Lead Chef

Aramark; Watford; On-site; GBP 34,614 - 42,306; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Company pension

Generous Annual Leave

Access to PerkBox discounts

Career development opportunities

Free shuttle bus to Watford Junction

Free on-site gym

Free Nearest and Dearest tickets

30% off tickets and merch

Job summary

A leading catering company in Watford is looking for an experienced Sous Chef to join their team at the Harry Potter Studio. This full-time position offers a competitive salary and various perks including company pension, annual leave, and career development opportunities. The role requires proven culinary experience, strong leadership skills, and a commitment to high kitchen standards. You will be responsible for menu development, ensuring food quality, and leading the kitchen team.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a sous chef or senior CDP in a high-volume a la carte restaurant environment.
• Excellent culinary skills and knowledge of current food trends.
• Strong leadership and management skills with the ability to motivate and inspire a team.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Head Chef in developing menus and creating innovative dishes.
• Oversee food preparation, presentation, and delivery.
• Ensure compliance with food safety and hygiene standards.

Skills

Proven experience as a sous chef or senior CDP

Excellent culinary skills

Strong leadership and management skills

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Strong organisational skills

Experience in food preparation and recipe development

Ability to work flexible hours

Job description

Aramark UK is looking to hire an experienced Sous Chef to join our team on a full time and permanent basis on site at the Harry Potter Studio, WD25 7LP.

You will be part of a very talented and close knit team in a role that will allow you to gain brilliant exposure and develop. Come and join us on site on site at the world famous Harry Potter Studio!

Aramark provides world-class contract catering services to our extensive list of clients across the UK, including Defence and Judicial, private industry and Education. We are very lucky to have some of the best Culinary and Catering talent that the UK has to offer working within our teams.

What’s in it for you:

• We are offering a salary of up to £38,460 doe
• 5 days over 7 – weekdays and weekends with flexible working hours
• Company pension
• Generous Annual Leave, increasing in line with service and the opportunity to buy extra days
• You will have access to PerkBox – which includes 100’s of discounts, including savings on your weekly supermarket shop, weekend treats and access to online GP.
• Fantastic career development opportunities with Education and across the Aramark estate
• Free shuttle bus to Watford Junction
• Free on‑site gym
• Free Nearest and Dearest tickets
• 30% off tickets and merch

A day in the life of a Sous Chef:

• Assist the Head Chef in developing menus and creating innovative dishes that are visually appealing and delicious.
• Oversee food preparation, presentation, and delivery to ensure consistent high‑quality standards are always maintained.
• Ensure compliance with food safety and hygiene standards, completing all necessary documentation to ensure adherence to regulations and company policies.
• Monitor food inventory levels and complete food orders where required to ensure efficient kitchen operations, including stock control/counts, rotation, wastage control, and that GP targets are met.
• Be able to lead a team in all aspects of The Studio Tour, Hospitality and Events.
• Be able to lead, coach, develop and motivate the team to achieve our targets and that their professional development needs are met.
• Act as a role model for the kitchen team, leading by example and demonstrating a strong work ethic and commitment to excellence.
• Step in to oversee kitchen operations in the absence of the Head Chef.

You’ll be set up for success if you have:

• Proven experience as a sous chef or senior CDP in a high‑volume a la carte restaurant environment.
• Excellent culinary skills and knowledge of current food trends.
• Experience in food preparation and recipe development.
• Strong leadership and management skills with the ability to motivate and inspire a team.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build strong relationships with staff and the client.
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Experience in managing and developing large teams.
• Excellent time management, highly adaptable, naturally positive.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.

All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence. Aramark UK is an equal opportunities employer.