*The role*
As the Head Chef, you will lead our culinary team in delivering exceptional dining experiences while ensuring the highest standards of food safety and quality. Reporting to the Restaurant Manager, with a Level 3 in Professional Cookery and strong leadership skills, you will foster a collaborative environment, oversee food production, and implement HACCP protocols. Join us to elevate our culinary offerings and drive the success of our restaurant through innovative cuisine and effective team leadership.
*Key Responsibilities*
* Oversee the preparation and cooking of large volumes of food while maintaining consistency, portion control, and quality standards, ensure food presentation and taste meet company expectations.
* Lead, motivate, and manage a team of chefs, kitchen assistants, and porters. Provide on-the-job training to ensure staff follow procedures and maintain high standards of food safety and hygiene.
* Monitor stock levels, forecast usage, and manage ordering to reduce waste and control costs.
* Ensure full compliance with food safety legislation, HACCP protocols, and company policies. Conduct regular kitchen audits and risk assessments.
* Ensure all allergen information is up to date and that special diets (e.g. gluten-free, halal, vegan) are catered for safely.
* Liaise with catering managers, clients, and service staff to coordinate service delivery. Respond to feedback and adjust operations accordingly.
* Ensure kitchen equipment is maintained and serviced. Report faults and oversee cleanliness and organisation of the kitchen.
*Qualifications Required*
* NVQ Level 3 in Professional Cookery (or equivalent)
* Level 3 Food Safety & Hygiene Certification (essential) refresher training will be given.
* HACCP certification (preferred)
* Allergen Awareness Training
* Relevant Health & Safety training (e.g. COSHH, manual handling)
* Culinary or hospitality management qualification (desirable)
*Skills and Experience Required*
* Excellent leadership and team management skills
* Strong organisational and time-management abilities
* Sound knowledge of stock control, portioning, and waste reduction
* High standards of cleanliness and attention to detail
* Strong interpersonal and communication skills
* Ability to stay calm under pressure and meet tight deadlines
* IT literacy (for menu systems, stock control, compliance reporting, etc.)
* Flexibility and problem-solving mindset
* Proven experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef in a bulk or volume catering environment (e.g. hospitals, schools, prisons, large-scale events, care homes, or contract catering)
* Strong background in high-volume food production and multi-site or central kitchen operations
* Demonstrable experience in menu planning, cost control, stock management, and team leadership
* Experience managing and training kitchen brigades
* Track record of maintaining food safety standards and achieving high inspection results
* Experience working with specialist diets and allergens
*Other Considerations*
This role is working 40 hours per week 5 days out of 7 including weekends.
*Working Conditions:* The position requires standing for long periods, bending, lifting, and maintaining a fast-paced environment while ensuring that food safety and cleanliness are upheld at all times.
*Please note: *This role requires a fixed working pattern of more than 20 hours per week. Due to legal working hour restrictions, we are unable to consider applicants who are not permitted to work these hours under UK immigration rules.
It is important to MACK that all employees are aligned with the values of the company as follows:
o _Do the right thing_
- Put our customers first
- Stand up for safety every day
- Be respectful, supporting, and caring
- Recognise and celebrate achievements
o _Find a better way_
- Collaborate to find solutions
- Embrace the power and opportunity of diversity
- Generate options to maximise sustainability
- Commit to continuously improving
o _Deliver it!_
- Take personal ownership for delivery
- Be bold and act with passion and purpose
- Focus on progress towards outcomes
- See it through!
So, whilst recognising the importance of qualifications and experience, MACK requires all employees to demonstrate how they embody the values of the company.
MACK is committed to cultivating a diverse and inclusive workforce. We aim for our workforce to be truly representative of all sections of society, and for each employee to feel safe, respected and able to achieve their potential.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: £15.50 per hour
Expected hours: 40 per week
Benefits:
* Discounted or free food
* Free parking
Application question(s):
* Do you currently have the legal right to work the full contracted hours for this role without restriction (e.g. not limited to 20 hours per week)?
* Do you have NVQ Level 3 in Professional Cookery (or equivalent) ?
* Do you have Level 3 Food Safety & Hygiene Certification (essential) refresher training will be given.
Experience:
* Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef: 1 year (required)
Work authorisation:
* United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
Reference ID: HR/PER/R171