Head Chef

Aramark; Northwood (IA); On-site; USD 56,172 - 85,595; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free on-site parking

Employee Benefits App

Life assurance

Pension contributions

Generous holiday allowance

Training and development

Career progression

Job summary

Aramark UK seeks an exceptional Head Chef to lead the Officers’ Mess at Northwood Headquarters (HA6 3HP). You will oversee a kitchen of about 10 staff, driving culinary excellence across daily dining and high‑profile events.

The role offers full-time hours, Monday–Friday, 06:00–16:00, with a comprehensive benefits package and strong career progression. You’ll report to the Catering General Manager and ensure compliance, quality and security standards.

Qualifications

• NVQ Level 1 & 2 in Culinary Skills.
• Experience in a defence or high security environment.
• UK residency for the past 3 years with the right to work in the UK and the ability to pass full security vetting.
• A clean Enhanced DBS.
• Reliable transport.

Responsibilities

• Lead, train and develop culinary and kitchen teams to deliver high‑quality food.
• Coach staff in new techniques, procedures, equipment and company standards.
• Maintain training records, performance data and operational documentation.
• Drive innovation in the most financially efficient way possible.
• Build excellent relationships with clients and stakeholders.
• Champion customer service excellence and resolve service issues proactively.
• Ensure compliance with Operational Excellence standards, food safety, procurement and supply chain processes.

Skills

Leadership

Organisation

Communication

Education

NVQ Level 1 & 2 in Culinary Skills

Job description

Aramark UK is looking for an exceptional Head Chef t to lead the Officers’ Mess at Northwood Headquarters (HA6 3HP) — a prestigious, high‑profile environment delivering hotel‑style hospitality at its finest.

This is a standout opportunity for an experienced culinary leader who thrives on quality, creativity, and events. You’ll take the reins of a talented kitchen team of around 10 chefs and kitchen staff, reporting directly to the Catering General Manager and setting the standard for excellence across daily dining and high‑profile functions.

Why this role stands out:

• Large‑scale themed Summer and Christmas Balls for 500+ guests
• Fine dining VIP events and special occasions
• Exceptional daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner services

This role genuinely allows for creativity and flair, with the freedom to innovate menus while operating within a well‑supported contract framework.

Even better, peak service hours run Monday to Friday, breakfast, and lunch, making this a rare hospitality role that truly supports work–life balance — with evenings free and event dates communicated well in advance.

The role:

As Head Chef, you’ll have full ownership of the kitchen operation, driving:

• Culinary excellence and innovation
• Budget and cost control
• Menu development that enhances both quality and sales
• You’ll empower and inspire your team to deliver outstanding service while maintaining the highest operational and compliance standards.

What we offer:

• Full-time, 40 hours per week, mainly Monday–Friday, 06:00–16:00
• Free on‑site parking
• Access to our Employee Benefits App, including online GP access and hundreds of lifestyle discounts
• A comprehensive benefits package including life assurance, pension contributions, and generous holiday allowance (with the option to buy more)
• Outstanding training, development, and apprenticeship opportunities
• Strong career progression — we are proud to promote from within

At Aramark UK, we are redefining what a career in hospitality can look like, offering balance without compromising ambition.

A day in the life:

You’ll be responsible for:

• Leading, training and developing culinary and kitchen teams to deliver consistent, high‑quality food
• Coaching staff in new techniques, procedures, equipment, and company standards
• Maintaining training records, performance data, and operational documentation
• Driving innovation in the most financially efficient way possible
• Building excellent relationships with clients and stakeholders
• Championing customer service excellence and resolving service issues proactively
• Ensuring full compliance with Operational Excellence standards, food safety, procurement, and supply chain processes.

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

• NVQ Level 1 & 2 in Culinary Skills
• Experience in a similar defence or high security environment
• A can‑do, proactive approach with a passion for learning and development
• Strong leadership, organisation, and communication skills
• A clean Enhanced DBS
• UK residency for the past 3 years, with the right to work in the UK and the ability to pass full security vetting
• Reliable transport is essential due to limited public transport

About Aramark UK

At Aramark UK, we are committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and supportive workplace where everyone can thrive. We are proud to be:

• A Disability Confident Employer
• A Forces Friendly Employer and holder of the ERS Gold Award

We ensure our recruitment process is fully accessible, with reasonable adjustments available at every stage. For support or queries, please contact [e-mail].