Senior Kitchen Lead - High-Volume Catering & Growth

SmartRecruiters, Inc.; Northwood; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free parking on site

Free transport to local train stations

Employee Benefits app

Pension scheme

Life assurance

Generous holiday entitlement

Training and development opportunities

Apprenticeship schemes

Job summary

Aramark UK is hiring a Kitchen Lead to manage shifts, train staff, and deliver high-quality meals in a large-scale operation. You will ensure food safety, manage stock, and drive efficiency across the kitchen team.

This full-time role at Northwood HQ offers 40 hours per week, 5 days out of 7, with extensive training, benefits, and clear career progression within a supportive environment.

Qualifications

• Relevant culinary qualification and experience in high-volume catering.
• Strong leadership and team management abilities.
• Excellent organisational skills under pressure.
• Solid knowledge of food safety, allergens, and health & safety regulations.
• Experience managing stock, ordering, and food cost control.
• Hands-on approach with passion for delivering exceptional food and service.
• Strong communication and relationship-building across teams.

Responsibilities

• Run kitchen shifts and lead the team in the Head Chef's absence.
• Produce high-quality meals for up to 1,000 servings.
• Organise and support the kitchen team for smooth daily operations.
• Allocate tasks to maximise productivity and service delivery.
• Prepare and cook in line with recipe specifications and company standards.
• Maintain knowledge of all menu items and allergen information.
• Manage food production to minimise waste and maximise efficiency.
• Place orders and maintain accurate stock and wastage records.
• Receive deliveries and store correctly following FIFO procedures.
• Monitor food safety, hygiene, and health and safety standards.
• Conduct daily and weekly deep cleaning schedules with the team.
• Support training and development of team members.
• Assist with menu planning, stock control, and continuous service improvements.

Skills

Culinary qualification

High-volume catering

Leadership

Organisational skills

Food safety

Allergen management

Health and safety

Stock control

Food cost management

Hands-on approach

Communication

Education

Culinary qualification

Job description

Aramark UK is hiring a Kitchen Lead to manage shifts, train staff, and deliver high-quality meals in a large-scale operation. You will ensure food safety, manage stock, and drive efficiency across the kitchen team.

This full-time role at Northwood HQ offers 40 hours per week, 5 days out of 7, with extensive training, benefits, and clear career progression within a supportive environment.