Lead Chef

Aramark; Watford; Hybrid; GBP 23,000 - 38,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension

Annual Leave

PerkBox

Shuttle bus

On-site gym

Ticket discounts

Career development

Job summary

Aramark UK is looking to hire an experienced Sous Chef to join our team on a full-time, permanent basis on site at the Harry Potter Studio in Watford. You will be part of a talented, close-knit kitchen team delivering high-quality food for tours and events.

You'll oversee food preparation, menu development, and ensure compliance with food safety standards, while leading and developing a large kitchen team. The role requires flexibility for evenings and weekends and offers benefits including

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a sous chef or senior CDP in a high-volume al a 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

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 Lead 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 al a 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.

At Aramark UK, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone is valued and empowered to thrive. As a proud Disability Confident and Forces Friendly employer, we actively encourage applications from individuals of all abilities and are dedicated to supporting employees with disabilities throughout their career journey.

We ensure our recruitment process is accessible, and reasonable adjustments are available at every stage, from application to interview and employment. If you require any accommodations or have any questions, please reach out to our recruitment team – [e-mail]

All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.

If you are applying for this role and you already work for Aramark, you must notify your line manager before submitting your application.