At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a kitchen team to create innovative, quality menus while managing costs.
- Company: Join Aramark UK, a leader in contract catering with a focus on hospitality excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous holiday, and access to employee discounts.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment while developing your culinary career.
- Qualifications: NVQ Levels 1 & 2 in culinary skills and experience in a similar role.
- Other info: Full-time hours with opportunities for training and career progression.
The predicted salary is between 23660 - 23660 £ per year.
Overview
Aramark UK are recruiting a Head Chef to join our team working in Vimy Officers mess Catterick Garrison DL9 3LS. You will be responsible for the kitchen operation, cost efficiency and production of innovative quality food/menus in line with agreed budgets to improve sales. Aramark UK is committed to work‑life balance while delivering hospitality excellence and supporting culinary career development within a world‑leading organisation. We provide world‑class contract catering across Defence and Judicial, private industry and education sectors.
Responsibilities
- Train and lead culinary and kitchen staff to use standard methodology for food production and ensure quality in final presentation of food.
- Identify staff training needs and conduct relevant training on new procedures, methods of working or use of new equipment and cleaning products; implement any new company policy and maintain staff records (training records, shift opening/closing checklists, performance data).
- Maintain computer literacy and multi‑task effectively; simplify team agenda as essential.
- Develop innovative solutions in the most financially efficient way possible.
- Develop and maintain effective client and customer rapport for mutually beneficial business relationships; communicate regional culinary and ingredient trends.
- Empower the team to deliver excellence in customer service; investigate concerns and take corrective action relating to the catering service.
- Ensure compliance with Operational Excellence fundamentals: managing waste, standard menus, recipes and ingredients, and labour standards; handle customer‑driven menus.
- Understand end‑to‑end supply chain and procurement processes; ensure only authorised suppliers are used.
Qualifications and eligibility
- To be eligible for this role: you must have been a UK resident for the past 3 years, have the legal right to work in the UK, and be able to pass full security vetting and DBS checks.
- Reliable transport is required due to site location and limited public transport.
- NVQ Levels 1 & 2 in culinary skills.
- Clean Enhanced DBS.
- Experience in a similar defence environment.
- Can‑do attitude with willingness to learn; proactive in attitude.
- Lived in UK for the past 3 years and ability to pass security checks.
Benefits
- Full‑time position, 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday with one weekend in three; shift between 07:30 and 16:00.
- Salary £23,660; hourly £13.00.
- Parking on‑site; access to Employee Benefits app with discounts and online GP.
- Company package including life assurance, pension contributions, generous holiday entitlement with optional extra purchase, and other benefits.
- Opportunities for career development and progression; commitment to training and apprenticeships.
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Head Chef employer: Aramark Ltd
Contact Detail:
Aramark Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the culinary world, attend industry events, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that Head Chef role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you’ve got a killer dish or innovative menu idea, create a portfolio or even a social media page dedicated to your culinary creations. This gives potential employers a taste of what you can bring to their kitchen.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culinary style. We want you to walk in with ideas on how you can enhance their menu and improve efficiency. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re the one they need!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us. Don’t miss out on the chance to join our team at Aramark UK!
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Culinary Skills: When you're writing your application, make sure to highlight your culinary experience and any innovative dishes you've created. We want to see how you can bring your unique flair to our kitchen!
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! Take the time to tailor your CV and cover letter to match the job description. Mention specific responsibilities from the role that excite you and how your experience aligns with them.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read. Use bullet points where necessary to make your skills and experiences stand out!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Aramark Ltd
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with a variety of dishes and culinary trends. Aramark UK values innovative quality food, so be ready to discuss your ideas for menus that align with their standards and budget.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head Chef, you'll be leading a team. Prepare examples of how you've trained and empowered kitchen staff in the past. Highlight your ability to identify training needs and implement new procedures effectively.
✨Demonstrate Cost Efficiency Knowledge
Be prepared to discuss how you’ve managed kitchen operations within budget constraints. Share specific strategies you’ve used to improve cost efficiency while maintaining high-quality food production.
✨Emphasise Customer Service Excellence
Aramark UK is all about delivering hospitality excellence. Think of instances where you’ve gone above and beyond for customers or resolved issues effectively. This will show your commitment to client rapport and service quality.