Head Chef

SmartRecruiters, Inc.; Leconfield; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company pension

Life assurance

Employee Assistance Programme

Online GP access

Generous holiday entitlement

Training and development opportunities

Apprenticeship schemes

Career progression

Supportive work environment

Lead culinary team

Job summary

Aramark UK is recruiting an experienced Head Chef to lead a busy kitchen at DST Leconfield. You will drive high standards, develop a talented team and own day-to-day operations.

With 40 hours per week across 5 days, you’ll manage food safety, stock, costs and menu planning while delivering exceptional meals in a client-focused environment.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership and team development experience.
• Strong knowledge of food safety and allergen management.
• Experience managing stock, food costs and kitchen budgets.
• Ability to lead under pressure in a busy environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day operation of the kitchen.
• Develop culinary team to deliver high-quality meals.
• Plan, prepare and deliver meals to client/company standards.
• Monitor food production, presentation and portions.
• Ensure food safety, allergens and health & safety compliance.
• Manage stock, orders and supplier relationships.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities and drive efficiency.
• Maintain kitchen standards, cleanliness and organisation.
• Support menu planning and innovation.
• Coach and manage the team’s performance and training.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Culinary knowledge

Food safety

Allergen management

Health & safety

Stock management

Budgeting

Communication

Pressure handling

Education

Experience as Head Chef or Kitchen Manager

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.

We are currently recruiting for an experienced and passionate Head Chef to join our team at DST Leconfield. This is an exciting opportunity for a culinary professional with strong leadership skills who is looking to take ownership of a busy kitchen operation, drive high standards, and develop a talented team.

What's in it for you

• Full-time position working 40 hours per week
• Flexible working pattern across 5 days over 7
• Company pension scheme
• Life assurance
• Employee Assistance Programme and online GP access
• Generous holiday entitlement with the option to buy additional leave
• Training and development opportunities
• Apprenticeship schemes to support your career progression
• Excellent career prospects within Aramark, as we love to promote from within
• A supportive and inclusive working environment
• Opportunity to lead and develop a successful culinary team

What you'll be doing

• Leading the day-to-day operation of the kitchen
• Managing and developing the culinary team to deliver exceptional food and service
• Planning, preparing, and delivering high-quality meals in line with client and company expectations
• Managing food production, presentation, and portion control
• Ensuring all food safety, allergen, and health & safety requirements are met
• Managing stock control, ordering, and supplier relationships
• Monitoring food costs and identifying opportunities to improve efficiency
• Maintaining excellent kitchen standards, cleanliness, and organisation
• Supporting menu planning and innovation
• Conducting team training, coaching, and performance management
• Minimising food waste and driving continuous improvement within the operation

Qualifications

• Previous experience as a Head Chef, Kitchen Manager, or Senior Sous Chef
• Strong leadership and team management skills
• Excellent culinary knowledge and passion for high-quality food
• Good understanding of food safety, allergen management, and health & safety legislation
• Experience managing stock, food costs, and kitchen budgets
• Strong organisational and communication skills
• Ability to work effectively under pressure in a busy environment
• A proactive and hands-on approach to leadership
• Relevant food hygiene qualifications are desirable
• UK residency for the past 3 years & ability to pass security vetting and DBS checks

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

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.

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]

Any offer of employment for this role 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 the clearance level associated with the role.

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

All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.