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- Tasks: Lead a kitchen team, create nutritious menus, and ensure high food safety standards.
- Company: Lively residential activity centre in Ipswich with a focus on outdoor adventures.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holiday allowance, and live-in accommodation available.
- Why this job: Enjoy sociable hours, make a real impact on young people's experiences, and develop your culinary skills.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Head Chef or Senior Chef in high-volume catering is essential.
- Other info: Opportunities for career development and access to wellbeing support.
Full-time role at a residential activity centre, 5 days out of 7, split shifts, no late evenings, live-in available if needed.
We're 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'll 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's 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
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.
Head Chef in Ipswich 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
✨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 a lead on that perfect Head Chef role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, create a portfolio of your best dishes or even a short video showcasing your cooking techniques. This can really set you apart when you're chatting with potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios you might face as a Head Chef. Think about how you'd handle kitchen challenges or team dynamics, and be ready to share your experiences.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing passionate chefs like you taking the leap into exciting new roles.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef in Ipswich
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 high-volume catering environments, so don’t hold back!
Be Specific About Your Skills: Mention your strong knowledge of food hygiene, allergen management, and dietary requirements. We’re looking for someone who can keep our kitchen running smoothly, so let us know how you’ve done this in the past.
Keep It Organised: Just like in the kitchen, organisation is key! Make sure your application is well-structured and easy to read. This shows us that you can stay calm and organised under pressure, which is super important for this role.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of success. It’s straightforward and ensures your application gets to the right place. Plus, 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 and how they cater to different dietary needs. Be ready to discuss how you would plan menus that are not only nutritious but also appealing to children and young people.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head Chef, you'll be leading a team, so it's crucial to demonstrate your leadership style during the interview. Share specific examples of how you've successfully managed a kitchen team, trained staff, and maintained high standards under pressure.
✨Highlight Your Food Safety Knowledge
Make sure to brush up on food hygiene regulations and allergen management. Be prepared to discuss your experience with HACCP and how you ensure compliance in a busy kitchen environment. This will show that you take food safety seriously.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that put you in real-life kitchen scenarios, such as handling dietary restrictions or managing stock efficiently. Think through your responses ahead of time, focusing on how you would maintain calm and organisation while ensuring quality service.
