Lead Chef & Culinary Team Leader — Menu & Quality

Aramark; Horsforth; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Generous annual leave

Life assurance and pension

Benefits app

In-house events and culinary exposure

Job summary

Aramark UK is seeking an experienced Head Chef to lead our kitchen operation, overseeing all food preparation and ensuring high standards of quality, safety and service. You will manage a team of chefs and kitchen assistants, maintain stock and cost controls, and deliver an excellent customer experience in a busy environment.

You will work closely with management to drive performance, develop your team and uphold best practices in menu development and food production processes.

Qualifications

• Experience leading kitchen teams in busy catering environments.
• Strong knowledge of food safety and HACCP practices.
• Experience managing food costs and labour budgets.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all food preparation activities, ensuring quality, presentation and service standards.
• Oversee and develop a team of chefs and kitchen assistants, providing coaching and performance management.
• Ensure all food is prepared in line with approved recipes and menu specifications.
• Manage stock control, ordering, rotation and wastage to maximise efficiency and minimise costs.
• Maintain full compliance with food safety, health and safety, and company policies.
• Monitor kitchen performance, labour costs and productivity to meet targets.
• Collaborate with management to deliver exceptional customer experience and respond to feedback.
• Support business growth through menu development and continuous improvement.

Skills

Kitchen leadership

Food safety

Stock control

Cost management

Communication

Team development

Education

NVQ Level 3 in Professional Cookery

Level 3 Food Hygiene

Job description

Aramark UK is seeking an experienced Head Chef to lead our kitchen operation, overseeing all food preparation and ensuring high standards of quality, safety and service. You will manage a team of chefs and kitchen assistants, maintain stock and cost controls, and deliver an excellent customer experience in a busy environment.

You will work closely with management to drive performance, develop your team and uphold best practices in menu development and food production processes.