At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire culinary teams, develop innovative menus, and ensure top-notch dining experiences.
- Company: Join Aramark, a diverse and inclusive workplace committed to empowering all employees.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £45,000, generous leave, discounts, and health plans.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth and creativity in a fast-paced environment.
- Why this job: Shape the future of food at a vibrant university and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership skills, culinary experience, and financial acumen required.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
Are you a dynamic and innovative culinary leader ready to take your career to the next level?
We are looking for a passionate Group Head Chef to lead and inspire our culinary teams across multiple sites within the University of East London contract.
This is a high-impact role where you will shape and elevate the food offer, drive operational excellence, and deliver outstanding dining experiences for our diverse university community.
Working closely with senior stakeholders, you will combine creativity with commercial expertise to enhance food quality, maximise performance, and ensure best-in-class service delivery.
If you thrive in a fast-paced, multi-site environment and are motivated by leading teams, influencing strategy, and delivering results, we want to hear from you.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and we expect all employees and workers to share this commitment .
All roles are subject to safer recruitment checks, including references and an enhanced DBS check, in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE).
What's in it for you
- Competitive salary of up to £45,000 depending on experience
- Generous annual leave that increases 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!)
- Job Responsibilities
- Provide professional leadership for all culinary operations across the University of East London contract, ensuring food quality, consistency, and innovation align with the service level agreement.
- Develop and deliver innovative menus and food concepts, responding to market trends while meeting client expectations, brand standards, and commercial objectives.
- Ensure strong operational and financial control, including food costs, payroll, purchasing compliance, waste management, and accurate P&L forecasting.
- Maintain full compliance with food safety, hygiene, health & safety, and labour regulations, ensuring Aramark standards and nominated supplier policies are strictly followed.
- Lead, manage, and develop Senior/Head Chefs and teams, driving performance, training, succession planning, and effective workforce engagement.
- Build and maintain strong client and stakeholder relationships, supporting reviews, contract negotiations, retention, and growth opportunities.
- Oversee implementation of new products, procedures, and initiatives, managing key projects from concept through to successful delivery.
- Support regional and business objectives, including mobilisation of new contracts, HR processes, sustainability initiatives, and wider regional management support.
Key Requirements
- Strong leadership and people management skills, with proven experience managing and developing high-performing culinary teams.
- Excellent financial acumen, including experience managing budgets, controlling costs, and delivering against profit targets.
- Solid experience within catering, food services, or retail environments, ideally in a multi-site or contract setting.
- Comprehensive knowledge of food safety, hygiene, and health & safety regulations, with a minimum Level 3 Food Hygiene certification.
- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build relationships with clients, suppliers, and internal teams.
- Commercial and innovative mindset, with the ability to develop food concepts that drive customer engagement, sales, and business growth.
- About Aramark
If you are applying for this role and you already work for Aramark, you must notify your line manager before submitting your application.
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 and Forces Friendly employer, we actively encourage applications from individuals of all abilities and are dedicated to supporting employees with disabilities throughout their career journey.
We ensure our recruitment process is accessible, and reasonable adjustments are available at every stage, from application to interview and employment.
If you require any accommodations or have any questions, please reach out to our recruitment team – careers@aramark. co. uk
All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.
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Group Head Chef employer: Aramark
Aramark in Tees Valley is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture at Henry’s Café where teamwork and customer service are at the heart of everything we do. With competitive pay, free meals, and ample opportunities for career development, we ensure our employees feel valued and supported in their growth. Join us in Middlesbrough for a rewarding experience that combines meaningful work with a friendly atmosphere.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Group Head Chef
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Aramark. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Aramark
Don't be shy about reaching out to Aramark directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Group Head Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Aramark and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Aramark
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
