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- Tasks: Lead a culinary team to create exceptional dining experiences and ensure food safety standards.
- Company: Join MACK, a forward-thinking property management company with a focus on sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, free food, and parking while working in a dynamic kitchen environment.
- Other info: Fast-paced role with opportunities for growth and a commitment to diversity.
- Why this job: Elevate your culinary skills and make a real impact in diverse communities.
- Qualifications: NVQ Level 3 in Professional Cookery and strong leadership experience required.
The predicted salary is between 32240 - 32240 £ per year.
MACK is a property management company that has the vision to be the leading force in providing a diverse range of safe, inclusive, and sustainable accommodation for all. To support our accommodation services, we also operate nationwide, delivering high quality catering and laundry services. Our catering provision is built around delivering fresh, nutritious, and high-quality food services across a diverse range of sites. We pride ourselves on operational excellence, strong client partnerships, and a commitment to compliance and sustainability.
As the Head Chef, you will lead our culinary team in delivering exceptional dining experiences while ensuring the highest standards of food safety and quality. Reporting to the Restaurant Manager, with a Level 3 in Professional Cookery and strong leadership skills, you will foster a collaborative environment, oversee food production, and implement HACCP protocols. Join us to elevate our culinary offerings and drive the success of our restaurant through innovative cuisine and effective team leadership.
- Oversee the preparation and cooking of large volumes of food while maintaining consistency, portion control, and quality standards.
- Lead, motivate, and manage a team of chefs, kitchen assistants, and porters.
- Provide on-the-job training to ensure staff follow procedures and maintain high standards of food safety and hygiene.
- Monitor stock levels, forecast usage, and manage ordering to reduce waste and control costs.
- Ensure full compliance with food safety legislation, HACCP protocols, and company policies.
- Conduct regular kitchen audits and risk assessments.
- Ensure all allergen information is up to date and that special diets (e.g. gluten-free, halal, vegan) are catered for safely.
- Liaise with catering managers, clients, and service staff to coordinate service delivery.
- Ensure kitchen equipment is maintained and serviced.
- Report faults and oversee cleanliness and organisation of the kitchen.
Qualifications:
- NVQ Level 3 in Professional Cookery (or equivalent)
- Level 3 Food Safety & Hygiene Certification (essential); refresher training will be given.
- Allergen Awareness Training
- Relevant Health & Safety training (e.g. COSHH, manual handling)
- Culinary or hospitality management qualification (desirable)
- Sound knowledge of stock control, portioning, and waste reduction
- Proven experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef in a bulk or volume catering environment (e.g. hospitals, schools, prisons, large-scale events, care homes, or contract catering)
- Strong background in high-volume food production and multi-site or central kitchen operations
- Demonstrable experience in menu planning, cost control, stock management, and team leadership
- Experience managing and training kitchen brigades
- Track record of maintaining food safety standards and achieving high inspection results
This role is working 40 hours per week, over 5 days including weekends. The position requires standing for long periods, bending, lifting, and maintaining a fast-paced environment while ensuring that food safety and cleanliness are upheld at all times.
Due to legal working hour restrictions, we are unable to consider applicants who are not permitted to work these hours under UK immigration rules.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: £15.50 per hour
Expected hours: 40 per week
Discounted or free food
Free parking
Head Chef - Full Time in Leeds employer: Employer near you
Contact Detail:
Employer near you Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef - Full Time in Leeds
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the culinary world, whether it's through social media or local events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Consider hosting a pop-up event or cooking demonstration to showcase your culinary talents. This not only gets your name out there but also gives potential employers a taste of what you can bring to their kitchen.
✨Tip Number 3
Tailor your approach! When reaching out to potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience in high-volume food production and team leadership. Let them know how your skills align with their mission of providing exceptional dining experiences.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got a range of exciting opportunities waiting for talented chefs like you. Don’t miss out on the chance to join a team that values operational excellence and sustainability in catering.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef - Full Time in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Culinary Skills: When writing your application, make sure to highlight your experience in high-volume food production and any innovative dishes you've created. We want to see how you can elevate our culinary offerings!
Demonstrate Leadership Experience: As a Head Chef, you'll be leading a team, so share examples of how you've motivated and trained kitchen staff in the past. We love seeing candidates who can foster a collaborative environment.
Be Clear on Compliance: Food safety is crucial for us, so mention your knowledge of HACCP protocols and any relevant certifications. This shows us you're serious about maintaining high standards in the kitchen.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and get you into our recruitment process smoothly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Employer near you
✨Know Your Culinary Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your culinary skills and knowledge before the interview. Be ready to discuss your experience with high-volume food production, menu planning, and HACCP protocols. They’ll want to see that you can lead a kitchen effectively while maintaining food safety standards.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head Chef, you'll be managing a team, so it's crucial to demonstrate your leadership abilities. Prepare examples of how you've motivated and trained kitchen staff in the past. Highlight any successful team projects or improvements you've implemented in previous roles.
✨Understand Their Values
Familiarise yourself with MACK's commitment to sustainability and inclusivity. Think about how you can contribute to these values through your culinary practices. Be ready to share ideas on how to create diverse and nutritious menus that cater to various dietary needs.
✨Prepare Questions
Have a few thoughtful questions ready for your interviewers. Ask about their current challenges in catering services or how they measure success in their kitchens. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand if it’s the right fit for you.