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- Tasks: Create and update menus, oversee kitchen staff, and maintain high culinary standards.
- Company: Join OCS, a leading facilities management company with a commitment to excellence.
- Benefits: Full-time role with opportunities for professional development and career progression.
- Why this job: Lead a passionate team and make a real impact in the culinary world.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in food production, team management, and a Level 3 in Catering.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace that values diversity and encourages applications from all backgrounds.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Join to apply for the Head Chef role at OCS.
About The Company
OCS UK & Ireland is a leading facilities management company with over 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, and in line with client requirements.
- Overseeing the kitchen staff, providing guidance, comprehensive training, and resolving interpersonal conflicts.
- Managing inventory to ensure the kitchen stays adequately stocked with fresh ingredients and culinary necessities; adjusting dishes if ingredients are unavailable.
- Overseeing preparation and presentation of all dishes, ensuring high culinary standards, quality control, and compliance with legal and company policies and procedures; adhering to food cost budgets.
- Maintaining a safe, clean kitchen environment in accordance with company and legal requirements.
Qualifications:
- Proven and extensive experience in food production and service within contract catering, as well as team management.
- Possess a Level 3 in Catering and Hospitality or equivalent, with team management experience in the contract catering sector.
- Demonstrated leadership skills to lead, mentor and motivate a team of chefs.
- Experience building relationships with clients and staff, ensuring client expectations are met daily.
- Ability to work in a fast‑paced environment and adapt to changing demands.
Ideal Candidate:
- Right to work in the UK.
- Effective team leadership and management.
- Understanding of financial management, budgeting and cost control.
- Excellent customer service skills.
- Ability to handle varied situations and find practical solutions.
- Outstanding verbal and written communication skills.
- Good time‑management and organisational abilities.
- Competence 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, please click apply and register your interest. You can also sign up for job alerts when registering, which will notify you when 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 in Leeds employer: OCS
Contact Detail:
OCS Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef in Leeds
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the catering and hospitality industry. You never know who might have a lead on the perfect Head Chef role or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your culinary skills! If you get the chance, organise a tasting session or a demo of your cooking. This is a great way to showcase your creativity and expertise directly to potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s values and mission. OCS is all about Trust, Respect, Unity, and Empowerment, so be ready to discuss how you embody these in your work as a chef.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you can sign up for job alerts to stay updated on new opportunities that fit your skills.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Culinary Skills: When you're writing your application, make sure to highlight your experience in food production and service. We want to see how you've created menus and managed kitchens before, so don’t hold back on those tasty details!
Leadership is Key: As a Head Chef, you'll be leading a team, so let us know about your leadership style! Share examples of how you've mentored and motivated your kitchen staff in the past. We love to see teamwork in action!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your qualifications and experiences. We appreciate a well-organised application that makes it easy for us to see why you’re the right fit!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and keep track of all the amazing candidates. Plus, you can sign up for job alerts to stay updated on future opportunities!
How to prepare for a job interview at OCS
✨Know Your Ingredients
Before the interview, brush up on seasonal and local ingredients relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss how you would incorporate these into your menu planning. This shows your passion for fresh produce and your ability to adapt to client needs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a kitchen team in the past. Highlight your approach to mentoring and resolving conflicts, as this is crucial for the Head Chef role. Demonstrating your leadership skills will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Understand Financial Management
Familiarise yourself with budgeting and cost control in a kitchen setting. Be prepared to discuss how you manage inventory and ensure quality while adhering to food cost budgets. This knowledge will show that you can handle the financial aspects of the role effectively.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Since excellent communication skills are essential for this position, consider how you would explain your culinary vision and team management strategies. Good communication can set you apart from other candidates.
