Head Chef

Aramark NV; Kidlington; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading catering company is seeking a Head Chef in Kidlington to manage kitchen operations and lead the culinary team. The ideal candidate will possess NVQ Levels 1 & 2 in culinary skills, have experience in a similar environment, and meet security vetting requirements. This role offers competitive pay of £15.00/hour, free meals on shift, and generous benefits including life assurance and holidays.

Benefits

Free meals on shift

Free parking

Access to Blue Light Membership

Life assurance

Pension

Generous holidays

Internal promotion opportunities

Qualifications

• Experience in a similar educational environment is ideal.
• Must have lived in the UK for the past 5 years and possess legal right to work.
• Ability to pass full security vetting and DBS checks.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily kitchen operations and menu production.
• Train kitchen staff and inmates in food production techniques.
• Implement company policies and maintain staff records.
• Ensure compliance with operational excellence and supply chain management.

Skills

Culinary skills (NVQ Levels 1 & 2)

Proactive attitude

Team leadership

Job description

Join Our Culinary Team – Head Chef Wanted!

Location: Kidlington OX5 1RE
Job Ref: 596981
Pay: £15.00/hour
Hours: 40 hours/week. Rota: 3 days on, 3 days off
Shifts: Hours: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM (may involve working alongside detainee labour in the kitchen.)

We’re hiring a Head Chef to join our passionate team at Campsfield IRC.

You’ll be responsible for the daily operation of the kitchen, cost efficiency and production of menus in line with agreed budgets. Working with kitchen staff and enhanced prisoners.

What You’ll Do:

• Train and lead kitchen employees and enhanced inmates to use standard methodology food production technique andensure quality in final presentation of food.
• Implement any new company policy decisions and training staff accordingly. Maintainall staff records, shift opening/closing checklists and performance data.
• Developinnovative solutions in the most financially efficient way possible.
• Aggregate and communicate regional culinary and ingredient trends.
• Empower team to deliver excellence in customer service. Investigate concerns and respond to needs relating to the catering service and take corrective action.
• Fully comply with Operational Excellence fundamentals: managing waste, standard menus, recipes and ingredients through handling customer driven menus and labour standards.
• Understand end to end supply chain and procurement process and systems, ensuring only authorised suppliers are used.

What We’re Looking For:

• NVQ Levels 1 & 2 in culinary skills.
• Experience in a similar educational environment ideal.
• Proactive attitude with a willingness to learn and adapt.
• Lived in the UK for the past 5 years and have a legal right to work in the UK and must be able to pass full security vetting and DBS checks.
• Free meals on shift + free parking.
• Access to Blue Light Membership and our Employee Benefits app (online GP, Employee Assistance Scheme, discounts, supermarket savings & more).
• Life assurance, pension, generous holidays (with buy-more option).
• Internal promotion opportunities – we love to grow our own!

About Us:

At Aramark UK, we are proud to foster a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone is respected, supported, and empowered to succeed. As a Disability Confident employer, we welcome applications from individuals of all abilities and are committed to providing the necessary support throughout your career journey.

We’re also recognised as a Forces Friendly employer and hold the prestigious ERS Gold Award, reflecting our dedication to supporting the Armed Forces community.

Our recruitment process is designed to be accessible to all. We offer reasonable adjustments at every stage—from application through to interview and employment. If you require any adjustments or have questions, please don’t hesitate to contact our recruitment team at [e-mail].

Join us in building a workplace where everyone can reach their full potential.

Apply now and show us the unique value you bring.