Head Chef

Platinum Recruitment Consultancy; Ipswich; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

A catering service provider is seeking a Head Chef in Ipswich to lead the kitchen team at a residential activity centre. Responsibilities include overseeing meal preparation, planning menus for dietary needs, and maintaining food safety standards. The ideal candidate will have previous experience in high-volume catering, strong leadership skills, and a focus on team collaboration. This full-time role includes supportive benefits, live-in accommodation, and ongoing training opportunities.

Benefits

Salary of £33,750 per year

Generous holiday allowance

Ongoing training and development

24/7 wellbeing support

Family-friendly policies

Live-in accommodation available

Qualifications

• Previous experience as a Head Chef or Senior Chef in high-volume catering.
• Confident leadership and team management skills.
• Strong knowledge of food hygiene, allergen management, and dietary requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead the kitchen team and oversee the preparation of meals.
• Plan menus that meet nutritional guidelines.
• Maintain high standards of food safety and compliance.

Skills

Leadership and team management

Food hygiene knowledge

Organizational skills

Ability to remain calm under pressure

Knowledge of dietary requirements

Team-focused approach

Education

Level 3 Award in Supervising Food Safety in Catering

Job description

Head Chef – Ipswich

Full‑time role (5 days out of 7) with structured split shifts, no late evenings, and live‑in accommodation available if needed.

We are recruiting a Head Chef to lead the catering operation at a lively residential activity centre. You will be responsible for delivering nutritious, high‑quality food in a safe, organized and welcoming environment, from early breakfasts before activities to dinner after full days outdoors.

Benefits

• Salary of £33,750 per year
• Generous holiday allowance, plus bank holidays and an extra day off for your birthday
• Option to purchase additional annual leave and take paid volunteering days
• Ongoing training, mentoring and clear career development pathways
• Opportunities to work across other UK or European locations
• 24/7 access to wellbeing and mental‑health support, including an Employee Assistance Programme
• Family‑friendly policies and a contributory pension scheme
• Financial wellbeing tools allowing you to save or borrow directly from your salary
• Free or heavily discounted family breaks, plus discounts at over 800 retailers
• Live‑in accommodation available, if needed

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the kitchen team and oversee the preparation and service of nutritious, well‑balanced meals
• Plan menus that meet nutritional guidelines while catering for medical, dietary and allergen requirements
• Maintain high standards of food safety, hygiene, HACCP and health & safety compliance
• Manage stock, ordering and food costs to support efficient kitchen operations
• Train, support and develop the catering team to maintain consistent standards
• Organise kitchen workflows and rotas to meet operational needs
• Contribute to continuous improvement within the catering service
• Assist with wider centre duties within a busy outdoor residential activity environment in Ipswich

What we're looking for

• Previous experience as a Head Chef or Senior Chef in a high‑volume catering environment
• Strong knowledge of food hygiene, allergen management and dietary requirements
• Confident leadership and team management skills
• Ability to remain organised and calm under pressure
• A flexible, team‑focused approach to working split shifts
• Level 3 Award in Supervising Food Safety in Catering (desirable, not essential)

Location: Ipswich