Head Chef - R164 in Leeds

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.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the preparation and cooking of large volumes of food while maintaining consistency, portion control, and quality standards, ensure food presentation and taste meet company expectations.
• 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. Respond to feedback and adjust operations accordingly.
• Ensure kitchen equipment is maintained and serviced. Report faults and oversee cleanliness and organisation of the kitchen.

Qualifications Required

• NVQ Level 3 in Professional Cookery (or equivalent)
• Level 3 Food Safety & Hygiene Certification (essential) refresher training will be given.
• HACCP certification (preferred)
• Allergen Awareness Training
• Relevant Health & Safety training (e.g. COSHH, manual handling)
• Culinary or hospitality management qualification (desirable)

Skills and Experience Required

• Excellent leadership and team management skills
• Strong organisational and time-management abilities
• Sound knowledge of stock control, portioning, and waste reduction
• High standards of cleanliness and attention to detail
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to stay calm under pressure and meet tight deadlines
• IT literacy (for menu systems, stock control, compliance reporting, etc.)
• Flexibility and problem-solving mindset
• 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
• Experience working with specialist diets and allergens

Other Considerations

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.

Please note: This role requires a fixed working pattern of more than 20 hours per week. Due to legal working hour restrictions, we are unable to consider applicants who are not permitted to work these hours under UK immigration rules.

It is important to MACK that all employees are aligned with the values of the company as follows:

• Do the right thing

• Put our customers first
• Stand up for safety every day
• Be respectful, supporting, and caring
• Recognise and celebrate achievements

• Collaborate to find solutions
• Embrace the power and opportunity of diversity
• Generate options to maximise sustainability
• Commit to continuously improving

• Take personal ownership for delivery
• Be bold and act with passion and purpose
• Focus on progress towards outcomes
• See it through!

MACK is committed to cultivating a diverse and inclusive workforce. We aim for our workforce to be truly representative of all sections of society, and for each employee to feel safe, respected and able to achieve their potential.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: £15.50 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• Discounted or free food
• Free parking

Application question(s):

• Do you currently have the legal right to work the full contracted hours for this role without restriction (e.g. not limited to 20 hours per week)?
• NVQ level 3 in Professional Cookery (or equivalent)
• Level 3 Food Safety and Hygiene Certification (essential)

Experience:

• Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef: 1 year (required)

Work authorisation:

• United Kingdom (required)

Work Location: In person

Reference ID: HR/PER/R164