Kitchen Manager

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

Aramark UK is looking to recruit a Kitchen Manager to join our team working at HMP Millsike, York, YO41 1PS. 

This is a full-time, permanent position and will be a 40-hour week, Monday to Friday, 0800 – 1630 (with some weekends). 

The role will be to lead and manage all kitchen operations, ensuring high standards of food quality, safety, hygiene, and cost control. The Kitchen Manager will oversee ordering, stock management, menu planning, compliance, and team performance, while maintaining a strong focus on client satisfaction and operational excellence. 

This role requires a positive attitude where you will be required to mentor staff and prisoners alike teaching important life skills.  

Aramark offers an in-to-work scheme teaching accredited catering skills to inmates giving them an opportunity to start a career in the industry when they leave prison. 

What’s in it for you 

• Annual salary £39,000 
• Free meals on shift, free parking 
• Blue light card 
• Pension scheme 
• Life assurance 
• Generous annual leave that increases in line with service, with the opportunity to buy extra 
• Benefits app: access to 100s of discounts, online GP appointments, mental health support, 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!) 

A day in the life of a Kitchen Manager: 

Within this role, you will oversee all staff and the prisoner workforce, in the kitchens and stores. From rota’s to manning issues. Managing the 4-week rolling menu, ensuring that all allergens and kcals are correct on the computer ordering system. 

 Other tasks include but are not limited to: 

• Stock Ordering 
• Invoicing 
• Attending weekly and monthly meetings where needed 
• Training staff and prisoners 
• Monthly stock take 
• Month-end financials 
• Menu costings 
• Rotas 
• Liaising with G4S our client on site 
• Assisting General Manager to prepare and pass all audits on site. 

The perfect candidate needs to be, enthusiastic and above all else, committed to their work, team and able to work under pressure to meet deadlines.

Qualifications

• Experience as a Head Chef or Kitchen Manager in a high-volume environment 
• Level 2 NVQ or equivalent in Food production 
• Level 3 Food Hygiene  
• Preferably Level 4 Food hygiene  
• Strong experience working within the catering industry 
• Strong leadership and team management skills 
• Excellent organisational skills and high attention to detail 
• Effective communication skills with the ability to engage stakeholders at all levels 
• Proficient in IT and numeracy, with experience managing rotas, payroll, and operational audits 
• Commitment to maintaining and improving exacting standards of food safety and cleanliness 

Additional Information

Applicants must have lived in the UK continuously for the past 5 years and have the legal right to work in the UK.

Successful candidates will be required to pass full security vetting and DBS checks.

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.