Head Chef

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

Location: HMP Parc, Heol Hopcyn John, Bridgend CF35 6AP  
Salary: £36,094.29 
Contract type: Permanent, full-time, 40 hours per week, 4 days a week, alternating weekends off.
Shift times: 07:00 – 17:00 (no evenings)  
 
Ready to lead, inspire, and create incredible food – without sacrificing your work-life balance?  
Join Aramark UK as a Head Chef and take charge of a kitchen that makes a real difference. This is your chance to showcase your culinary skills, lead a talented team, and enjoy family-friendly hours – all while working for a global leader in hospitality.  

Important: Due to the sector, you must have lived in the UK for the past 5 years, hold the legal right to work, and be able to pass full security vetting and DBS checks.  

Why join us? 

• Competitive pay and benefits package including life assurance, pension contributions, and generous holiday entitlement (with the option to buy more).  
• A supportive, inclusive workplace where your growth matters.  
• The chance to make a real impact every single day.  
• Work-life balance: Permanent, full-time position, 40 hours per week, no late nights.  
• Perks & Benefits: Free meals on duty, on-site parking, Blue Light Membership, and access to hundreds of discounts via our Employee Benefits app.  
• Career Growth: We LOVE to promote from within! With training, development programs, and apprenticeships, your culinary journey doesn’t stop here.  
• Security & Stability: Join a world-class organisation trusted across Defence, Judicial, Education, and private sectors.

What you’ll do: 

• Running the shift in the main kitchen, feeding the population of 1800 plus.  
• Lead and inspire your kitchen team (and enhanced inmates) to deliver exceptional food every day.  
• Drive innovation while keeping costs efficient and quality high.  
• Train, mentor, and develop staff – because great teams make great kitchens.  
• Ensure compliance with operational standards, manage waste, and maintain top-notch food safety.  
• Build strong relationships with clients and customers, making every meal memorable.  

Qualifications

Essential criteria:

• Recognised professional cookery qualification at Level 3 or equivalent.
• Level 3 Food Safety qualification.
• Allergen awareness training.
• Previous experience as a Head Chef, Sous Chef or Kitchen Manager in a busy catering environment.
• Experience of managing food costs, stock control, waste and labour.
• Experience supervising, developing and allocating work to a team.
• Strong knowledge of HACCP, food safety and health and safety requirements.
• Ability to work calmly, consistently and professionally in a secure environment.
• Ability to obtain and maintain the required prison security clearance.

Desirable Qualification and Experience

• Level 4 Food Safety qualification.
• IOSH Managing Safely or an equivalent health and safety qualification.
• TAQA, A1 or equivalent assessor qualification.
• Experience working in a prison, secure establishment or comparable controlled environment.
• Experience supporting vocational training, rehabilitation or employability programmes.

Additional Information

Ability to pass full security vetting and DBS checks (must have lived in the UK for the past 5 years).

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.