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- Tasks: Lead a passionate kitchen team and create delicious menus while ensuring quality and efficiency.
- Company: Join Aramark UK, a diverse and inclusive workplace that values your unique contributions.
- Benefits: Enjoy free meals, parking, life assurance, generous holidays, and career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make an impact in a dynamic environment while developing your culinary skills and leadership.
- Qualifications: NVQ Levels 1 & 2 in culinary skills and a proactive attitude are essential.
- Other info: We support your growth with training, apprenticeships, and internal promotion opportunities.
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Join Our Culinary Team – Head Chef Wanted!
Location: Kidlington OX5 1RE
Job Ref: 596981
Pay: £15.00/hour
Hours: 40 hours/week. Rota: 3 days on, 3 days off
Shifts: Hours: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM (may involve working alongside detainee labour in the kitchen.)
We’re hiring a Head Chef to join our passionate team at Campsfield IRC.
You’ll be responsible for the daily operation of the kitchen, cost efficiency and production of menus in line with agreed budgets. Working with kitchen staff and enhanced prisoners.
What You’ll Do:
- Train and lead kitchen employees and enhanced inmates to use standard methodology food production technique andensure quality in final presentation of food.
- Implement any new company policy decisions and training staff accordingly. Maintainall staff records, shift opening/closing checklists and performance data.
- Developinnovative solutions in the most financially efficient way possible.
- Aggregate and communicate regional culinary and ingredient trends.
- Empower team to deliver excellence in customer service. Investigate concerns and respond to needs relating to the catering service and take corrective action.
- Fully comply with Operational Excellence fundamentals: managing waste, standard menus, recipes and ingredients through handling customer driven menus and labour standards.
- Understand end to end supply chain and procurement process and systems, ensuring only authorised suppliers are used.
What We’re Looking For:
- NVQ Levels 1 & 2 in culinary skills.
- Experience in a similar educational environment ideal.
- Proactive attitude with a willingness to learn and adapt.
- Lived in the UK for the past 5 years and have a legal right to work in the UK and must be able to pass full security vetting and DBS checks.
- Free meals on shift + free parking.
- Access to Blue Light Membership and our Employee Benefits app (online GP, Employee Assistance Scheme, discounts, supermarket savings & more).
- Life assurance, pension, generous holidays (with buy-more option).
- Internal promotion opportunities – we love to grow our own!
About Us:
At Aramark UK, we are proud to foster a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone is respected, supported, and empowered to succeed. As a Disability Confident employer, we welcome applications from individuals of all abilities and are committed to providing the necessary support throughout your career journey.
We’re also recognised as a Forces Friendly employer and hold the prestigious ERS Gold Award, reflecting our dedication to supporting the Armed Forces community.
Our recruitment process is designed to be accessible to all. We offer reasonable adjustments at every stage—from application through to interview and employment. If you require any adjustments or have questions, please don’t hesitate to contact our recruitment team at careers@aramark.co.uk.
Join us in building a workplace where everyone can reach their full potential.
Apply now and show us the unique value you bring.
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Head Chef employer: Aramark
Contact Detail:
Aramark Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Aramark UK. Understanding their values and mission will help you connect with the team and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their culinary family.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your cooking skills! Since you're applying for a Head Chef position, be ready to showcase your culinary expertise. Consider preparing a signature dish that reflects your style and creativity, and be prepared to discuss your thought process behind it during the interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current employees! If you can, reach out to someone already working at Aramark UK. They can provide insider tips on what the team is looking for and might even put in a good word for you. Plus, it shows initiative!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing applications come directly from candidates who are excited about joining us. Make sure to highlight your relevant experience and how you can contribute to the team’s success in your application.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Cooking: When you're writing your application, let your love for culinary arts shine through! Share your experiences and what drives you in the kitchen. We want to see that spark!
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant skills and experiences. Mention your NVQ qualifications and any leadership roles you've had. This helps us see how you fit into our team!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read. We appreciate clarity, especially when it comes to your culinary achievements!
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Aramark
✨Know Your Culinary Stuff
Brush up on your culinary skills and techniques, especially those related to food production and presentation. Be ready to discuss your experience with menu planning and cost efficiency, as these are key aspects of the Head Chef role.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully trained and led kitchen staff in the past. Highlight your ability to empower a team and ensure quality service, as this will demonstrate your fit for the leadership aspect of the position.
✨Understand the Bigger Picture
Familiarise yourself with the end-to-end supply chain and procurement processes. Being able to discuss how you manage waste and adhere to operational excellence will show that you understand the financial and operational responsibilities of the role.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Think about potential challenges you might face in the kitchen, especially when working with enhanced inmates. Prepare to discuss how you'd handle various situations, from managing staff performance to addressing customer service concerns.
