Head Chef

SmartRecruiters, Inc.; Northallerton; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free on-site parking

Uniform and safety footwear provided

Employee Benefits app access (GP, EAS,

Company pension contributions

Life assurance

Generous holiday entitlement

Training and development opportunities

Career progression opportunities

Supportive and professional team

Job summary

Aramark UK in Northallerton is recruiting a Head Chef to lead a professional kitchen, drive high standards, and develop a talented team. The role focuses on delivering exceptional food and hospitality services within a structured shift pattern.

You will manage daily kitchen operations, mentor staff, maintain compliance, and ensure top-quality meals for function and dining events. Attractive benefits and progression opportunities accompany this position.

Qualifications

• A recognised culinary qualification (NVQ Level 1, NVQ Level 2, or equivalent).
• Level 3 Food Safety qualification (or higher).
• Proven leadership and people management skills.
• Strong organisational and operational management capability.
• Calm and professional approach in a busy environment.
• Excellent communication and team‑building skills.

Responsibilities

• Leading the preparation and service of meals, ensuring high standards, consistency, and minimal waste.
• Delivering formal dining and hospitality services for functions, events, and distinguished visitors.
• Training, developing, and supporting your kitchen team, embedding strong standards and clear procedures.
• Maintaining food quality through recipe compliance and effective production control.
• Managing stock levels, placing orders, and maintaining kitchen documentation in line with contractual and military compliance requirements.
• Upholding food safety, hygiene, allergen management, and temperature controls with diligence and accuracy.
• Supporting daily and weekly kitchen deep-clean schedules.
• Ensuring the kitchen remains inspection‑ready at all times.
• Leading by example and fostering a positive, professional team culture.
• Driving continuous improvement across all aspects of the catering operation.

Skills

Leadership

People management

Organisational skills

Operational management

Communication

Team building

Flexibility

Continuous improvement

Customer experience focus

Education

NVQ Level 1/2

Food Safety Level 3+

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. We believe a career should develop your talents, fuel your passions, and empower your professional growth. No matter what you're pursuing, we can help you reach your full potential. Every day presents a new challenge and opportunity to discover something new about yourself.

Job Description

Northallerton, DL7 9NJ
40 hours per week, working 5 days out of 7 (including some weekends)
Structured shifts between 6:30am and 8:00pm
£35,000 per annum

Aramark UK are currently recruiting for a Head Chef to join our team in Northallerton, DL7 9NJ. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced culinary leader to take responsibility for a professional kitchen operation, driving high standards, developing a talented team, and delivering exceptional food and hospitality services.

Job Description

As Head Chef, you will have responsibility for running a professional, compliant kitchen while motivating your team to deliver outstanding food and service.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the preparation and service of meals, ensuring high standards, consistency, and minimal waste
• Delivering formal dining and hospitality services for functions, events, and distinguished visitors
• Training, developing, and supporting your kitchen team, embedding strong standards and clear procedures
• Maintaining food quality through recipe compliance and effective production control
• Managing stock levels, placing orders, and maintaining kitchen documentation in line with contractual and military compliance requirements
• Upholding food safety, hygiene, allergen management, and temperature controls with diligence and accuracy
• Supporting daily and weekly kitchen deep-clean schedules
• Ensuring the kitchen remains inspection‑ready at all times
• Leading by example and fostering a positive, professional team culture
• Driving continuous improvement across all aspects of the catering operation

What's in it for You?

• £35,000 per annum
• 40 hours per week, Working 5 days out of 7, including some weekends
• Structured shifts between 6:30am and 8:00pm
• Free on‑site parking
• Uniform and safety footwear provided
• Access to our Employee Benefits app: online GP, Employee Assistance Scheme, and hundreds of discounts (including supermarket savings and weekend treats)
• Company pension contributions
• Life assurance
• Generous holiday entitlement with the option to buy more
• Excellent training and development opportunities
• Fantastic career progression opportunities, as we LOVE to promote from within
• Be part of a supportive and professional team

Qualifications

• A recognised culinary qualification (NVQ Level 1, NVQ Level 2, or equivalent)
• Level 3 Food Safety qualification (or higher)
• Proven leadership and people management skills
• Strong organisational and operational management capability
• Calm and professional approach in a busy environment
• Excellent communication and team‑building skills
• A strong team ethic and respect for structured working environments
• Flexibility, resilience, and commitment to continuous improvement
• Passion for delivering high-quality food and exceptional customer experiences

Additional Information

• Must have been resident in the UK for the past 3 years (required for security vetting)
• Must have the legal right to work in the UK
• Must be able to pass an Enhanced DBS check
• Must be able to obtain and maintain full military security clearance

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.