At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the kitchen team, manage food production, and ensure quality and hygiene standards.
- Company: Aramark is a global leader in food services, enriching lives across 19 countries.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, discounts, life assurance, and opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team, develop your culinary skills, and make a positive impact on students' lives.
- Qualifications: Culinary qualifications, previous Head Chef/Sous Chef experience, and a proactive attitude are essential.
- Other info: This role offers a great work-life balance with term-time hours and a supportive environment.
The predicted salary is between 28891 - 28891 £ per year.
Reach for Remarkable
Aramark UK are currently recruiting a Head Chef to join our team working in Albemarle Barracks, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE15 0RF.
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 are making a work life balance achievable whilst still working in hospitality, cultivating your culinary career with a world leading organisation. Aramark provides world‑class contract catering services to our extensive list of clients across the UK, including Defence and Judicial, private industry and Education. We are lucky to have some of the best Culinary and Catering talent that the UK has to offer working within our teams.
To be eligible for this role, due to the sector requirements: you must have been a UK resident for the past 3 years and have legal right to work in the UK and be able to pass full security vetting and DBS checks.
You must have reliable transport due to the location of the site and limited public transport.
What we offer:
- This is a full‑time position, 40 hours per week, shift pattern 5 days out of 7, predominantly Monday – Friday, 9:00 to 17:30 (weekend events several times a year), leaving your evenings free – a rarity when you work within culinary/hospitality.
- Annual salary is from £28,000 to £30,000 (dependent on experience).
- Free meals on duty, parking on‑site.
- Time off during key periods of the year (Easter, Christmas) to give a good family/work balance.
- You will have access to our Employee Benefits app (Perkbox) – which includes 100\’s of discounts, including savings on your weekly supermarket shop and weekend treats.
- We also offer a company package including life assurance, pension contributions, generous holiday entitlement with the option to buy more, and many more benefits.
- You will also be joining a talented team, with fabulous career prospect and could lead to all sorts of opportunities – we LOVE to promote from within. We are passionate about developing our people and over training and development. We also offer apprenticeship schemes, so that your learning journey can continue.
A day in the life of a Head Chef:
- Training and leading culinary and kitchen employees to use standard methodology food production technique and ensure quality in final presentation of food.
- Identifying the training needs of staff and carrying out relevant training in new procedures, methods of working or use of new equipment and cleaning products.
- Implementing any new company policy decisions and training staff accordingly. Maintaining all staff records including training records, shift opening/closing checklists and performance data. Computer literate. Multi‑tasking as well as ability to simplify the agenda for the team is essential.
- Capability to develop innovative solutions in the most financially efficient way possible.
- Develops and maintains effective client and customer rapport for mutually beneficial business relationship. Aggregates and communicates regional culinary and ingredient trends.
- Empowers team to deliver excellence in customer service. Investigates concerns and respond to needs relating to the catering service and takes corrective action.
- Full compliance with Operational Excellence fundamentals: managing waste, standard menus, recipes and ingredients through handling customer driven menus and labour standards. Understands end to end supply chain and procurement process and systems, ensures only authorised suppliers are used.
You will be set up for success if you have:
- NVQ Levels 1 & 2 in culinary skills.
- Clean Enhanced DBS.
- Experience in a similar educational environment.
- Can do attitude with a willingness to learn. Proactive in attitude.
- Lived in UK for the past 3 years and have legal right to work in the UK and be able to pass full security vetting and DBS checks.
If this role appeals to you, then apply now and show us the value you will bring.
Job Reference 622446.
If you are applying for this role and you already work for Aramark, you must notify your line manager before submitting your application.
About Aramark UK
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 disabilities throughout their career journey.
We are also recognised as a Forces Friendly employer and hold the prestigious ERS Gold Award, reflecting our dedication to supporting the Armed Forces community.
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.
Join us in fostering a workplace where everyone can achieve their full potential.
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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
Familiarise yourself with Aramark's values and mission. Understanding their commitment to customer service and quality food will help you align your experience and passion for culinary excellence with what they are looking for in a Head Chef.
✨Tip Number 2
Network within the culinary community, especially with those who have experience in educational environments. This can provide you with insights into the specific challenges and expectations of working in a school setting, which you can highlight during your discussions.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss innovative menu ideas that cater to both junior and senior school pupils. Showcasing your creativity and ability to adapt to different dietary needs will demonstrate your capability to enhance the dining experience at the High School of Dundee.
✨Tip Number 4
Be ready to talk about your experience with cost management and P&L responsibilities. Highlighting your ability to manage budgets effectively while maintaining high-quality food production will be crucial in proving your suitability for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant culinary qualifications and previous experience as a Head Chef or Sous Chef. Emphasise any experience in educational environments, as this is particularly valued by Aramark.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for food and service. Mention specific examples of how you've improved kitchen operations or developed innovative menu items in previous roles.
Highlight Leadership Skills: Since the role involves training and leading kitchen staff, be sure to include examples of your leadership experience. Discuss how you've successfully managed teams and implemented training programmes.
Showcase Your Understanding of Compliance: Demonstrate your knowledge of kitchen hygiene standards and compliance with operational excellence fundamentals. Mention any relevant certifications or training that support your understanding of these areas.
How to prepare for a job interview at Aramark
✨Showcase Your Culinary Skills
Be prepared to discuss your culinary qualifications and experience in detail. Bring examples of menus you've created or dishes you've prepared, especially those that demonstrate innovation and quality.
✨Understand the Company Culture
Research Aramark's values and mission, particularly their focus on customer service and inclusivity. Be ready to explain how your personal values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their team.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Experience
As a Head Chef, you'll be leading a team. Share specific examples of how you've trained and developed staff in previous roles, and discuss your approach to managing kitchen operations effectively.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions about handling challenges in the kitchen, such as managing costs or ensuring food safety. Think of scenarios from your past experience where you successfully navigated similar issues and be ready to share those stories.