Chef Manager

SmartRecruiters, Inc.; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

£19.16/hour

Annual performance bonus

Free meals

Parking

Staff discounts

Pension

Holiday entitlement

Job summary

Aramark UK is recruiting a Chef Manager to lead the on-site catering team at Charles River Laboratories, Tranent. You will oversee culinary and operational delivery, ensure exceptional food safety and quality, and manage costs to meet budgets.

The role is full-time, 40 hours weekly, with benefits including free meals, parking, and a performance bonus. DBS checks and security vetting are required.

Qualifications

• Experience as Chef Manager, Head Chef, or Catering Manager.
• Able to pass client security vetting and DBS checks.
• Proven track record in cost control and budgeting.

Responsibilities

• Plan, prepare, and oversee production of high-quality meals.
• Develop innovative menus meeting client dietary needs.
• Ensure food presented to the highest standards.
• Monitor waste and optimize portion control.
• Manage day-to-day catering operations and service delivery.
• Produce weekly/monthly financial reports.

Skills

Chef leadership

Menu planning

Food safety HACCP

Budgeting & cost control

Staff management

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. Hospitality excellence is brought to life by our people every day. We embrace our responsibility to our people, our communities, and our planet. While the services we provide, and the industries we serve, are extensive, we never waver from our people-first approach.

Job Description

Aramark UK are currently recruiting a Chef Manager to lead our team working at Charles River Laboratories, Tranent

As Chef Manager you will be responsible for both the culinary and operational management of the catering service. Working alongside an excellent team you will manage and deliver a high-quality catering service within a contract catering environment, ensuring excellent food standards, customer satisfaction, financial performance, and compliance with all food safety and health & safety regulations.

Aramark UK are making a work life balance achievable whilst still working in hospitality, cultivating your culinary career with a world leading organisation. Aramark provides world-class contract catering services to our extensive list of clients across the UK, including Defence and Judicial, private industry and Education. We are very lucky to have some of the best Culinary and Catering talent that the UK has to offer working within our teams.

What we offer:

• This is a Full time position, £19.16 per hour, (£40,000 per year) 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday 6.30am to 3.00pm, leaving your evenings free - a rarity when you work within culinary!
• Eligible for an annual performance-related bonus
• Free meals and ample parking
• You will have access to MyStaffShop - which includes 100's of discounts, including savings on your weekly supermarket shop and weekend treats!
• We also offer a company package including life assurance, pension contributions, generous holiday entitlement with the option to buy more, and many more perks!

A day in the life of a Chef Manager:

• Plan, prepare, and oversee the production of high-quality meals and refreshments.
• Develop innovative and seasonal menus that meet client requirements and dietary needs.
• Ensure food is presented to the highest standards.
• Monitor portion control and minimize food waste.
• Maintain consistent quality, taste, and service standards.
• Manage the day-to-day catering operation and ensure smooth service delivery.
• Ensure all catering activities are delivered in line with company policies and contractual obligations.
• Manage food, beverage, and labour costs to achieve budget targets.
• Control purchasing and stock management processes.
• Monitor sales performance and identify opportunities to increase revenue.
• Produce weekly and monthly financial reports as required.

Managing Food safety and staff development:

• Recruit, train, supervise, and develop catering staff.
• Conduct performance reviews and support employee development.
• Manage staff rotas, attendance, and holiday planning.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients and customers.
• Respond professionally to customer feedback and complaints.
• Ensure high levels of customer satisfaction through excellent service delivery.
• Support hospitality and special event catering requirements.
• Ensure full compliance with food safety legislation, HACCP procedures, allergen management and company standards.

You’ll be set up for success if you have:

• Must be able to pass client specific security vetting and DBS checks
• Previous experience as a Chef Manager, Head Chef, or Catering Manager.

Additional Information

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).

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 adjustments 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.

All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.