Chef

Aramark; East Hagbourne; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hourly pay: £14.50

Full training and development

Generous annual leave

Defined contribution pension

Life assurance

Employee benefits platform

Well-being Hub

Mental health support

In-house events

Job summary

Aramark UK is hiring an experienced Chef to join the team at MRC Harwell, OX11 0RD. This is a permanent, full‑time role reporting to the Catering Manager on site, responsible for all food production across one main kitchen and supporting planned hospitality throughout the year.

The position offers a 37.5 hour week with shifts from 7am to 3pm and a pay rate of £14.50 per hour. Aramark provides full training, generous annual leave, pension and life assurance, and access to an employee benefits

Qualifications

• Experience working as a chef in a professional kitchen.
• Organised with a hands-on approach and strong work ethic.
• Passion for helping people through food and service.

Responsibilities

• Manage all cooking for breakfast and lunch; support occasional events.
• Follow Aramark standard recipes, systems and brand guidelines.
• Learn procedures and standards for kitchen tasks.
• Monitor performance and maintain records for direct reports.
• Ensure profitability and meet customer demands.
• Handle customer complaints and ensure food safety compliance.
• Report incidents and health & safety issues to Chef Manager.
• Open and close kitchen shift checklists; maintain team relations.
• Undertake relevant training as required.

Skills

Experience operating as a chef

Organised

Hands-on

Passion for people and food

Job description

Aramark UK is looking to hire an experienced and dedicated Chef to join the fantastic team at MRC Harwell, OX11 0RD.

This is an exciting, permanent, and full-time opportunity reporting to the Catering Manager on site. The role will assume responsibility for all food production across one main kitchen and support with planned ad hoc hospitality throughout the year.

Aramark provides world‑class contract catering services to an extensive list of clients across the UK, including Defence and Judicial, private industry and Education. We are lucky to have some of the best Culinary and Catering talent that the UK has to offer working within our teams.

What is in it for you:

• This is a full‑time position 37.5 hours per week, shifts range between 7 am and 3 pm, leaving your evenings free – a rarity when you work within culinary/hospitality.
• £14.50 per hour
• Full training and development opportunities
• Generous annual leave that increases in line with service, with the opportunity to buy extra days
• Defined contribution pension scheme and life assurance benefits
• Access to our employee benefits platform offering discounts at hundreds of retail and leisure providers, as well as our Well‑being Hub. This hub provides on‑demand, free access to a variety of resources, including guided meditations, workout videos, sleep aids, virtual GP appointments, and financial and mortgage advice
• Employee Assistance Programme and in‑house Mental Health Champions
• FOOD! Opportunities to attend in‑house events and try the culinary genius of our teams (we are a food business after all!)

A day in the life of a Chef:

• Management of all cooking – mainly breakfast and lunch. Occasional working lunch hospitality functions
• Food Production techniques in line with Aramark standard recipes, systems and brand standards
• Learn procedures and standards for all kitchen tasks
• Assists with performance monitoring, record keeping, for direct reports
• Determine the food offer to ensure it meets customers’ demands and is profitable
• Handle customer complaints
• Ensure complete compliance of team with food safety and health and safety legislation and in line with Aramark standards
• Report any incidents, near misses and health & safety issues to Chef Manager
• Responsible for shift opening and closing checklists
• Maintain good working relationships with all other members of the team
• Undertake relevant training as required

You will be set up for success if you have:

• Experience operating as a chef
• Organised with a hands‑on ability and strong work ethic
• Passion for people and food

If this role appeals to you, then apply now and show us the value you will bring.

Job Reference 621993

About Aramark UK

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 ensure our recruitment process is accessible, and reasonable adjustments are available at every stage, from application to interview and employment. If you require any accommodations or have any questions, please reach out to our recruitment team – [e-mail]

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