Culinary Manager

SmartRecruiters, Inc.; Weeton; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Aramark UK is recruiting a Culinary Manager to lead the catering operation at Weeton Barracks, Preston. This role oversees multiple dining facilities, driving quality, cost control, and team performance.

You will manage food production, safety compliance, and menu delivery while developing a strong culinary team in a demanding, yet supportive environment.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a Culinary Manager or similar leadership role.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent food safety knowledge and allergen management.
• Strong kitchen organisation and operational planning skills.
• Experience managing food costs, stock control and ordering systems.
• Ability to coach and motivate a successful culinary team.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the full catering operation at Weeton Barracks, including the Officers' Mess, Warrant Officers' & Sergeants' Mess, and Junior Ranks Hub.
• Take overall responsibility for food production, quality, presentation, and menu delivery.
• Ensure all food is prepared and served to the highest standards.
• Manage food safety compliance and allergen controls across all catering areas.
• Lead, motivate, and develop the culinary team to achieve operational excellence.
• Manage stock control, ordering processes, and supplier relationships.
• Monitor food costs and budgets to ensure efficient operation.
• Drive waste reduction initiatives and maintain effective waste management processes.
• Ensure kitchen standards, hygiene standards, and legislative compliance are maintained.
• Support menu planning and service development to meet customer expectations.
• Build strong working relationships with clients, stakeholders, and operational teams.

Skills

Leadership

Food safety

Allergen mgmt

Menu planning

Budgeting

Communication

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. So, no matter what you're pursuing, a role at Aramark can help you reach your full potential.

Job Description

We are currently recruiting for an experienced and passionate Culinary Manager to lead the catering operation at Weeton Barracks, Preston. This is an exciting opportunity for a strong culinary leader to oversee a large and varied catering operation, driving food quality, team performance, and operational excellence across multiple dining facilities.

What's in it for you?

• Full-time position working 40 hours per week over 5 days out of 7
• Cost-price staff meals
• Free on-site parking
• Access to the on-site gym
• Flexible and predominantly daytime working with limited late nights
• Regular and predictable working pattern
• Free uniform provided
• Company pension scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme and online GP access
• Training and professional development opportunities
• Excellent career progression opportunities within Aramark
• A supportive and inclusive working environment

What you'll be doing

• Overseeing the full catering operation at Weeton Barracks, including the Officers' Mess, Warrant Officers' & Sergeants' Mess, and Junior Ranks Hub
• Taking overall responsibility for food production, quality, presentation, and menu delivery
• Ensuring all food is prepared and served to the highest standards
• Managing food safety compliance and allergen controls across all catering areas
• Leading, motivating, and developing the culinary team to achieve operational excellence
• Managing stock control, ordering processes, and supplier relationships
• Monitoring food costs and budgets to ensure efficient operation
• Driving waste reduction initiatives and maintaining effective waste management processes
• Ensuring kitchen standards, hygiene standards, and legislative compliance are maintained at all times
• Supporting menu planning and service development to meet customer expectations
• Building strong working relationships with clients, stakeholders, and operational teams

Qualifications

What we're looking for

• Previous experience in a Culinary Manager, Head Chef, Executive Chef, Kitchen Manager, or similar leadership role
• Strong leadership and team management skills
• Excellent food safety knowledge and understanding of allergen management
• Strong kitchen organisation and operational planning skills
• Experience managing food costs, stock control, and ordering systems
• Ability to develop, coach, and motivate a successful culinary team
• Experience with menu planning and food production management
• Strong communication and problem-solving abilities
• Ability to maintain exceptional standards within a busy operational environment
• Passion for food, customer service, and continuous improvement

Additional Requirements

• Successful candidates will be required to complete standard military vetting

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.

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]

Any offer of employment for this role 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 the clearance level associated with the role.

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

All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.