Culinary Director is the senior culinary leader for EVSL, setting and delivering the overall food vision across the Etihad Campus — including Etihad Stadium, Co-op Live Arena, CFA, JOIE Stadium, restaurants, within the Medlock Square as well as the wider Conference and Events portfolio across the campus.
The role combines creative leadership, operational collaboration, and commercial acumen to ensure that every food offer — from high-volume general admission to premium dining and destination restaurants — is executed to the highest standards.
While day-to-day culinary operations are led by Executive Head Chef Directors reporting directly into their respective Venue F&B Directors, the Culinary Director provides dotted-line leadership for technical, creative, and strategic culinary direction, ensuring consistency, innovation, and excellence across all sites.
As a key member of the campus leadership team, the Culinary Director will shape and evolve the culinary identity of EVSL, driving innovation, consistency, and profitability while embedding a high-performance, values-led culture across the culinary network.
Key Responsibilities
- Culinary Strategy & Innovation – Define and deliver a campus-wide culinary vision, driving innovative, trend-led concepts while balancing creativity with commercial viability across multiple formats and audiences.
- Sustainability & Standards – Lead the sustainability agenda (waste reduction, ethical sourcing, plant-forward menus) and implement scalable systems to ensure consistency as the operation grows.
- Culinary Leadership & Oversight – Provide strategic guidance to Executive Head Chef Directors, ensuring high standards of food quality, presentation, and innovation across all venues.
- Commercial & Financial Performance – Support revenue, cost control, and menu engineering, using data and insights to drive profitability and operational efficiency.
- Talent & Culture – Develop and coach culinary leaders, fostering a high-performance culture focused on creativity, accountability, and collaboration across the campus.
- Guest & Client Experience – Shape food offerings to meet premium guest expectations, supporting showcases, activations, and continuous improvement through feedback.
- Stakeholder & Partnership Management – Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders (CFG, OVG, suppliers, partners) to align culinary strategy with wider business objectives.
- Innovation & Industry Leadership – Act as a culinary ambassador, driving innovation, building partnerships (including guest chefs), and representing the function at senior level.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
- Proven experience as a senior culinary leader (Culinary Director, Exec Chef, or Multi-Site Head Chef) within large-scale, multi-venue or high-volume hospitality environments.
- Experience working across both large-scale live entertainment venues (stadium/arena) and premium dining operations.
- Track record of developing innovative food concepts and delivering them at scale.
- Deep knowledge of food safety, HACCP, and allergen management.
- Strong commercial understanding with experience managing multi-million-pound food operations.
- Demonstrated ability to influence through dotted-line leadership across complex structures.
- Creative and commercially minded food leader with the ability to balance vision and delivery.
- Excellent communicator, able to influence senior leaders and inspire culinary professionals across multiple teams.
- Highly organised with strong planning, coordination, and project management skills.
- Collaborative and inclusive, with the ability to lead through influence rather than direct line management.
- Resilient, adaptable, and thrives in a fast-paced, event-driven environment.
- Passionate about sustainability, provenance, and continuous culinary innovation.
- Flexible to work evenings and weekends to support events.
Benefits
Meals on Shifts – Enjoy lunch & dinner while you work.
Company Pension Scheme – Secure your future with our competitive pension plan.
Birthday Day Off– Enjoy an extra day off to celebrate your birthday.
Inclusive & Diverse Workplace – Be part of a team that values diversity and inclusion.
On-Site Parking – Parking available at site locations.
Career Development Opportunities – Grow with us through learning, progression, and internal opportunities.
Competitive Holiday Allowance – plus bank holidays.
On-Site Parking – Parking available at site locations.
Career Development Opportunities – Grow with us through learning, progression, and internal opportunities.
Competitive Holiday Allowance – plus bank holidays.
About Eastlands Venue Services Limited
Eastlands Venue Services Limited is a joint venture between City Football Group (CFG) and Oak View Group (OVG).
We deliver high-quality catering and hospitality services year-round across the Etihad Stadium and Co-op Live, supporting events for Manchester City Football Club and some of the biggest names in entertainment.
With a growing team of over 100 permanent staff and around 3,000 casual workers, through teamwork, innovation and excellence, we support 150 + live events annually.
The Etihad Campus is evolving into a world-class entertainment destination, creating exciting new opportunities – and we’d love for you to be part of our team!
To apply for this job please visit eastlandsvsl.pinpointhq.com.
