Chef

SmartRecruiters, Inc.; Colchester; On-site; GBP 16,000 - 22,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free staff meals on site

Discounted parking

Company pension contributions

Life assurance

Generous holiday entitlement

Training and progression opportunities

Apprenticeship schemes available

Job summary

Aramark UK are recruiting a Chef at Colchester Institute for a Monday to Friday role with term-time only hours, offering a great work-life balance in a busy education catering environment. You will support the delivery of high-quality meals for students and staff, assist with menu planning, food ordering on a three-week cycle, and maintain hygiene and safety standards.

The role offers 35 hours weekly, 7:00am–2:30pm, with benefits including staff meals, pension contributions, paid holidays, and

Qualifications

• Experience as a Chef in catering or hospitality.
• Strong communication and customer service skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced kitchen.
• Attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Good organisational and time management.
• Positive and flexible approach to work.
• Passion for producing high-quality food.

Responsibilities

• Supporting the preparation and service of breakfast and lunch meals.
• Working closely with the Head Chefs and Kitchen Service Workers to ensure smooth daily operations.
• Assisting with menu planning and food ordering on a three-week menu cycle.
• Preparing, cooking, and presenting food to a high standard.
• Maintaining food quality, consistency, and presentation.
• Supporting stock control and food storage procedures.
• Completing relevant kitchen records and food safety documentation.
• Maintaining excellent standards of food hygiene, health & safety, and cleanliness.
• Providing excellent customer service within a busy catering environment.

Skills

Chef experience

Communication skills

Fast-paced kitchen

Attention to detail

Job description

At Aramark, we empower our people to create experiences that matter. We share a passion for hospitality, it's at the foundation of everything we do. We believe a career should develop your talents, fuel your passions, and empower your professional growth. No matter what you're pursuing, we can help you reach your full potential. Every day presents a new challenge and opportunity to discover something new about yourself.

Job Description

Aramark UK are currently recruiting for a Chef to join our team at Colchester Institute. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced chef looking for a fantastic work-life balance, with Monday to Friday working and term-time-only hours within a busy education catering environment.

As a Chef, you will play a key role in the delivery of high-quality food services, supporting the Head Chefs and Kitchen Service Workers to provide nutritious and appealing meals for students and staff.

Key responsibilities include:

• Supporting the preparation and service of breakfast and lunch meals
• Working closely with the Head Chefs and Kitchen Service Workers to ensure smooth daily operations
• Assisting with menu planning and food ordering on a three-week menu cycle
• Preparing, cooking, and presenting food to a high standard
• Maintaining food quality, consistency, and presentation
• Supporting stock control and food storage procedures
• Completing relevant kitchen records and food safety documentation
• Maintaining excellent standards of food hygiene, health & safety, and cleanliness
• Providing excellent customer service within a busy catering environment

What's in it for You?

• £18,899.72 per annum, 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday
• Working hours of 7:00am - 2:30pm
• Term-time-only role, working 36 weeks per year
• Equated pay throughout the year
• Free staff meals on site
• Discounted parking available
• Access to our Employee Benefits app: online GP, Employee Assistance Scheme, and hundreds of discounts (including supermarket savings and weekend treats)
• Company pension contributions
• Life assurance
• Generous holiday entitlement with the option to buy more
• Excellent training and development opportunities
• Apprenticeship schemes available
• Fantastic career progression opportunities, as we LOVE to promote from within
• Be part of a supportive and professional team

Qualifications

• Previous experience working as a Chef within a catering or hospitality environment
• Strong communication and customer service skills
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced kitchen
• Excellent attention to detail and commitment to quality
• Good organisational and time management skills
• Positive and flexible approach to work
• Passion for producing high-quality food

Additional Information

• Enhanced DBS check required
• Proven track record working within catering or kitchen environments
• Employment is subject to satisfactory right to work checks

At Aramark UK, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone is valued and empowered to thrive.

As a proud Disability Confident Employer, we actively encourage applications from individuals of all abilities and are dedicated to supporting employees with disabilities throughout their career journey.

We are an Armed Forces Friendly organisation and proud signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant. We welcome applications from veterans, service leavers, cadet forces adult volunteers, reservists and military families.

For roles requiring security clearance, any offer of employment will be conditional upon the successful completion and maintenance of the required level of security clearance. Applicants must meet the relevant eligibility and residency requirements applicable to that level of clearance.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and we expect all employees and workers to share this commitment. Where relevant to the role, safer recruitment checks will apply, including referencesand an enhanced DBS checkin line with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE).

Join us in fostering a workplace where everyone can achieve their full potential.

All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.