Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Create and update menus, oversee kitchen staff, and maintain high culinary standards.
- Company: Join OCS UK & Ireland, a leading facilities management company with a strong commitment to values.
- Benefits: Enjoy a Monday to Friday schedule, professional development, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Lead a passionate team and make a real impact in the culinary world.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in contract catering and team management is essential.
- Other info: We celebrate diversity and encourage applications from all backgrounds.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
About The Company
OCS UK & Ireland is a leading facilities management company with 50,000+ colleagues and a turnover in excess of £2bn. We deliver innovative, award-winning services within facilities management, hard services, cleaning, security and catering. Our mission is to make people and places the best they can be for our colleagues, customers and the communities we serve. Our commitment to doing business the right way is rooted in our TRUE values - Trust, Respect, Unity, and Empowerment.
About The Role
Days of Working: Monday - Friday 06:30am - 15:00pm
Responsibilities:
- Creating and updating menus in accordance with seasonal and local ingredients, as well as being in line with clients’ requirements.
- Overseeing the kitchen staff, providing guidance, comprehensive training, and resolving any interpersonal conflicts that might arise.
- Managing the inventory by ensuring that the kitchen remains adequately stocked with fresh ingredients and culinary necessities.
- Changing dishes should certain ingredients not be available.
- Overseeing the preparation and presentation of all dishes, ensuring high culinary standards and quality control, ensuring legal and company policies and procedures are met.
- Adhering to food costs to ensure budgets are maintained.
- Maintaining a safe and clean kitchen environment in accordance with company and legal requirements.
What We’re Looking For:
- Proven and extensive experience in the production of food and service within contract catering as well as teams’ management.
- Possess a Level 3 in Catering and Hospitality or equivalent, as well as Team Management experience within the Contract Catering sector.
- Proven leadership skills, with the ability to lead, mentor, and motivate a team of chefs.
- Experience in building relationships with clients and staff, ensuring that the client’s expectations are met every day.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and adapt to changing demands.
Ideal Candidate Criteria:
- Must have the Right to Work in the UK.
- Demonstrate the ability to lead and manage teams effectively.
- Understand financial management, budgeting, and cost control.
- Excellent customer service skills are essential.
- Ability to handle varied situations and find practical solutions.
- Outstanding verbal and written communication skills.
- Good time-management and organisational abilities.
- Competent with Microsoft Office tools, especially Excel.
How to Apply:
If you are interested in joining a business that encourages professional development, career progression and the chance to work with inspirational people then please click apply and register your interest! You can also sign up to our job alerts when registering which will notify you when other suitable vacancies are available.
We are an equal opportunities employer and rely on a diverse workforce with a broad range of knowledge, skills, and backgrounds to deliver our goals. We offer an inclusive and welcoming environment and actively encourage applications from all individuals regardless of race, gender, nationality, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or age.
Head Chef employer: Manchester Arndale
Contact Detail:
Manchester Arndale Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the catering and hospitality industry. Attend events, join online forums, or even pop into local restaurants to chat with chefs. You never know who might have a lead on that Head Chef position!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, create a portfolio showcasing your best dishes and menu designs. A visual representation of your culinary prowess can really set you apart from the competition when you're chatting with potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to team management and client relationships. Think about specific examples from your experience that highlight your leadership skills and ability to adapt in a fast-paced environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, signing up for job alerts means you’ll be the first to know about new opportunities that fit your skills and experience.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Culinary Skills: When you're writing your application, make sure to highlight your experience in creating and updating menus. We want to see how you can use seasonal and local ingredients to impress clients and keep things fresh!
Leadership is Key: Don’t forget to mention your leadership skills! We’re looking for someone who can guide and motivate a team of chefs, so share examples of how you've successfully managed kitchen staff and resolved conflicts.
Budgeting Know-How: Since managing food costs is crucial, be sure to include any experience you have with financial management and budgeting. Show us how you’ve kept costs in check while maintaining high culinary standards.
Keep It Clean and Safe: We take hygiene seriously, so make sure to mention your commitment to maintaining a clean and safe kitchen environment. Share any relevant practices or protocols you follow to ensure compliance with legal and company standards.
How to prepare for a job interview at Manchester Arndale
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with seasonal and local ingredients that are relevant to the role. Be prepared to discuss how you would incorporate these into your menu planning, as well as any creative ideas you have for dishes that align with client requirements.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led and mentored kitchen teams in the past. Think about specific challenges you've faced and how you resolved interpersonal conflicts, as this will demonstrate your ability to manage a team effectively.
✨Understand Financial Management
Brush up on your knowledge of budgeting and cost control in a kitchen environment. Be ready to discuss how you’ve managed food costs in previous roles and how you ensure that quality is maintained while staying within budget.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Since outstanding verbal and written communication skills are essential, consider preparing a few key points about your experience and how you can meet client expectations, ensuring you convey your passion for culinary excellence.
