Head Chef - High-Volume Govt Catering Leader

Professional Personnel Management Ltd; Newcastle upon Tyne; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

Professional Personnel Management Ltd is seeking an experienced Head Chef (Grade K2) to lead catering operations at a Ministry of Justice site in Newcastle upon Tyne. You will manage daily culinary output, lead a kitchen team, and ensure meals meet stringent safety, nutritional, and quality standards.

With expertise in HACCP, food safety, and budgeted operations, you will navigate a secure government environment while delivering high-volume meals on time and to specification.

Qualifications

• NVQ Level 3 in Professional Cookery or Catering.
• Level 3 Food Safety and Hygiene Certificate.
• Experience as Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef in high-volume catering.
• Experience in secure government or custodial environments.
• Experience managing public sector catering budgets and supply chains.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day food preparation, cooking, and service operations, ensuring seamless execution across all daily meal services.
• Supervise, mentor, and schedule kitchen staff, fostering a collaborative, disciplined, and high-performing working culture.
• Maintain rigorous adherence to Health and Safety, Food Hygiene (HACCP), and custodial security regulations.
• Manage ordering, stock rotation, waste reduction, and inventory audits within allocated budgetary constraints.
• Deliver nutritious, appealing, and compliant menus that cater to various dietary requirements and operational guidelines.

Skills

Head Chef experience

Food safety

HACCP

Budget management

Team leadership

Education

Level 3 NVQ in Professional Cookery or Catering

Level 3 Food Safety and Hygiene Certificate

Tools

Kitchen equipment operation

Stock management software

Job description

Professional Personnel Management Ltd is seeking an experienced Head Chef (Grade K2) to lead catering operations at a Ministry of Justice site in Newcastle upon Tyne. You will manage daily culinary output, lead a kitchen team, and ensure meals meet stringent safety, nutritional, and quality standards.

With expertise in HACCP, food safety, and budgeted operations, you will navigate a secure government environment while delivering high-volume meals on time and to specification.