Head Chef

SmartRecruiters, Inc.; Knockholt; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous annual leave

Life assurance

Pension scheme

Benefits app with discounts

Job summary

Aramark UK is seeking a Head Chef to lead one large kitchen or multiple kitchen teams, ensuring menus align with brand standards and recipes.

You will manage stock, develop innovative food offers, mentor the Food Preparation team, and drive profitability while maintaining quality across all dishes.

Join a people-first Hospitality company committed to diversity and inclusion, offering generous leave, life assurance, pension and a benefits app with discounts.

Qualifications

• NVQ Level 3 – Culinary or equivalent qualification.
• Food Production Management System training.

Responsibilities

• Oversee one large kitchen or multiple kitchen teams.
• Ensure menus are executed to brand standards and recipes.
• Manage stock flow, rotation, and food quality.
• Lead food production using best practices and Aramark standards.
• Coach and develop the Food Preparation team; conduct 1-2-1s.

Skills

Team leadership

Food production

Stock management

Menu execution

Quality control

Education

NVQ Level 3 – Culinary or equivalent

Tools

Food Production Management System

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. Hospitality excellence is brought to life by our people every day. We embrace our responsibility to our people, our communities, and our planet. While the services we provide, and the industries we serve, are extensive, we never waver from our people-first approach.

Job Description

As Head Chef, you'll be the driving force behind all food preparation activities, overseeing one large kitchen or multiple kitchen teams. You'll ensure menus are executed flawlessly, stock is managed effectively, and every dish meets Aramark's brand standards. From baking fresh breads, cakes, pastries, and seasonal specials to developing innovative food offers that delight customers and drive profitability, you'll play a key role in shaping the success of the operation.

• Generous annual leave that increases in line with service, with the opportunity to buy extra
• Life assurance and pension scheme
• Benefits app: access to 100s of discounts, free mortgage advice, cycle to work scheme, health cash plans, online GP appointments, and our Employee Assistance Programme

Key Responsibilities:

• Management of a single large kitchen or multiple kitchens with a team of Chefs and Assistants
• Ensure tasks are appropriately allocated so teams are fully utilised and food preparation activities are delivered using standard recipes and in line with Aramark brand standards
• Responsible for ensuring efficient execution and delivery of all food line products in line with the daily menus
• Prepare and bake a variety of goods including breads, cakes, scones, pastries, and seasonal items
• Maintain integrity of the standard Aramark food offer; responsible for maintaining food quality and integrity of items at all times
• Accountable for stock flow and rotation of product within the unit
• Overall accountability for the performance of the Food Preparation team, including performance monitoring (1-2-1’s) , record keeping, recruitment and development.
• Lead the team to use best practice Food Production techniques using the Aramark systems and brand standards.
• Determine the food offer from Aramark standard menu to ensure it meets customer demands and is profitable
• Work alongside central development team to develop new ideas to drive or grow business or improve efficiency as agreed with the Unit Manager/Senior Unit Manager
• Handle Food related customer complaints
• Maintain communication with all team members and third parties as required e.g. client contacts
• Ensure team meetings and daily briefings take place for all food items, necessary information and any critical updates in partnership with the Unit Manager

Qualifications

• Required: NVQ Level 3 – Culinary or equivalent
• Food Production Management System training

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.

For roles requiring security clearance, any offer of employment 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 that level of clearance.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and we expect all employees and workers to share this commitment. Where relevant to the role, safer recruitment checks will apply, including referencesand an enhanced DBS checkin line with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE).

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]

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

All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.

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