Executive Head Chef

Aramark; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Aramark UK is seeking an Executive Head Chef to oversee culinary operations at a flagship corporate dining facility in Edinburgh. This role involves leading a talented kitchen team, driving innovative menu design, and ensuring quality service for up to 1,000 meals daily. Key qualifications include experience in high-end catering with a passion for food and proven leadership skills.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Generous annual leave

Defined contribution pension plan

Employee Assistance Programme

Learning and development opportunities

Qualifications

• Experience operating as an Executive Head Chef within high-end catering, restaurant, or hotel sectors.
• Strong communication skills and ability to motivate teams.
• Knowledge of food safety regulations and sustainability practices.

Responsibilities

• Lead culinary vision and innovate workplace dining experiences.
• Manage operational food management and financial performance.
• Accountable for menu improvement and budget food subsidy.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Menu design

Job description

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Aramark UK is undergoing an exciting transformation of a high-profile corporate HQ dining facility, and we're looking for an Executive Head Chef to lead the culinary vision.

This flagship site, part of a long-term partnership with a major UK financial services organisation, is central to a broader Hybrid Working strategy. With current volumes up to 1,000 meals per day, we’re targeting a 25% increase — driven by bold, modern food concepts, excellent execution, and competitive pricing.

As the Executive Head Chef, you'll shape and deliver an innovative culinary experience that redefines workplace dining. You’ll lead a talented kitchen team, bring fresh ideas to life, and ensure outstanding quality and consistency every day.

Why You’ll Love Working with Us:

• A competitive salarythat reflects your skills and experience – with the chance to earn more through a performance-based bonus (role dependent)
• Plenty of time to recharge– generous annual leave that increases with service, plus the option to top it up through our holiday purchase scheme
• Security for your future– including a defined contribution pension plan and life assurance for extra peace of mind
• Perkbox– your one-stop perks platform: Instant access to hundreds of exclusive discounts on everything from fashion and fitness to travel and tech plus Online GP appointments, mental health support, and our Employee Assistance Programme, all in one super-convenient app
• Grow with us– take your career to the next level with extensive learning and development opportunities designed to support your personal and professional goals

What you’ll be doing:

• Support the onsite culinary teams with delivery of the global food programme
• Work closely with the UK culinary and marketing leads to develop and create wonderful food experiences
• Provide sustained, innovative, and continuous menu improvement across the locations
• Challenge the status quo to drive an outstanding provision.
• Be accountable for the implementation of schemes including new launches, new products, procedures, and menu specifications, ensuring they fit within the quality and requirements of the client
• Take ownership and accountability of operational food management and financial performance.
• Be accountable for the management and delivery of overall budget food subsidy, including GP & labour costs, providing management information for the clients.
• Develop good commercial relationships with suppliers and Aramark supply-chain management, ensuring receipt of service and quality levels required to obtain the highest financial return

What We’re Looking For:

• Experience operating as an Executive Head Chef within the high end contract catering, restaurant or hotel sectors with fine dining
• A natural passion for food, with the ability to drive strategic, innovative menu design.
• Food impact on global climate & sustainability
• Flexible and punctual, this role will require travel across locations
• Proven leadership skills, with the ability to motivate the teams around you.
• Strong communication skills, manage cross functional stakeholder relationships and drive engagement.
• Ability to plan and manage time effectively and proactively
• Clear vision for the future
• Food and Health and Safety Regulations, Allergens and Calorie Law

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.

If you require any accommodations or have any questions, please reach out to our recruitment team – [emailprotected]

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

All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.