Head Chef - Hatfield

Eurest UK; Hatfield; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading contract catering company is seeking an experienced Head Chef for their site in Hatfield. The role involves leading the kitchen team, ensuring high quality and consistency of food production, and managing menu planning focused on fresh ingredients. This position offers daytime hours from Monday to Friday, promising a great work-life balance. Candidates should have a proven background in contract catering or high-volume hospitality and a passion for quality food and service.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Opportunities for development and progression

Daytime hours, Monday to Friday

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Head Chef in contract catering or high-volume hospitality.
• Strong leadership and organisational skills are essential.
• Passion for quality food and great service is required.
• Excellent understanding of allergens, dietary needs, and modern food trends is necessary.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead, inspire, and develop the kitchen team.
• Oversee all food production ensuring high standards of quality, consistency, and presentation.
• Manage menu planning with a focus on fresh, seasonal, and innovative dishes.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, health & safety, and company standards.
• Control stock, costs, and ordering.
• Deliver exceptional catering and hospitality services.

Skills

Leadership skills

Organisational skills

Quality food understanding

Fast-paced environment adaptability

Job description

We are looking for an experienced and passionate Head Chef to lead our kitchen team at our prestigious contract catering site at Eisai in Hatfield, working on behalf of Eurest. This is a Monday‑Friday role with no late evenings or weekends, offering a great work‑life balance.

Responsibilities

• Lead, inspire, and develop the kitchen team
• Oversee all food production ensuring high standards of quality, consistency, and presentation
• Manage menu planning with a focus on fresh, seasonal, and innovative dishes
• Ensure full compliance with food safety, health & safety, and company standards
• Control stock, costs, and ordering
• Deliver exceptional catering and hospitality services for daily service and events

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Head Chef in contract catering or high-volume hospitality
• Strong leadership and organisational skills
• A passion for quality food and great service
• Excellent understanding of allergens, dietary needs, and modern food trends
• Ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced environment

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Daytime hours, Monday to Friday
• Opportunities for development and progression within Eurest/Compass Group