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- Tasks: Lead a kitchen team to create nutritious meals for adventurous young people.
- Company: Lively residential activity centre in Ipswich with a focus on outdoor fun.
- Benefits: £33,750 salary, generous holiday, and live-in accommodation available.
- Why this job: Enjoy sociable hours and make a real impact on young people's experiences.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Head Chef or Senior Chef in high-volume catering.
- Other info: Ongoing training, career development, and wellbeing support available.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 37500 £ per year.
We are recruiting a Head Chef to lead the catering operation at a lively residential activity centre in Ipswich, where children and young people take part in action-packed outdoor adventures throughout the year. From early breakfasts before activities to evening meals after full days outdoors, you will be responsible for delivering nutritious, high-quality food in a safe, organised and welcoming environment. This is a full-time, permanent role offering structured split shifts, no late evenings, and long-term stability. It is ideal for an experienced Head Chef or Senior Chef ready to take ownership of a busy kitchen, lead a team, and maintain high standards while cooking for large groups.
Why apply / What’s in it for you?
- Full-time position working 5 days out of 7 with planned split shifts
- No late evenings, supporting a healthier work-life balance
- Salary of £33,750 per year
- Generous holiday allowance, plus bank holidays and an extra day off for your birthday
- Option to purchase additional annual leave and take paid volunteering days
- Ongoing training, mentoring and clear career development pathways
- Opportunities to work across other UK or European locations
- 24/7 access to wellbeing and mental health support, including an Employee Assistance Programme
- Family-friendly policies and a contributory pension scheme
- Financial wellbeing tools allowing you to save or borrow directly from your salary
- Free or heavily discounted family breaks, plus discounts at over 800 retailers
- Live-in accommodation available, if needed
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead the kitchen team and oversee the preparation and service of nutritious, well-balanced meals
- Plan menus that meet nutritional guidelines while catering for medical, dietary and allergen requirements
- Maintain high standards of food safety, hygiene, HACCP and health & safety compliance
- Manage stock, ordering and food costs to support efficient kitchen operations
- Train, support and develop the catering team to maintain consistent standards
- Organise kitchen workflows and rotas to meet operational needs
- Contribute to continuous improvement within the catering service
- Assist with wider centre duties within a busy outdoor residential activity environment in Ipswich
What we’re looking for:
- Previous experience as a Head Chef or Senior Chef in a high-volume catering environment
- Strong knowledge of food hygiene, allergen management and dietary requirements
- Confident leadership and team management skills
- Ability to remain organised and calm under pressure
- A flexible, team-focused approach to working split shifts
- Level 3 Award in Supervising Food Safety in Catering (desirable, not essential)
If you’re ready to take the next step as a Head Chef in Ipswich, offering structure, responsibility and sociable hours within a rewarding residential setting, please apply now.
Locations
Head Chef in Ipswich, Suffolk employer: Platinum Recruitment Consultancy
Contact Detail:
Platinum Recruitment Consultancy Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef in Ipswich, Suffolk
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the place! Before your interview, check out the residential activity centre's website and social media. Familiarise yourself with their mission and values, so you can show how you fit right in.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to kitchen management and team leadership. Think about examples from your past experiences that highlight your skills as a Head Chef.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your passion! During the interview, let your enthusiasm for cooking and working with young people shine through. Share your ideas for menus or activities that could enhance the dining experience.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It shows you're keen and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef in Ipswich, Suffolk
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience: When you're writing your application, make sure to highlight your previous experience as a Head Chef or Senior Chef. We want to see how you've led teams and managed busy kitchens, so don’t hold back on those details!
Tailor Your Application: Make your application stand out by tailoring it to our specific role. Mention your knowledge of food hygiene and allergen management, and how you can contribute to our lively residential activity centre in Ipswich.
Be Yourself: We love authenticity! Let your personality shine through in your application. Share why you're passionate about cooking for large groups and how you can create a welcoming environment for our young adventurers.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Platinum Recruitment Consultancy
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with various menu options that cater to different dietary needs. Be ready to discuss how you would plan menus for large groups while considering allergens and nutritional guidelines.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a kitchen team in the past. Highlight your ability to train and develop staff, manage workflows, and maintain high standards under pressure. This role requires strong leadership, so let that shine through!
✨Demonstrate Your Organisational Skills
Think about how you would manage stock, ordering, and food costs effectively. Be prepared to discuss your strategies for keeping the kitchen running smoothly, especially during busy periods. They’ll want to see that you can keep everything organised.
✨Emphasise Your Passion for Food Safety
Since this role involves maintaining high standards of food safety and hygiene, be ready to talk about your knowledge of HACCP and allergen management. Share any relevant certifications or training you have, and express your commitment to creating a safe dining environment.
