Head Chef

AJW Group; Slinfold; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discretionary bonus

Private healthcare

Relocation support

LinkedIn Learning access

Job summary

AJW Group urgently seeks a Head Chef to oversee the headquarters galley in Slinfold. You will lead a commercial kitchen, plan meals, manage procurement, and control costs while ensuring high safety and hygiene standards.

You will supervise catering staff, deliver excellent hospitality for meetings and events, and drive continuous improvements to service quality and efficiency.

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading a commercial kitchen, galley, catering, or hospitality operation.
• Level 3 HACCP and Food Safety in Catering qualification (or equivalent).
• First Aid at Work certification.

Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver breakfast, lunch, refreshments, and hospitality catering, considering dietary and allergen requirements.
• Develop varied, balanced menus to cater to the team.
• Manage food procurement, supplier relationships, and stock control.
• Monitor catering budgets and operational costs to maximize value and minimize waste.
• Maintain food safety, allergen management, and hygiene standards in line with legislation.
• Ensure adherence to health and safety procedures across galley activities.
• Supervise, support, and coordinate catering staff to uphold service standards.
• Deliver hospitality services for meetings, customer visits, and events.
• Identify improvements to enhance service quality and efficiency.

Skills

Kitchen leadership

Food safety

Budget management

Procurement & stock control

Staff supervision

Communication

First Aid at Work

Education

Level 3 HACCP & Food Safety in Catering

Tools

First Aid at Work

Job description

The Head Chef oversees the AJW headquarters galley in Slinfold, managing the provision of catering and hospitality services for employees, customers, and visitors. The galley serves as an integral part of creating a welcoming, productive, and engaging workplace environment, supporting employee well-being, and leaving a positive impression on customers and guests.

By efficiently managing the galley's operations, this role ensures the delivery of safe, reliable, and cost-effective food services that enable AJW personnel to perform effectively.

About the role

• Plan and deliver breakfast, lunch, refreshments, and hospitality catering, taking into consideration diverse dietary and allergen requirements.

• Develop varied, balanced, and practical menus to cater to the needs of our team.

• Manage food procurement activities, supplier relationships, and stock control processes efficiently.

• Monitor catering budgets and operational costs to maximize value and minimize waste.

• Maintain food safety, allergen management, and hygiene standards in compliance with legislative requirements.

• Ensure adherence to health and safety procedures across all galley activities.

• Supervise, support, and coordinate catering staff to uphold service standards and operational continuity.

• Deliver exceptional hospitality services for meetings, customer visits, and company events as needed.

• Identify and implement improvements to enhance service quality, operational efficiency, and employee experience.

About you

• Proven experience leading a commercial kitchen, galley, catering, or hospitality operation.

• Level 3 HACCP and Food Safety in Catering qualification (or equivalent).

• First Aid at Work certification.

• Strong experience managing food procurement, supplier relationships, stock control, and catering budgets.

• Demonstrated ability to deliver high-quality hospitality services for meetings, events, and visitors.

• Sound understanding of cost control, waste reduction, and operational efficiency within a catering environment.

• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced setting.

• Strong communication and relationship-building skills, with a customer-focused approach.

Why join us?

We are AJW. We connect, supply, and deliver. We’re proud to be part of an industry that connects the world.

At AJW, we’re more than just a business—we’re a global team shaping the future of aviation. We connect, supply, and deliver to keep the world moving, and we invest in the people who make it happen. When you join us, you’ll be part of an innovative, supportive, and inclusive workplace where you can grow and thrive. Here’s what we offer:

• A team fun budget to bring colleagues together.

• Free access to LinkedIn Learning to support your development.

• Opportunities to take part in charity events, volunteering, and community projects.

• A modern office with an onsite gym, bike-to-work scheme, and a great restaurant.

• A discretionary bonus and private healthcare.

• Relocation support if you're moving closer to our HQ.

Watch the video below to discover who we are, what we do, and why AJW could be the perfect place for your next career move.