Title:  Head Chef

Join Our Culinary Team – Head Chef Wanted!

Location:    Kidlington OX5 1RE 
Job Ref:     596978 
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 and ensure quality in final presentation of food.
• Implement any new company policy decisions and training staff accordingly. Maintain all staff records, shift opening/closing checklists and performance data.  
• Develop innovative 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.
• Computer literacy.
• 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. 

Perks & Benefits:

• 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).
• Career development, training & apprenticeships.
• 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 careers@aramark.co.uk.

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

Apply now and show us the unique value you bring.