Head Chef - Newcastle Upon Tyne

Compass Group UK & Ireland; Newcastle upon Tyne; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading catering company is seeking an experienced Head Chef to manage the kitchen at a prestigious site in Newcastle upon Tyne. This role involves leading a team, ensuring quality food production, and managing menu planning. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in contract catering or high-volume hospitality, along with excellent leadership skills. The position offers a competitive salary and a Monday–Friday schedule, providing work-life balance.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Daytime hours, Monday to Friday

Opportunities for development and progression

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Head Chef in contract catering or high-volume hospitality.
• Strong leadership and organisational skills.
• Excellent understanding of allergens, dietary needs, and food trends.

Responsibilities

• Lead, inspire, and develop the kitchen team.
• Oversee food production ensuring quality and consistency.
• Manage menu planning focused on fresh, innovative dishes.
• Ensure compliance with food safety and company standards.
• Control stock, costs, and ordering.

Skills

Leadership

Organisational skills

Quality food passion

Understanding of allergens

Ability to work in fast-paced environment

Job description

Head Chef – Newcastle Upon Tyne

Salary: £32,050 per annum
Hours: 40 hours per week
Schedule: Monday–Friday

About the Role

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

Key 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

About You

• 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