Head Chef

Aramark; Knockholt; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous annual leave

Life assurance and pension

Benefits app with discounts

Cycle to work scheme

Health cash plans

Online GP appointments

Employee Assistance Programme

Job summary

Aramark UK is seeking a Head Chef to lead a large kitchen operation, ensuring menus are executed flawlessly, stock is managed, and dishes meet brand standards. You will bake breads and pastries, develop innovative offers, and drive profitability while mentoring a team of chefs and assistants.

The role offers generous benefits and a focus on people-first hospitality. NVQ Level 3 – Culinary or equivalent is required, with Food Production Management System training preferred.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Manage a single large kitchen or multiple kitchens with a team of Chefs and Assistants
• Ensure tasks are allocated so teams are fully utilised and food prepared using standard recipes and brand standards
• Oversee efficient execution and delivery of all food line products in line with daily menus
• Prepare and bake breads, cakes, scones, pastries, and seasonal items
• Maintain quality and integrity of Aramark food offer at all times
• Account for stock flow and rotation of products within the unit
• Lead the Food Preparation team, including performance monitoring and development

Education

NVQ Level 3 – Culinary or equivalent

Food Production Management System training

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.