Company Description

At Aramark we empower our people to create experiences that matter.
We share a passion for hospitality, it’s at the foundation of everything we do. Hospitality excellence is brought to life by our people every day. We embrace our responsibility to our people, our communities, and our planet. While the services we provide, and the industries we serve, are extensive, we never waver from our people-first approach.

Job Description

At Aramark, we believe great food and exceptional service play a vital role in enhancing the wellbeing and experience of our customers. We are seeking an experienced and passionate Chef Manager to lead the catering operation within our Education & Healthcare sector, delivering nutritious, high-quality meals while creating a positive dining experience for all.

This is an exciting opportunity for a hands-on leader with strong culinary, operational and people management skills. You'll be responsible for driving food quality, managing financial performance, developing your team and building strong relationships with clients and stakeholders, ensuring the highest standards of service, safety and compliance are maintained at all times.

Key Benefits:

• Competitive salary of up to £39,510 depending on experience
• Generous annual leave that increase in line with service, with the opportunity to buy extra
• Life assurance and pension scheme
• Benefits app: access to 100s of discounts, free mortgage advice, cycle to work scheme, health cash plans, online GP appointments, and our Employee Assistance Programme
• FOOD! Opportunities to attend in-house events and try the culinary genius of our teams (we are a food business after all!)

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage the day-to-day catering operation, ensuring efficient, compliant and high-quality service delivery.

• Lead, motivate and develop catering teams, creating a positive culture focused on performance, customer service and continuous improvement.

• Plan and deliver nutritious, high-quality menus that meet client requirements, customer expectations and dietary needs.

• Maintain exceptional food quality, presentation and service standards while promoting healthy, seasonal and innovative food offerings.

• Manage financial performance, including budgets, food costs, labour expenditure, stock control and purchasing processes.

• Build strong relationships with clients, stakeholders and customers, ensuring high levels of satisfaction and contract performance.

• Ensure full compliance with Food Safety, HACCP, Health & Safety and safeguarding requirements, maintaining all necessary records, audits and reporting.

• Drive business improvement and operational excellence by identifying efficiencies, supporting change initiatives and contributing to site profitability and growth.

Key Requirements:

• Previous Chef Manager or Catering Management experience within a busy food service, hospitality or catering environment.

• Strong leadership and people management skills, with the ability to recruit, coach, motivate and develop high-performing teams.

• Financial management experience, including budget control, stock management, labour planning and achievement of financial targets.

• Sound knowledge of Food Safety, HACCP and Health & Safety standards, ensuring full compliance with legislative and company requirements.

• Excellent customer service and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build positive relationships with clients, customers and colleagues.

• Strong organisational, planning and IT skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and complete administrative and compliance requirements accurately.

Additional Information

At Aramark UK, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone is valued and empowered to thrive.

As a proud Disability Confident Employer, we actively encourage applications from individuals of all abilities and are dedicated to supporting employees with disabilities throughout their career journey.

We are an Armed Forces Friendly organisation and proud signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant. We welcome applications from veterans, service leavers, cadet forces adult volunteers, reservists and military families.

For roles requiring security clearance, any offer of employment will be conditional upon the successful completion and maintenance of the required level of security clearance. Applicants must meet the relevant eligibility and residency requirements applicable to that level of clearance.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and we expect all employees and workers to share this commitment. Where relevant to the role, safer recruitment checks will apply, including references and an enhanced DBS check in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE).

We ensure our recruitment process is accessible, and reasonable adjustments are available at every stage, from application to interview and employment. If you require any adjustments or have any questions, please reach out to our recruitment team – careers@aramark.co.uk

Join us in fostering a workplace where everyone can achieve their full potential.

All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.