At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead food production, develop menus, and manage a dynamic kitchen team.
- Company: Major food operation with diverse catering services across multiple venues.
- Benefits: 38 days holiday, competitive salary, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Opportunity to shape a large-scale food operation and influence food trends.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on food quality and innovation in a vibrant environment.
- Qualifications: 2+ years in contract catering, culinary qualifications, and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 45000 £ per year.
- Full-time Permanent Head Chef
- Description
- Head Chef – Contract Catering
- Leeds | Full-Time
- 37 Hour Weeks
Why Join ?
- Senior Head Chef position within a major food operation
- 38 Days holiday per year + Bank Holidays
- Handshake week off at Christmas
- Lead food production across two main sites & 7 small cafe venues
- Manage a varied operation covering retail, events and delivered catering
- Opportunity to develop menus, concepts and recipes
- Lead, train and develop a team of chefs and food production staff
- Work closely with senior management on food strategy and innovation
- Opportunity to influence the quality, sustainability and value of the food offer
- Develop supplier relationships and product ranges
- Strong focus on professional development and keeping ahead of food trends
- About My Client
My client operates a large and diverse food service , providing food and hospitality across multiple outlets, events and delivered services.
The operation serves a broad customer base and offers the successful Head Chef the opportunity to work across retail catering, events, hospitality and food production , rather than being limited to a single kitchen or outlet.
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced contract catering or hospitality chef who enjoys leading teams, developing food concepts and having a genuine influence over a large-scale food operation .
The Role
As Head Chef, you'll take operational responsibility for the food production operation across both campuses, working closely with the Food Services Manager to deliver a consistent, high-quality and commercially successful food offer.
You'll lead the kitchen teams, oversee food safety and production standards, manage costs and stock, and contribute to the ongoing development of menus and concepts.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the daily preparation, production and service of food across the venues
- Manage and motivate chefs and food production staff
- Develop menus, recipes and new food concepts
- Support retail, events and delivered catering
- Manage food costs, GP, portion control, stock and waste
- Oversee food purchasing and supplier relationships
- Ensure recipes, allergen information and menu pricing remain accurate
- Maintain excellent Food Safety, HACCP and Health & Safety standards
- Ensure teams are appropriately trained and compliant
- Monitor operational KPIs and take action where required
- Encourage innovation and continually improve the food offer
- Deputise for the Food Services Manager when required
- What We’re Looking For
We're looking for an experienced Head Chef or senior kitchen professional with strong leadership and commercial awareness.
You'll ideally have
- Minimum 2 years' experience within Contract Catering
- Recognised culinary qualification or equivalent professional experience
- Strong knowledge of hospitality and food production
- Experience of menu development and design
- Experience catering for a broad range of customers and events
- Good understanding of budgets, GP and cost control
- Proven ability to manage, motivate and develop teams
- Strong communication and organisational skills
- A creative approach to food development and innovation
- High standards of food safety, hygiene and compliance
The Opportunity
This is more than a traditional kitchen management role. You'll have the opportunity to shape the food offer across a significant catering operation , develop your team and work across a varied mix of retail, hospitality, events and delivered catering.
For an ambitious Head Chef looking to move into a larger-scale contract catering environment, this is an opportunity to make a genuine impact.
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Head Chef - Leeds - Contract Catering - £40k - £45k employer: RGIT Australia
Palladium Digital is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and inclusive work culture, where innovation thrives and employees are empowered to lead transformative AI initiatives. With a strong focus on professional development, team members benefit from mentorship opportunities and the chance to engage with high-profile clients in a hybrid work environment based in London or Oxford. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking team that values collaboration and drives meaningful change in the business landscape.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef - Leeds - Contract Catering - £40k - £45k
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like RGIT Australia. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to RGIT Australia
Don't be shy about reaching out to RGIT Australia directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef - Leeds - Contract Catering - £40k - £45k
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about RGIT Australia and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at RGIT Australia
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
