Head Chef

Putteridge Bury Conference Centre; Hitchin; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Putteridge Bury Conference Centre is seeking a Head Chef to oversee catering for events and enhance food offerings. This role involves managing a team, ensuring food safety compliance, and contributing to budget management. The position presents a unique opportunity to shape catering services at a historically rich site, with benefits including a flexible work environment and ongoing development opportunities.

Benefits

Pension

Annual leave

Free fitness classes

Gym membership

Flexible working

Development opportunities

Qualifications

• Sous Chef level experience in kitchen operations.
• Deep understanding of Food Safety, HACCP, EHO compliance, COSHH regulations.
• Experience in busy event environments (hotels, conference centers).

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a small catering team for weddings/conferences.
• Develop food offerings and manage budgets for procurement.
• Ensure high standards for food safety and compliance.

Skills

Food Safety

Cost Control

Team Management

Collaboration

Job description

Join to apply for the Head Chef role at Putteridge Bury Conference Centre

We’re seeking a Head Chef to help deliver and enhance our offering to our Commercial and Wedding Clients at the beautiful Putteridge Bury site. The ideal candidate will lead with professional expertise, knowledge, and judgment to ensure excellent service.

Putteridge Bury is currently transforming from a University Campus to a Commercial Site, making this an exciting opportunity for a Head Chef to bring their ideas and experience to a dedicated team. As part of the University, staff enjoy a good work-life balance and benefits.

The Head Chef reports to the House Services Manager and manages a small catering team to deliver high-quality food for weddings and conferences. Responsibilities include developing the food offering, recruitment, workforce planning, and operational efficiency.

The role includes responsibility for Food Safety Policy, working with the House Services Manager to maintain high standards and legislative compliance. The Head Chef will contribute to audits, staff training, and operational policies. Budget management for procurement, stock control, and wastage reduction is also key.

This position requires high visibility within the team, with evening and weekend work expected. There may be a need to work across other university areas occasionally.

What you’ll bring:

• Experience at least at Sous Chef level in kitchen operations
• Deep understanding of Food Safety, HACCP, EHO compliance, and COSHH regulations
• A collaborative approach to business development and food offering enhancement
• Experience in a busy event environment, such as a hotel, conference center, or wedding venue, with cost control skills

This role offers the chance to influence the future of Putteridge Bury and contribute your ideas to a receptive team.

For informal discussions, contact Richard Fisher, House Services Manager, at [e-mail] or 07702 618235.

Full job description and person specification are available here.

The position is based at Putteridge Bury with possible travel to other campuses.

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, including those underrepresented due to socioeconomic circumstances, B.A.M.E. backgrounds, LGBTQ+ identities, and disabled individuals. We are committed to diversity and inclusion initiatives such as the Race Equality Charter, Stonewall Diversity Champion, and Disability Confident Scheme.

The University ensures all employees are eligible to work in the UK.

Benefits include a pension, annual leave, free fitness classes, gym membership, flexible working, and development opportunities. More details are available here.

To Apply:

Visit our website at www.beds.ac.uk/jobs.

For inquiries, contact People & Culture at p&[e-mail].

Note: CVs are accepted only with a completed application form.