At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead kitchen shifts, prepare quality meals, and support your team in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join Aramark UK, a leader in redefining hospitality careers with a supportive culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous holidays, life assurance, and fantastic training opportunities.
- Other info: Diverse workplace with real career progression and a commitment to inclusivity.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by serving the next generation of British Army soldiers with great food.
- Qualifications: Culinary qualification, experience in catering, and strong organisational skills required.
The predicted salary is between 15.94 - 15.94 £ per hour.
Location: ATC Pirbright Camp, Woking, GU24 0QQ
Salary: £31,193.31 (£15.94 per hour)
Working pattern: Permanent, full-time, 37.5 hours/week | 5 days over 7 (including some weekends)
Shift pattern: Early shift 06:00 – 14:00, Late shift 11:30 – 19:30.
As a 2nd Chef at Army Training Centre Pirbright, you'll be part of a dedicated catering team serving the next generation of British Army soldiers. Working in a busy and rewarding environment, you'll help deliver quality meals that fuel recruits throughout their training, while developing your culinary skills within a professional and supportive team.
Why this role is special
At ATC Pirbright, you’ll help lead a high performing kitchen where pace, teamwork, and creativity come together. You’ll take charge of daily operations when the Head Chef is offsite, producing meals and keeping service running smoothly. Organisation, calmness under pressure, and a passion for great food are key in a high-performing kitchen.
Security Requirements
- Have lived in the UK for the past 3 years
- Have the legal right to work in the UK
- Be able to pass full security vetting and an enhanced DBS check
Benefits
- Free uniform and on-site parking
- 2 weeks leave during Christmas period, and 2 weeks leave during summer period
- Access to our Employee Benefits app: online GP, EAP, supermarket, and retail discounts
- Life assurance, pension contributions, generous holidays (with the option to buy more!)
- Fantastic training and development, including apprenticeships
- A culture that promotes from within — real career progression awaits
What you’ll do:
- Lead kitchen shifts in the Head Chef’s absence
- Motivate, organise, and support the wider team to deliver smooth, efficient service
- Prepare dishes to spec with full understanding of menu and allergen requirements
- Manage production levels, minimise waste, place orders, and maintain accurate stock records
- Receive and store deliveries using FIFO standards
- Champion high cleaning and hygiene standards through regular deep cleans
- Ensure staff are trained, confident, and set up to shine in their roles
You’ll thrive here if you have:
- UK resident for the past 3 years
- Legal right to work in the UK
- A relevant culinary qualification
- Experience in industrial catering
- Ability to handle food costings and ensure budgets are met
- Strong organisational skills and the ability to perform under pressure
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 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.
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.
2nd Chef in Woking 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 2nd Chef in Woking
✨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 2nd Chef in Woking
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!
