Head Chef

At Aramark we empower our people to create experiences that matter.
We share a passion for hospitality, it’s at the foundation of everything we do. Hospitality excellence is brought to life by our people every day. We embrace our responsibility to our people, our communities, and our planet. While the services we provide, and the industries we serve, are extensive, we never waver from our people-first approach.

We're looking for an experienced Head Chef to lead our kitchen operation, overseeing all food preparation activities and ensuring consistently high standards of food quality, safety and service. You'll manage and develop a team of chefs and kitchen assistants, maintain stock and cost controls, and ensure the successful delivery of our food offer in a busy environment.

Working closely with the management team, you'll play a key role in driving operational performance, developing your team and delivering an excellent customer experience. This role would suit a hands‑on leader with strong culinary expertise, commercial awareness and a passion for maintaining high standards.

What's in it for you:

• Competitive salary of £35,000 depending on experience
• Generous annual leave that increase in line with service, with the opportunity to buy extra
• Life assurance and pension scheme
• Benefits app: access to 100s of discounts, free mortgage advice, cycle to work scheme, health cash plans, online GP appointments, and our Employee Assistance Programme
• FOOD! Opportunities to attend in-house events and try the culinary genius of our teams (we are a food business after all!)

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage all food preparation activities, ensuring consistent quality, presentation and service standards.
• Oversee and develop a team of chefs and kitchen assistants, providing coaching, training and performance management.
• Ensure all food is prepared in line with approved recipes, menu specifications and company standards.
• 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 and procedures.
• Monitor kitchen performance, labour costs and productivity to achieve operational and financial targets.
• Work closely with management teams to deliver an exceptional customer experience and respond effectively to feedback.
• Support business growth through menu development, continuous improvement initiatives and implementation of best practice food production processes.

Key Requirements:

• Proven experience leading and developing kitchen teams within a busy catering, hospitality or food service environment.
• Strong knowledge of food preparation, food safety, stock control and kitchen operations
• Commercial awareness, with experience managing food costs, labour budgets and reducing wastage.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills, with the ability to motivate and develop high‑performing teams.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced environment while maintaining high standards of quality, compliance and customer service.
• Work closely with management teams to deliver an exceptional customer experience and respond effectively to feedback.
• Support business growth through menu development, continuous improvement initiatives and implementation of best practice food production processes.

• NVQ Level 3 in Professional Cookery (or equivalent) and Level 3 Food Hygiene certification

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 Employer, we actively encourage applications from individuals of all abilities and are dedicated to supporting employees with…