Head Chef

Aramark; Bridgend; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Life assurance

Pension contributions

Holiday entitlement

Free meals on duty

On-site parking

Blue Light Membership

Employee discounts

Apprenticeships

Job summary

Aramark UK is seeking a Head Chef to lead a large kitchen operation at HMP Parc, Bridgend. You will manage a team, ensure high standards of food quality and safety, and maintain efficient cost controls while delivering meals for 1800+ residents and staff.

The role offers a 40-hour week, 07:00–17:00 shifts, no evenings, and a comprehensive benefits package including life assurance, pension contributions, and holiday entitlement. DBS checks and UK residency are required.

Qualifications

• NVQ Levels 1 & 2 in culinary skills.
• Experience in a similar environment.
• Proactive, can-do attitude with strong leadership.

Responsibilities

• Run the shift in the main kitchen for a large population.
• Inspire and lead the kitchen team to deliver high-quality meals daily.
• Drive menu innovation while keeping costs down and quality high.
• Train, mentor, and develop staff to build strong teams.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Culinary skills

Education

NVQ Levels 1 & 2 in culinary skills

Job description

Location: HMP Parc, Heol Hopcyn John, Bridgend CF35 6AP
Salary: £ 36094.29 (£17.29 per hour)
Contract type: Permanent, full-time, 40 hours per week, 4 days a week, alternating weekends off.
Shift times: 07:00 – 17:00 (no evenings)

Ready to lead, inspire, and create incredible food – without sacrificing your work-life balance?
Join Aramark UK as a Head Chef and take charge of a kitchen that makes a real difference. This is your chance to showcase your culinary skills, lead a talented team, and enjoy family-friendly hours – all while working for a global leader in hospitality.

Important: Due to the sector, you must have lived in the UK for the past 5 years, hold the legal right to work, and be able to pass full security vetting and DBS checks.

• Competitive pay and benefits package including life assurance, pension contributions, and generous holiday entitlement (with the option to buy more).
• A supportive, inclusive workplace where your growth matters.
• The chance to make a real impact every single day.
• Work-life balance: Permanent, full-time position, 40 hours per week, no late nights.
• Perks & Benefits: Free meals on duty, on-site parking, Blue Light Membership, and access to hundreds of discounts via our Employee Benefits app.
• Career Growth: We LOVE to promote from within! With training, development programs, and apprenticeships, your culinary journey doesn’t stop here.
• Security & Stability: Join a world-class organisation trusted across Defence, Judicial, Education, and private sectors.

What you’ll do:

• Running the shift in the main kitchen, feeding the population of 1800 plus.
• Lead and inspire your kitchen team (and enhanced inmates) to deliver exceptional food every day.
• Drive innovation while keeping costs efficient and quality high.
• Train, mentor, and develop staff – because great teams make great kitchens.
• Ensure compliance with operational standards, manage waste, and maintain top-notch food safety.
• Build strong relationships with clients and customers, making every meal memorable.

What we're looking for:

• NVQ Levels 1 & 2 in culinary skills.
• Experience in a similar environment.
• A proactive, can-do attitude and strong leadership skills.
• Ability to pass full security vetting and DBS checks (must have lived in the UK for the past 5 years).

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 and Forces Friendly 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].

All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.

If you are applying for this role and you already work for Aramark, you must notify your line manager before submitting your application.