Head Chef

Head Chef (Grade K2)

Site

Location:

Preston - PR1

Job Title:

Head Chef 1 - Grade K2

Sector:
Catering Operations / Public Sector Government Facility

Pay rate: £20.17 per hour (including holiday)

Job Overview

We are seeking an experienced, dynamic, and resilient Head Chef (Grade K2) to lead catering operations at a Ministry of Justice site. In this pivotal role, you will be responsible for the efficient, safe, and high-standard delivery of catering services within a unique environment.

You will manage the daily culinary output, lead a dedicated kitchen team, maintain strict compliance with food safety and security protocols, and ensure that meals are delivered consistently, on time, and to a high nutritional and qualitative standard.

Key Responsibilities & Daily Activities

Kitchen Management:
Oversee day-to-day food preparation, cooking, and service operations, ensuring seamless execution across all daily meal services.

Team Leadership:
Supervise, mentor, and schedule kitchen staff, fostering a collaborative, disciplined, and high-performing working culture.

Compliance & Standards:
Maintain rigorous adherence to Health and Safety, Food Hygiene (HACCP), and custodial security regulations.

Stock & Inventory Control:
Manage ordering, stock rotation, waste reduction, and inventory audits within allocated budgetary constraints.

Menu Planning:
Deliver nutritious, appealing, and compliant menus that cater to various dietary requirements and operational guidelines.

Essential &

Desirable Requirements

Level 3 NVQ (or equivalent) in Professional Cookery or Catering.

Level 3 Food Safety and Hygiene Certificate.

Proven experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef in a high-volume, high-pressure catering environment (e.g., hospitality, large-scale institutional catering, or public sector).

Strong understanding of HACCP and kitchen compliance systems.

Experience working within secure, government, defence, or custodial environments.

Previous experience managing public sector catering budgets and supply chains.

Systems, Equipment & Processes

Kitchen Equipment:
Proficiency in operating industrial catering equipment (combi ovens, large-scale mixers, commercial dishwashers, and bulk cooking vessels).

Processes:
Full working knowledge of HACCP documentation, stock management software, and security protocols associated with working on a Ministry of Justice estate.

Key Challenges & Deliverables

Volume & Consistency:
Successfully managing large-scale meal production without compromising on quality or strict operational timelines.

Security & Compliance:
Navigating the unique security protocols of a Ministry of Justice site while maintaining a smooth and efficient kitchen workflow.

Team Development:
Driving staff engagement, retention, and continuous improvement within the kitchen team.

Personal Attributes & Working Environment

Resilience & Composure:
Ability to stay calm under pressure and lead effectively in a fast-paced environment.

Leadership & Communication:
Clear, authoritative yet supportive communication style to motivate a diverse team.

Attention to Detail:
Uncompromising commitment to cleanliness, safety, food standards, and security compliance.

To apply please email (url removed) or call Tad on (phone number removed)